The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-16

at s31s. .259. The farmers lost sos, OOO,-
600 in the value of wheat alone. ar yet
the yield of wheat was increased
The value of the cotton crop in 1897
was 100000. and had fallen off s14.-
100000 the next year. while the crop of
1899 is not yet calculated.
The average price of wheat in 1897 was
sos cents bushel. while in 1899 it was
only 5S.4 cents bushel"
1t is set forth that the aggregate capt.
tai of all trusts in this country today is
not far below five billion dollars. which
is equal to one-fifth Of the assessed vaIu-
alton of all taxable property in the Uni
ted States at the time Of the last census.
1t is charged that by the support of lob
bies they have done more to lower the
standard of political morality than all
other agencies combined.
1t is pointed out in the literature that
is being prepared for distribution that the
Democrats when in power brought about
revision of the tariff law, and under the
Wilson law several of the trusts went out
OF existence and others were not formed.
Inc Republican party again came
into power, again revised the rev.
enue laws under the dictation of
The trusts, and within twelve
months after the Dingley law was passed
more trusts were organized than had ever
before existed in the entire history of the
United States. That the Republican party
was not opposed to these combinations
is shown by the Fact that more than
one-half of their Cabinet officers were pub
nciy charged with being themselves vio-
lators OF the law against trusts and of be-
ing attorneys and directors of these lille
gal corporations. The leaders of the party
have from the first attempted to explain
that there are no trus:s in the United
States, but that all the large aggrega-
tions of capital are merely harbingers of
prosperity.
Long List of trusts.
A long list of trusts is being compiled,
showing the place of Incorporation. the
location of the principal offices, and the
amount of capitalization.
The names of 420 trusts producing prac.
tically everything that is used in civilized
life have been entered on the list.
To prove that trusts could not continue
to exist if a Republican House, Senate, and
president were opposed to their existence,
the powers OF Congress, as construed by
the Supreme Court are shown to be as fol-
lows:
Congress has exclusive control over in
terstate commerce. In dealing with one
subject the United States is but one coup-
try.
The power Of Congress over Interstate
commerce is not only exclusive but I'M
limited.
Control of Congress over the mails IL
complete
The power of Congress to suspend Gus
toms duties is fully recognized, as is done
under the reciprocity clause OF the Dingley
law.
The power of Congress to prescribe regu-
lations for publicity or tie like for national
banks is recognized
Any combination which restraints inter-
state commerce is Illegal under the Anti
Trust law and may be enjoined by the
United States.
In the Addystone case, the Supreme
Court held that the power Of Congress 10
regulate interstate commerce is not limit |
ed or affected by any reasons that Induced I
the repose of the power in Congress; that /
the power is not limited or restricted by |
the guaranty that no person shall be de- I
prived OF life, liberty, or property without /
due process of law; and that under the
Antitrust law any combination which di-
rectly restraints Interstate commerce or [
destroys competition in interstate COM
merce is illegal.
In other words the power of Congress |
over individuals and over combinations en-
gagged in interstate commerce Is ample
to control interstate commerce and pre-
vent detriment TO the public.
Insinccrity of Republicans.
1t is sought by the committee TO i'm
press upon American electors that the Re-
publican Administration has made no sin
cere effort to ameliorate the evil of trusts.
but that injunctions have been issued I'M
Ter the most fimsy pretexts; men have
been hauled up for contempt for not obey
ng these injunctions and have been impris-
med without the opportunity for trial.
II has not been found difficult without any
criminal statute whatever to punish all
supposed offences committed by working
men. even remotely affecting interstate
commerce, and yet, with a criminal stat
Ite the administrative officers of the Gov
eminent have insisted that they cannot
each more grave offences committed by
capitalists.
A popular little piece of campaign litera-
ure with the Democratic Committee is
me of Liucoln's prophecies written In
Sea, and which follows:
Il see in the near future a crisis an
preaching that unnerves me and causes me
o tremble for the safety of my country
rs a result OF the war. corporations have ,
,een enthroned, and an era OF corruption ,
n high places will follow, and the money |
,ower of the country will endeavor TO pro-
ong its reign upon the prejudices of the i
'eople until all the wealth is aggregated
nto few hands and the Republic is de- .
troyed. / feel al this moment more anx-
ETY. for the safety of the country than ever
efore. even in the midst of war