The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-06-04
A QUEsTIoN ron THE LEApERs.


A QUESTION FOR THE LEADERS.
It is evident that the platforms of all
the political parties next year viii con-
tain planks strongly condemning trusts
and promising legislation that will destroy
them. In his speech at Louisville on Fri
day, Mr. Bryan denounced trusts in the
strongest language he could command, ana
insisted that the Democratic platform in
1900 should contain vigorous denuncia-
ton of them. The Republican party OF
Ohio, at its convention in Columbus on
the same day. under the leadership OF
Senator Hanna. adopted platform which
contained a plank pledging the party to
carry on war of determination against
trusts. and congratulating the people or
The state that 1t had already enacted anti
trust legislation of the most drastic kind.
From the foregoing. 1t is clear that one
party is not likely to be behind the other
In its efforts TO make political capital OUT
of the sentiment against trusts
But are these leaders who are making
such an outcry against trusts profoundly
IN earnest, or are they simply trying to
fool the people? The time has come for
a fair and square answer to this ques-
ton. If they are sincere let them tell the
people how they propose to destroy
trusts Unless 1t is apparent that they see
a way to put an end to them they will
make no impression on the public mind.
They will simply lead the people to be-
lieve that they are playing the part of
demagogues The people will not be fool
ed by speeches and resolutions against
trusts. They must be shown not only
that trusts are a great evil, but also how
they can be destroyed
Neither a Democratic nor a Republican
leader has pointed out how trusts can
be destroyed. There is a widespread doubt
in the public mind as 20 whether they
can be destroyed. Ex-Gov. Altgeld, who.
It is generally believed, had more to co
with framing the Chicago platform than
any other man, said in his speech at the
meeting of the Ohio Valley League of BIZ
metallic Clubs IN Louisville the other day,
that that politician makes mistake who
thinks that by merely a denunciation of
trusts you can fool a great number OF
Democrats in 1900. The people want to
know what we propose to do about It," In
another part of his speech he said: 1T
Is evident that to simply go on denouncing
trusts Is an insult to the intelligence of
the American people. They have come
to stay, and therefore 1t is the mission and
duty of the Democratic party TO secure
the benefit of the monopoly for the pub
lie, for the people. That means munich
pal and governmental ownership of all
monopolies which It is practicable as
yet for government to control"
The other day the attorney general of
Missouri, the Hon. E. C. Crow, was ask
ed If trusts could be reached by national
legislation. He said that he was against
trusts, but that it would be most diff
| cult matter to destroy them Among
other things, he said: Congress cannot
pass any law to control trusts In
side the states. Such things are solely
| for the consideration of the sovereign
states The only way to stop the growth
of trusts is by concerted action on the
part of the legislatures of the states"
If the attorney general of Missouri is
right, and there is every reason to think
he is-the Attorney General of the United
States agrees with him-how is the anti
| trust issue to be made national issue?
| And before steps are taken to make 1t
national issue would 1t not be well for the
leaders TO determine beyond question as
to whether II can properly be made such
an issue? That is the question which Mr.
Bryan and Senator Hanna and others who
are having a great deal TO say in speeches,
resolutions and platforms in condemnation
of trusts, ought to decide at once. What
is the use of attempting to make a national
issue of something out of which national
issue cannot legitimately be made? 1t is
folly to attempt to fool the people. 1t
cannot be done.
1t Is quite generally believed that trusts,
as a rule are deeply hurtful to the best
interests of the people. Let 1t be decided
at once, by those who are looked upon
as the leaders, what the remedy for the
evil is and how the remedy should be APP
Piled II Ex-Gov. Altgeld Is right let the
fact be admitted at once. If the attor-
ney general of Missouri is right, and the
states alone have the right to deal with
trusts which are within states, then IL
would manifestly be Capitalization for
Congress to deal with them, ana the Dem
oeratlc party which has always stood for
the rights of the states, couldn't afford
to advocate congressional action against
trusts-in other words, Capitalization.
THE HORSELESS VEHICLE.
The recent demonstration OF the prac-