The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-12-14
HEARING ON ANTITRUST BILLS
AUTHORS or FIVE MEASURES BE-
FORE HOUSE COMMITTEE.
Ono Bill Provides for COnnscation Of Trust-
Made GoOds-AnOther Provides for
Licensing Concerns TO do an Inter.
state Busness-Mr. Suffers Bill.

WASHINGTON. Dec. i3.-Hearings on the
trust question were begun this morning
before the subcommittee Of the House
Judiciary Committee. consisting of Repre-
sentatives Littlefield. Overstreet a nd Powers
Of Massachusetts, Republicans. and De
Almond and Clayton. Democrats. An
invitation has been extended to all MEM
beers OF tho House who had introduc, anti
trust bills TO be present and advance
arguments in support OF their respective
measures.
Mr.. Morrel (Rep. Pa } was the first TO be
heard. He has bill in the hands of the
subcommittee which provides for an
appropriation of $?25, 900 to carry out the
provisions Of the sherman Antitrust
law and any other similar measures which
may be hereafter enacted. 1t places the
money at the disposal OF the Attorney-Gen-
cral TO provide additional assistants and TO
take such steps as he may deem necessary
TO make the stat ate effective.
Mr. Morrell said that his measure had the
Endorsement OF the Attorney-Gcneral. and
that the President had expressed himself
a. faEoring such legislation.
Mr.. Overstreet questioned Mr.. Morrell
"a 10 The necessity of such an appropria-
Won, ana gave II Us Ms opium NlldI llt
Attorney-Gcncral was already clothed with
til" necessary power to enforce the law.
Mr. Morrell insisted hat there was no fund
available in the Department Of Justice to
enforce tho law effectively.
Mr.. Gillett GIcp., MassD made a brief
argument in advocacy of tn" measure in
PRODUCED by him providing for the confsca-
ton and forfeiture to the United States
i. .... =.
one State to another or TO "A foreign country.
The measure fixes a penalty not exceeding
five YEAR, imprisonment and 500 900 fine
or both, for violation. Mr.. Gillett thought
such law would be an effective means of
preventing manufacturers from making
combinations in restraint OF trade
Henry c. Smith lRep., Michl advocated
an amendment to the Constitution confer-
ing upon Congress power to define, regu-
late and prohibit and dissolve, If need be
trusts and combinations. He argued that
whether or not at the present time this
additional grant Of power 20 Congress was
needed, Congress should have il for a time
when its exercise might b. necessary,
The adoption of the resolut ION, he said
would deter the formation of bad trusts.
Shallenberger dem, Neb.l advanced
novel and sonewh at unique method of
dealing with the problem of trusts and
made a forCibe argument IN support of
his plan. bill which he has introduced
provides for the creation of commission
to investigate the subject of trusts, the
business Of corporations doing an inter
state commerce business, the character
of their stock and other matters and make
report to Congress.
1t stipulates that the commission shall
have authority TO examine the books of
such corporations. and II 10 waered stock
or other unlawful conditions are found
it shall be empowered TO ssrie license
to such concerns To do an Interstate com
merce business. The measure further
directs that when any corporation shall
attempt to monopolize the manufacture
Of any product, the President shall suspend
wholly or in part the tariff duties on such
articles and shall only restore them when
tho monopoly il destroyed.
Mr.. Sulzer. De!n., y. l.,) submitted
al argument in SUPPORT If the measure IL
PRODUCED by him several days ago. IL
provides for the creation Of Bureau Of
Corporations under the Interstate Com
merce Commission, to which CORPORAL ions
doing an insterstate commerce shall make
reports showing the extent and character
of their business and their CAPITAL To this
extent II resembles the Iittlcti,ld Publicity
bill. II goes further and proposes TO show
whether or not such corporations receive
drawbacks from common carriers. A sys-
ten Of examination il also provided.
Il am in line with the President on the
trust quest on," said Mr. Sul7er He
thought there should be no opposition TO
hi Till. II might not entirely eradicate the
trust, but II would go long way toward
curing the evil. There were matters Of
tariff and other contingencies WI must
be- taken into consideration 20 entirely wipe
out the trust. but publicity would be a
step in the right direction. He woul d re-
duce the tariff on all trusts-made goods.
Mr.. Bell dem, Col) was heard in behalf
Of a publicity measure.