The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-12-08

The industrial commission created by the
net Of the congress OF June 1S, 1893, has been
engaged in extended hearings upon the dis
puted questions involved in the subject of COM
They have not yet completed their investiga-
ton Of this subject, and the conclusions and
recommendations at which they may arrive are
undetermined. The subject IL one giving rise
variety or cause and extent Of the injuries to
the public which may result from large combi-
nations concentrating more or less numerous
enterprises and establishments, which prevt-
ously to the formation of the combination were
carried on separately.
It Is universally conceded that combinations
which engross or control the market Of any
particular kind Of merchandise or commodity
necessary to the general community, by sup
pressing natural and ordinary competition.
whereby prices are unduly enhanced to the
general consumer. are obnoxious not only 70
the common law, but also to the public welfare.
There must be a re medy for the evils involved
in such organizations. II the present law can
be extended more certainly TO control or check
these monopolies or trusts, it should be done
without delay. Whatever power the congress
possesses over this most important subject
should be promptly ascertained and asserted.
state Leeislation inadequate.
The state legislation to which President Cleve-
land looked for relief from the evils OF trusts
has failed to accomplish fully that object. This
that different states take different views as to
the proper way to discriminate between evil
injurious combinations and those associations
which are beneficial and necessary to the bust
ness prosperity of the country The great di-
versity Of treatment in different states aris-
ing from this cause, and the Intimate rela-
lions Of all parts of the country to each other
without regarding state lines in the conduct OF
business, have made the enforcement Of state
laws difficult.
upon this subject in the several states Is much
to be desired. It Is to be hoped that such uni
formity founded in q wise and just diScrimi-
nation between what is injurious and what is
useful and necessary in business operations
may be obtained, and that means may be found
for the congress within the limitations Of its
constitutional power so to supplement an effect
i've code OF state legislation as to make a COM
plete system Of laws throughout the United
States adequate to compel a general observance
of the salutary rules to which have referred.
Our Interests in China
In view Of disturbances in the populous prov
inces OF northern China. where are many OF
our citizens, and of the imminence OF disorder
near the capital and toward the SeabOard a
guard Of marines was landed from the Boston
and stationed during last winter in the legation
compound at Picking. With the restoration of
order this protection was withdrawn. The in
tereStS Of our citizens in that vast empire have
not been neglected during the past year. AIDE
quate protection has been secured for our mis-
sionaries and some injuries to their property
have been redreSSed.
In my message to congress of December 5,
1893, urged that the recommendation which
had been made to the speaker of the house OF
representatives by the secretary OF the treas
ury on the 18th of June 1899, for an appropria-
ton for q commission to study the commercial
and industrial conditions in the Chinese empire
and report as to the opportunities for. and OBJ
StacleS to, the enlargement of markets in China
for the raw products and manufactures OF the
United States, should receive at your hands the
consideration which its importance and timeli-
ness merited but the congress failed to take
action.
now renew this recommendation, as the i'm
portance Of the subject has steadily grown since
it was first Submitted to you, and no time should
be lost in studying for ourselves the resources
of this great field for American trade and enter
prise.
The Transvaal War.
This government has maintained an attitude
of neutrality in the unfortunate contest between
Great Britain and the Boer states Of Africa
We have remained faithful to the precept of
avoiding entangling alliances as to affairs not
Of our direct concern Had circumstances sug-
gested that the parties to the quarrel would
have welcomed any kindly expression of the
hope Of the American people that war might be
averted, good offices would have been gladly
rendered. The United States representative at
Pretoria was early instructed to see that all
neutral American int rests be respected by the
combatants. This has been an easy task in
view Of the positive declarations on both Brit
ish and Boer authorities that the personal and
property rights Of our citizens should be OBJ
served
Wants q Cable to Manila.
The japanese government has shown a lively
interest in the proposition of the Pacific Cable
company to add to its projected cable lines to
Hawaii. Guam and the Philippines a branch
| connection with the coast Of Japan. It would
be gratifying consummation were the utility
of the contemplated scheme enhanced by bring
ing Japan and the United States into direct
/ telegraphic relation Without repeating the
observations OF my special message of February
&c. 1899, concerning the necessity OF a cable to
Manila, respectfully invite attention to 1t.
recommend that in case the congress should not
take measures to bring about this result by the
direct action OF the government, the postmaster
general be authorized to invite competitive bids
for the establishment Of a cable; the company
making the best responsible bid to be awarded
the contract; the successful company to give
ample bonds to insure the completion of the
work within q reasonable time.
Tho Problem In Cuba.
The withdrawal of the authority Of Spain
| from the island of Cuba was effected by the first
| peace found the relinquished territory held by
us in trust for the Inhabitants, maintaining I'M
der the direction of the executive, such govern
| ment and control therein as should conserve
| public order, restore the productive conditions
of peace so long disturbed by the instability
| and disorder which prevailed for the greater
] part Of the preceding three decades and build
| up that tranquil development of the domestic
| state whereby alone can be realized the high