Mexico weekly ledger., 1900-11-22
WE vIvIOE
Addresses the Ledger an Open Let
tsr on the Political Outlook.

To the Editor Of the Ledger.
MEXICO, Nc, Nov. H.-Mark and
Mack are in the saddle again for
another four years, and with the
acquisition OF Teddy, the terrible,
what may the unfortunate Ameri-
can people expect in the way Of legis-
lation c~ongrulling the trusts from this
un-Ameriem triumvirate?
-Four yearsag { the Republican party
went into Office pledged to bimetalism.
They believed in it enough to pocket
one hundred thousand dollars and
their faith left them.
Mckinley sees what he calls good
trusts" Mark Hanna declares ''there
are no trusts in the United States, |"
but says we have some 'sbenehcent cor
porations.n Ted only says his 'oppon-
ents should be stood up against a
brick wall and shot"
The Republican platform declares
trusts do exist and II successful in re-
election viii control them.
The Republican party has been in
full control of all three Of the law-mak-
ing branches Of the government for
the Ipast -four years, has nurtured,
petted and been 'shale bed-fellow well
metz with them. DO you expect as
sistanue from men Of such character
istlcs?
cite these facts TO show any man
with half common sense, honesty and
fairness; that it would be as much a
freak Of nature to see a leopard change
his spots, as the Republicans stop the
trusts in their centralized warfare
against competition.
If Congress were to pass an anti
trust law it would be as full of loop
holes as the Interstate Commerce Act.
l am firmly convinced the only way to
fight the trusts to finish is, for the
different states to manufacture trust
made goods. Missouri has unlimited
resources in the way of coal and min
erals. For two per cent Of the as
sessed valuation Of our state we could
erect a plant and manufacture all the
nails and wire our state would con-
sumo and save its people in thirty days
time the cOSt'of the plant. Every tax
payer in the state is a purchaser Of
nails and would thereby receive direct
benefit.
If after the state commenced the
operation of any plant it might see fit
to start and the trust should see fit
to put such articles below the cost of
production, the purpose would have
been accomplished. The plant could
be closed temporarily, If thought best,
and started at will. Hence, it would
be an automatic trust exterminator.
.'PreSs the button and the plant viii
do the rest
The advantage the state would have
over the individual in competition with
trustsis is: When a trust attacks the
individual and places the article
manufactured below a paying basis
he is either forced to come into the
combine, or sell toit. The individual
looks to his investment on a money
making basis and expects a dividend
on capital invested. The state would
not have 10 operate its plant in case
Of a war Of prices, the object is ac-
complished when the prices have been
adjusted and the people are the re-
cipients Of the dividend In the saw
ing Of millions Of dollars that now go.
into the pockets Of the trust unjustly.
The state would not be forced TO sell
TO the trust as the Individual Is. 1t.
could either operate the plant or let
II lay idle a part Of the time, and ever
be ready to deliver a "solar plexus" to
the gang that threatens its employees
discharge II they don't vote to sustain
the monarchy.
! appeal to the Democrats Of our
more than ever beloved State Of Mis-
souri,, who advocated on the stump
and in the press the humiliation OF
everything in the shape or form of a
trust. Come to the rescued Show by
works and deeds that your actions
were sincerel Grand old Missouri is
the criterion and sets the pace in
economy, in progressiveneSs, in thrift
and in righteousness. Mark our way
and let others follow.
Someone says'paternalism paternal-
ISM" Away with such nonsense.
Every time one says anything about
protecting its citizens from greed,
avarice and extortion, someone with a
ring in his nose shouts "paternalism "
If the National administration fos-
tiers and protects the trusts, why
should not state administrations pro-
tect its loyal freeman from theft? The
question is, a the different states de-
feat the purpose Of the trusts, and If
so by means Of legislation, or appro-
priation?
You can't legislate against the free
commercial intercourse Of states, and
II you could you would shut out all ar
ticles Of necessity. The only way you
can meet the question is by appropri-
alton. Kansas has a binder-twine
factory in operation. Why should not
Missouri's next General Assembly ap-
propriate for a nail and wire plant to
be operated jointly? VIZ. VIvIoE.