The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-23
Are Democrats SquareIy Against the
Trusts.

The strongest plank likely to be spiked
into the Democratic platform of 1900 will be
that declaring the party hostile to trusts and
monopolies. If Mr. Bryan's advice is followed,
as is most probable, the eormorant corpora
lions. which have taken refuge in such sym
pathetic States as New Jersey and Delaware.
will be denounced as heartily as those
which have been fertilized into robustness
by Congressional legislation and favoritism.
The National Bank Trust is one OF the
last-named order; the Railroad Trust is an
other According to the best authorities,
present hour represent capital of about
eleven billions OF dollars. Their real cost
was probably not FAR from seven billions.
The other four billions mere bagatelle,
as one might SAYS water, padding, or
stuffing 1t represents the sums which have
been distributed to the inside rings OF pro-
motors or manipulators, on which it is the
object of the managers to earn and dis
tribute dividend of at least four per cent
per annum, and more if possible. To secure
this, freight and passenger rates will have
to be forced to the highest point the traf-
fc will bear and to provide against the
competition which would be likely to de-
feat such an object. consolidation OF lines
naturally competitive or where consolida-
ton or combination is impracticabie or
prohibited. a purchase under some form
will be resorted to- These precautions
taken. rates will not only be put UP, but
Kept up. so that dividends may be earned
on the extra four billions of valuation.
If Congress can be kept quiet and docile,
all OF this can be done. 1t is too late for
the railroads to dispute the constitution
ality of the Interstate Commerce law. The
highest court has recognized it, and it must
stand uuchalIenged. So that what is now
needed is to amend this law in accordance
with the suggestions of Mr. Knapp. the
Chairman of the Commission, as expressed
in the bill introduced at the beginning of
the session by Senator Cullom. Without
this amendatory Legislation the power of
the Commission to effect anything service
able to the country. to curb the rapaclty
OF the railroads. or to prevent the crystal
Iization OF this great trust is absolutely de-
stroyed.
Evidently from its inaction the Senate
Interstate Commerce Committee has been
hypnotized, by what methods every one
may Judge for himself
1t can be awakened. however, and
spurred to action. The Democratic Sen
ators can do it. One Senator, even. could
do it. if he made it his sole business.
the Cullom bill either favorabiy or with
a recommendation that it be indefinitely
postponed. On that report the Repub-
lican majority could be forced to show
its hand. The Democrats have not SUI
ficient strength to pass the bill but they
can drive the Republicans to a declara-
ton for or against this colossal trust.
II they refuse or fail to pass the Gull
lom bill they can be placed in the pillery,
and no pleading. no resounding resolution
against the trusts, will aid them.
II the Democratic representatives are
,yafncf he trucfc fhay rro-
test they are, here is their opportunity
TO prove it. There is no greater one than
the railroad monopoly, and, unlike many
others, it is accessible to square at
tack.
Senator Allen of Nebraska has been
plethoric in declare tions, and is mem
Der OF Mr.. Cullom's committee. Why
doesn't he start the movement? He has
not been sparing of denunciation: but
will he follow up promise with perform
snce? The same question might be asked
Of Mr. Chiffon of Texas. and of Mr.. Till
man of South Carolina.
Let the contest be stripped of all collat-
eral issues and come straight to the mer-
its of the measure-either the passage of
the Cullom bill. TO equip the Interstate
Commerce Commission with power to han
die this particular trust, or its defeat.
The roll call Will settle the pretensions
OF many Democrat who has been heard
for his much speaking 1t will also, in all
probability. smash to spllnters the plank
with which the Republicans contemplate
the decoration of their Philadelphia plat
form. But whatever the outcome. let the
people know who are their friends, and
who are the servlceabIe agents of the
trust.
Again Comrades.
We are greatly edited in learning that
the trust family trouble. which broke out
last month between the phIlanthroplc and