The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1899-12-08
Some MonopolIes and the lneyllabIe

By John J. ingalls,.
The people Of the United States have
given too many proofs OF their capacit,
of self-government, OF their attachmen
to our political system, and their love o
liberty 10 render doubtful or uncertain
the result Of any controversy that
threatens freedom Of the citizens or in
dependence Of the state.
The greatest monopoly this country
or perhaps the world, has ever known
was African slavery. A few thousand
capitalists in the South owned four mil
lion negroes, and for nearly century
controlled the politics, the products and
the foreign and domestic policy OF the
nation. They made aud unmade pre-
sidents; they ruled congress; they
waged war of conquest for the extern
sion and concentration Of their domin-
ion they degraded free labor; they per-
verted the Constitution by the DEGREES
Of a corrupt judiciary, Their most ar
rogant champion insolently boasted
that he would call the roll Of his slaves
in the shadow of Bunker Hill. The
system was so inextricably interviewer
In politics, business and society that il
seemed impregnable.
No institution ever appeared more
lormidably intrenched and fortified in
prerogative and power. But when the
people realized that the alternative was
the loss Of seli.goyornment and indi.
yidual liberty, they took the standard
that fell from the hand Of John Brown
on 'the scaiiold at Charlestown and
planted it m triumph at Appomattox
a few years ago the railroads got very
fresh and gay. Whether or not the elder
Vanderbilt referred the derogatory oh.
seryation about the public with which
he is populary credited, there was
ample ground in the conduct OF rail-
way corporations i6r supposing that he
might have done So, Having practi-
cal monopoly OF transportation, they
set upa government OF their own. II
was suspected that they bought the
Legislators They exercised extraordi-
nary influence over Judges and juries.
They gave favored shippers secret rates.
They Disseminated against localities.
They invented the rebate, the long and
short haul aud various other devices not
favorable 10 the equality OF all men
under just and equal laws.
When these burdens became intoler-
able, the people concluded to takea fall
out Of the railroads, The contest was
animated, but the Interstate Commerce
Commission was created.
These two examples out OF many that
might be cited should encourage the
Jeremiahs aud Cassandras, the Howling
Dervishes OF our politics, who predict
the downfall OF liberty before the tyr
rannous enoroachment OF capital. They
should also serve 10 warn those who up
hold or defend any combinations that
threaten the prerogatives Of people de-
termined 10 De free.
The issue is 80 simple and plain and
clear that the wayiaring man, though
iool, may not err therein. In the deep
and troubled unrest OF these times there
II no hostility TO wealth honestly ac-
luired aud honorably enjoyed for all
are striving 10 better their own. condi- |
lion. Neither is there any hatred OF |
They are recognized as !
he ministers and agents impeniively I
demanded by our new civilization. An
his empty chatter about the antiquity
II trusts aud their benedeenoe in cheap
ming production deceyes no one. In
me breath We are told they hsye ex.
sted for may centuries. and in the next
hat they are tho result Of modern in.
lustrial methods aud have come 10 stay.
Whether the people are pleased or dis
atisfed, every one knows that the in.
reduction OF labor saving machinery
md competition at home and abroad
ave reduced profits 30 that rigid econ.
my in production and distribution is
equisite 10 succeed.
What the people are determined to
rush, in whatever guise il may ambush,
y under whatever name il may mas.
Iueraic, is monopoly, and Il any man
y amy party supposes they lack either
. inclination or the powor the mistsk,