The Farmington times and herald. (Farmington, St. Francois Co., Mo.) 1902-1905, 1902-09-18
NUMBER 3S.
FREEDOM FROM TRUSTS.
tsss ~ 10 the Fr.sent tsreasht
~ Ahsut.

80 Absat.
For ak long years the republicans
have had control of all branches of
the government. executive. legislative
and judicial During this period the
organization and growth of the trusts
has been most prolific and their ex,0r-
lions tom the public have been en-
larRed and extended to most Of the
necessities of life. The coal combine
and the beef trust are examples Of
the growth Of combinations during
this period OF republican administrs-
tian.
The opening of this era OF repuhliean
rule was emphasized hy the enactment
of the Dinglcy law, many schedules of
which were not only intended 10 pro-
tect the combines. but we're actually
prepared by attorneys Of the trusts
and therefore we're entirely In their
interests. The trust magnAtes. finding
themselves securely intrrnehcd and
protected then began ssries Of great
combinations that staggered the COM
merclai world and have gradually
raised prices Of most necessities TO the
highest notch ever before known.
Naturally the voters begin 30 kick
~ these rxsriions and attempts were
made by the democrats IN congress 20
reduce them. The present executive
In his iirst message to the congress
recommended publicity % an sntidots.
but no notice was taken Of this recon-
mendation by the republicans In con-
gress. II remained for democratic
senator To propose an amendment 20
the census bill on the lines Of Presi-
dent Roosevclt'p recommendation. 4
vote was taken and all the republicans
present voted against u and al the
democrats for 81, but II Was defeated.
for the republicans were in command
% the situation.
The Politleai niiisa ii,sss became
more acute and upon the close Of the
first session of the Ftfty-ssvSsth
conRrcss the president determined
10 take the stump and try and stay
the tide that was flowing In favor
Of controlling ,hcse vast corpora-
tions. II appears from bis speeches
that he has no remedy TO offer other
than puhlicity nf trusts transactions.
unless an amendment TO the cnnaii-
tuition can be had. but This would
only be available 10 future gen.
GRAFTON and the voters are elamorlng
for immediate relief. To change the
constitution requires two-thirds Of
congress Co vote 80 propose Il. and
three-fouTthE Of an the states 20
ratify such change. Clearly this Is
an impossible achievement " the
present temper of congress II con
tinued. besides the further obstacle
Of all but one-fourth uf the states
agreeing 10 the same. The corpor-
atioas control over one-third of the
senate wan stated by senator Nor.
gan, and Il II doubtful II they do
not control greater pcrceu&gr Of
the present house II representative.
Under these circumstances can tho
republican party b. relied on TO con-
troll the trusts? It would seem IN
he unlikely and improbable. Grant.
ing thai President Roo.evsIt 1. sip.
eere In his trust batting. win ne bs
able to bring his party "a the same
form Of mind? hut unfortunately.
there arc strong Indications that the
president himself Is but lukswarm
In his antitrust fight. II he were
sincere. would he he silent en- the
prlprlpaI remedy for gtoupInv tha
extortIons Of the PRINCIPAL combines,
by saving not a word about revisinr
the tariT and thus cut on the pro-
lection that these combines nov en-
ioy and which aIlovys them to aeec.