The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-08-17

United States on account of the unwilling
ness OF the courts in those countries 10
enforce contracts that seem TO be IN re-
straint of trade.
RAILROAD DISCRIIINATIONS.
Industrial combinations seem TO have
been made throughout Europe with pTac-
tically no aid through discriminating rates
given by the railroads or other transporta-
tion agencies. 1t is true that in practically
all countries at times certain special rates
have been given to foster some special in
dustry in certain sections of the country.
Particularly is this true where the railroads
are owned by the government, in Prus-
sia. but even there no discrimination is
made between different shippers under SIM
liar conditions. and the rate is given rather
as a bounty to encourage the development
of the industry or to increase the export
trade, instead of a certain amount paid out
OF the public treasury, as in several or the
States Of the Union TO foster. for example,
the beet-sugar industry. 1t is possible that
in one or two of the countries there have
been slight Determinations made in indiVid-
ual cases, but this has been done so rarely
that IL may be said 10 be of no significance
whatever.
1T has been said that in certain cases il
is probable that the desire TO protect them
selves somewhat against the attacks of
the trades unions has been a reason why
manufacturers have entered into combi-
seem TO be the case that any reduction OF
wages, speaking generally, has followed
their organization although in certain in
stances, in that of travelling statesmen,
the combinations have been able TO dis
pense with the services of some workmen.
Often since the combinations have been
formed wages have been increased. In
other cases wages throughout the different
branches of the industry have been made
more nearly uniform than they were while
the establishments were under different
managements; and, generally. so far as
one Is able To learn, the process has been
one rather of leveling UP than of leveling
down.
1T is claimed also notably perhaps in the
case of the coal and iron industries i'm con-
tinental Europe that the combination has
been ENABLED TO secure much steadier
output than vas possible before the COM
plnations were made. In consequence the
number OF workngmen employed has re-
malned much more nearly uniform, and
their employment much more nearly con-
tinuous than before. 1T may be said that
during times of special prosperity under
the old system more mines would be
opened and more men would be employed
temporarily, only TO be thrown out of en-
ployment completely whenever the demand
slackened somewhat During the last two
years of prosperity, however. the German
coal syndicate has increased its output
more rapidly than its rivals have increased
theirs. The managers of the combinations
claim that their purpose is to keep their
business steady, free far as possible
from the fluctuations which often arise
under a competing system. and in conse-
quence to secure for their workingmen
much steadier employment at uniform
wages. The results, in the one or two in
dustries mentioned at any rate, seem 10
show that they have to a considerable ex-
tent realized their expectations: and. al
though there have been some complaints,
on the whole the workingmen seem TO
agree that these results have been attained.
So far can be learned. too. the leaders
CONTINUED ON PAGE s, COL. g.