Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-09-01
Communicated
Birmingham. Aug. d.


thoughtful men, the time has come in
this country for more united action,
looking to more harmonious and mu-
tually beneficial conditions in the pro-
duction. manufacture, transportation,
distribution and consumption of pro-
ducts.
Upon this Association, of which 1
nave the honor to be president, seems
to logically fall u large part of the
duty in trying to arrive at some i'm
partial and mutually helpful solution
of many of the difficulties which now
separately seem to confront these va
rlouS departments.
Our territory embraces the Southern
States and Indian Territory. The
firms of wholesale grocers alone num-
Der nearly seven hundred. Their en-
pioyees, men directly under their con-
troll. number at least seven thousand.
Their combined influence would be too
great to safely or modesty attempt It's
measure.
Every Wholesale merchant is inter-
ested In production. manufacture.
transportation, banking, insurance,
laws, and in general in the whole Ques-
ton of distribution to the consumer.
1t has. therefore, seemed advisable to
US to accept this responsibility, and to
offer our services in securing opinions
or others, as we'll as to exert our own
energies, in seeking how to permanent
~ better the interests of all.
Thoughtful men of every calling are
invited to cooperate with us in this
general effort. II iciH be our purpose and
cndcdcor to Keep IL ont of the cntdnglc-
ment Of party lines, and as fur as possible,
array from the distraction of party icar-
cries. Nevertheless much scope must
be allowed in expressing views as to
the causes which at present seem to
disturb these different spheres of ac-
ton, and to raise in the minds of so
many people such strenuous objections
TO much of the present manner of man
ufacturing, transporting and distribut-
ing. In order to prevent our move
ment from becoming vague and i'm
practical, L venture to respectfully
suggest for your consideration, and
earnestly request your replies and
counsel along such lines of inquiry as
LIST. Do you concur in the opinion
that production, manufacture, trans
portation and distribution are depart
mental, and should. especially in
America, be regarded as separate
spheres of action; the workers in each
sphere cooperating with those in the
others; neither sphere or department
attempting to eliminate or to dominate
the other?
End. II this is sound economic
principle. do you see any marked evil
dences of it's disregard or danger of
it's further obliteration? If so disre-
garded. why?
Bird. Do you believe that the old
adage:. Competition is the life Of
be your definition of "trade?" Can
trade" be limited or competition
preserved by legal enactments?
4th. Is there any sound difference
between n trust" and corpora
tion?". How can either be prevented
from becoming n monopoly"
5th. Do you think that it Is advisable
and practicable for the different States
to severally. attempt to prevent by
Safe legislation, n trust" Corpora
ton" Cor cooperation of capitaD from
becoming a "monopoly'-a monopoly"
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 oper-
ate?
9th. Dou you know of any State
Where a so-called trust" has been sue
cessfully regulated" by legal enact
ment as to price of product or manner
of distributing? If SO. please name the
your opinion. caused the failure?
9TH. If you think 1t is impracticable.
as judged by actual practice, for the
various States to successfully accom-
plish this in manner which care
fully recognizes the rights of all de-
partments and classes. then please give
your ideas as to what kind OF law
should be framed, or what plan or pro-
cedure adopted by the general govern
ment, in protecting fairly and impair
TALLY the rights, as well as advancing
the best interests, of all of it's citi-
Zens.
Sth. Do you think that any law.
State or Federal, should be passed
which would grant, farmer, me-
chanic. merchant. banker. lawyer, or
dUCrOT, INC TTgnr TO Organize and CO.
operate for mutual help and protec-
toin and then deny the same right
TO others, perhaps the same men. TO
organize and cooperate as represent
tatives of corporate interests. for the
protection and best interests of heir
various corporations?
9Th. Do you think 1T American con-
stitutional or advisable to attempt to
prevent such organization or co-opera-
ton on the part of any or all? How
far should such attempt infringe upon