Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1901-01-22

cational PURPOSES. in order TO meet this
new demand, will find Justification IN
final results as well as in immediate pub
lie approval.
Trusts and Monoposies.
The evils to be reached by legislation
on trusts and monopolics are such com
Ginations and considerations as are or
ganized TO control prices. create monop-
olies and destroy competition, or which,
in their practical working, have that eff
feet. 1t is not because corporation has
a large capital or transacts large and
profitable business that it is an injury
TO the community or menace to its pros
perity. The wrong is done and the injury
inflicted when such combinations Of cap
ital are enabled, by means adopted for
that purpose, to control prices, stitle COM
petition and create monopoly.
The decisions of the highest courts of
the United States, and of the several
States, leave no room to doubt that the
power of the legislative branch of the
government is ample to redress all
wrongs so done to society. The decisions
of she courts are practically uniform to
the effect that no one has any right to
enter into any agrecinent or combination
when the purpose or the effect is TO con-
troll prices or create a monopoly. Further
it is also apparent that the right 20 pro-
hibit such contract or combination is
clear, when the object is TO control prices,
even if it is not intended unreasonably
to increase prices.
Evils of this Kind exist and are in op-
GRAFTON in every State. Their extent
and harmful effect may or may not have
been exaggerated in the public estima-
ton, but all must agree that there is
much that ought to receive the considera-
ton of the Legislative branch of the State
government. The present law of this
State on the subject is principally con,
tanned in chapter 357 of the General
Laws of 1897. l regard it as entirely in
sufficient, either as a remedy or a re-
straint. In the first place it only applies
to corporations. 1t is entirely plain,
however, that partnerships and individ-
uals may enter into agreements and com
5inations which, in their results, will be
just as disastrous to the public inter-
ests as can any confederation of corpo-
rations Furthermore. the only remedy
provided or suggested by the present
Il
vacate the charter and annul the exist
ence of the off nding corporation. Such
remedy is to a great extent illusory.
Corporations must of necessity act by
officers and agents, and it is submitted
that one efticacious way to control the
corporation is to act upon tue individ-
uals who control its affairs and shape its
policy. i recommend to the Legislature
of this State an entire revision Of the
laws relating to this subject, and the Gn-
actment of such laws as shall promise an
efficient remedy for the great evil and
which at the same time shall not ham
per individual enterprise or take from
capital the reasonable returns to which
it is fairly entitled when invested in bust
ness enterprise.
The Legislature of 1899 enacted Chapter
243 of the Laws of 1899, designed to con-
troll and somewhat restrict the operations
of what is commonly termed .'the lob
by" in relation to legislation. The prin-
ciple involved in that enactment has my
unqualified approval.
Improvement of Highways.
While the Importance Of goal roads in
the development and welfare of the COM
monwealth is admitted everywhere. pru-
dent regard for the taxpayer will suggest
great caution in removing the barriers
placed in the constitution against en-
ployment of State powers and resources
in works of internal Improvement. I'M
der the existing system OF highway m Gin
tenance and control, an enormous amount
Of money and labor is expended each
year upon the roads of Wisconsin. 1t is
too apparent that much, if not most Of
this expenditure is wholly wasted. I'm
til this available resource for the bet
torment of roads has been brought un-
der a more economic system as a result
of a complete revision of the laws respect
ing highways. those who urge for this
work the necessity Of greater powers to
the Legislature and State officials
through constitutional amendment must
be prepared to explain to the voter the
neglect properly TO exercise the authority
and means at hand. | recommend tlyr-
ough investigation and revision Of the
road laws of the State
The cost of fire insurance for the cap
itol and some other public buildings has
become considerable expense, which
must be largely increased if this plan Of
protecting against loss by fire is consist
emily pursued. 1t is questionable wheth-
en- the State with its abundant resources
is practicing real economy in paying pro-
fit-seeking companies to share risks OF
this character.
The Anti-Fass Law.
Public approval of the law enacted by
fbn IaSt ariSl1tt1re 10 prOhibit The uSa
Of free transportation, telegraph and tel
ephone privileges by public officials has
been so general and earnest that no OPP
position is anticipated to the final pas
sage Of the resolution for a constitutional
amendment which will place this act be-
youd the possibility of legislative repeal