The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-09-03
OPINIONS ON QUESTION OF
TRUSTS ARE ASKED.


Birmingham. Ala, August 2s.-Presi-
dent ]. A. Van Hoose. of the Southern
Wholesale Grocers' Association. has adj
dressed the following open letter TO the
thoughtful men of the country regard
ing general trade conditions with view
to harmonizing interests. especially fnvit-
ing expressions of opinions on the ques-
ton of trusts and the Legislative powers
vested in the general government and In
several states regulating them:
In the opinion OF many thoughtful
men the time has come in this country
Tor more united action. looking to m Q
harmonious and mutual beneficial conui-
lions in the production, manufacture.
transportation distribution and consump-
zion of products.
Upon this association, of which l
have the honor to be president, seems 10
logically fall a large part of the duty IN
trying to arrive at some impartial ana
mutually helpful solution of many of the
difficulties which now separately seem
to confront these various departments.
Our territory embraces the southern
states and Indian Territory. The hrmS
Of wholesale grocers alone number near
~ 200. Their employees, men directly
under their control, number at least -
OOo Every wholesale merchant is inter-
eStcd In production. manufacture, trans
portation, banking. insurance. laws ana
in general in the whole question of distri-
button to the consumer. 1t has seemed
therefore advisable to us to accept this
responsibility and to offer our services In
securing thoughtful opinions of others as
well as to exert our own energies IN
seeking how to permanently better the
interests of ALL
Thoughtful men of every calling are
invited TO cooperate with us In this gem
eral effort. 1t will be our purpose and
endeavor to keep 1t out of the entangle-
ment of party lines, and as far as pos
sible. away from the distraction OF par
ty war cries. Nevertheless. much scope
must be allowed in expressing views as
10 the causes which at present seem 10
disturb these different spheres OF action,
and to raise in the minds OF so many
people such strenuous objections to much
of the present manner of manufacturing,
transportation and distributing. In order
to prevent our movement from becom-
ing vague and impracticable. / venture
to respectfully suggest for your consid-
Grafton and earnestly request your replies
and counsel along some such lines OF In
quiry as the following:
Il. Do you concur in the opinion that
production. manufacture, transportation
and distribution are departmental. and
should, especially in America. be re-
workers In each sphere cooperating with
those in the others; neither sphere nor de-
partment attempting to- eliminate or to
''2. If this is a sound economic prin-
ciple, do you see any marked evidence
of its disregard or danger of its future
obliteration? If so disregarded, why?
''3. Do you believe that the old adage.
Competition is the life of trade, is sound?
If so, what would be your definition
OF trade? Can trade be limited or compe-
tition preserved by legal enactments?
~. Is there any sound difference be-
tween trust and a corporation? How
can either he prevented from becoming
IS. DO YOU think that It IS advisable
and practicable for the different states to
seveTally attempt to prevent by state
legisla ton 4 trust, a corporation Tor cor
poration of capitaD from becoming mo-
nopoly in fact If not in name? If so. how
far would YOU permit the apparently
sound principle of cooperation of either
labor or capital to legally operate?
sc. Do you know of any state where a
so-called trust has been successfully
regulated by legal enactment as to price
of product or manner of distributing!
If so, please name the state and product.
If not what, In your opinion. caused the
failure.
-. If you think it is impracticable,
as judged by actual practice. for the
various states to successfully accomplish
in this manner, which carefully recog
nizes the rights of all departments and
classes. then please give your immediate
ideas as to what kind OF a law should
be framed or what plan of procedure
adopted by the general government i'm
protecting fairly and impartially the
rights. as well as advancing the best in
terests of al of its citizens.
IS. DO you think that any law. state or
federal. should be passed which would
grant a farmer, mechanic, merchant.
banker. lawyer or doctor the right to
organize ana cooperate IoT mutual nelp
and protection and then deny the same
right TO others, perhaps the same men,
to organize and cooperate as representa-
tive of corporate interests, for the pro-
lection and best interests of their various
corporations?
20 Do you think II American, constitu-
tional or advisable TO attempt to prevent
such organization or cooperation on the
part of any or all? How far should such
step infringe upon our or take away the
rights from our right TO contract with
each other?
10. Do you believe that II IS economi-
cally and nationally sound to recognize
and permit class legislation among our
citizens? If SO, how far?
III. How are such conditions and ques-
lions as the above met and handled in
other countries. especially In England and
her colonies, and In France and Switzer-
land?
~. If you think the need exists. YOU
are earnestly requested to at least out
line your views as to some practical,
workable plan of bringing about more
harmonious and satisfactory cooperation
between these separate departments or
spheres of action in our own country.
please number your answers. If the
manner or matter suggested does not
meet your approval please feel at perfect
liberty to change or criticlse. We. are
honestly seeking counsel from thoughtful
men In every calling and occupation.
"A record will be kept of the replies
and opinions expressed. and I'm addition TO
thanking each for them this association
mining its action for the best interests
of all. We viii also cheerfully furnish
the data collected to others who may
wish it for helpful purposes.
eff YOU should prefer your views re-
garded as personal or confidential your
wishes will be respected. Much good
should come from such impartial collec-
tons of opinions from thoughtful men
who desire to see their country continue
contented, prosperous and useful.
America should be a beacon light TO
oil 10
lions No national good can come from
an individual spirit or selfshly standing
alOof and refusing counsel and advice
when asked for in n respectful way and
for the best interests of all In the same
spirit which prompts us to seek, we hope
to receive. Very respectfully,
~. A. VAN HOOSE.
President"