The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1902-12-12
THE TRUSTS AND TIE PEOPLE.

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THE TRUSTS AND TIE PEOPLE.
In spite of President Roosevelt's
promise, it now seems as if nothing
of a practical nature will be done to
curb the trusts which are fourishing
like the green bay tree Of ancient
times. The short session of Con-
gress which convened on the first day
of December could accomplish much
to relieve the country from the TILL
just oppression from which it is now
suffering, and the burdens of the peo-
pie could be materially lighaened.
Anti-election promises assured us
that decisive steps would be taken,
but those who had treated with SIN
cerity the Presidents utterances can
see that his method of dealing with
them is not practicable.
The only way that the trust mag
mates can be brought to their senses
is to reduce or take of entirely the
tariff on the commodities which are
controlled by these moneyed corpo-
rations This of course, would bring
them in competition with the markets
of the outside world and the con-
sumers would get the benefit. AS it
is now, the stone wall of protection
which surrounds this country stife
competition for which purpose the
trusts were formed. While it is an
nounced that the object of making
these combinations is to reduce run
ming expenses, it is a remarkable
fact that every single article of liv-
ing has been advanced from one-third
to one-half in the past three years.
This nails the assertion that they are
benefit to the public, and their toll
GRAFTON at the best can only be a
matter of time.
1t seems to be an unfortunate fact
that the voters are slow in recogniz-
ing their true interests and cast their
votes accordingly and so long as
they will continue to accept the pres
ent conditions without any more
than 4 little murmuring of discon-
tent, we may expect no change in
the policy Of our legislators who are
chosen largely with the view of their
serving their masters-the trusts.
The Democratic party has outlined
its policy in a very certain manner
and, taken collectively, it is calcu-
lated to accomplish the two greatest
reforms that the interests of the
country at large now demand. Tariff,
reform, as outlined by our leaders
would do more to accomplish the in
tended good than any other practi
cal method. This country has of
late years been prospecting, not be-
cause of a highly protective tariff, but
in spite of it, and it stands to reason
that if the masses were only allowed
to participate in prosperity" which
is now the heritage of favored few,
there would be less discomfort. In or
der that the whole nation may be in Il
reasonable degree content, it isneces-
sary that they be allowed to share
in the great blessings, which are with
in reach, if there were no hampering
laws to intervene. The purchasing
value of dollar has diminished
about one.third of what it was five
Or six years ago and even if there is
more money in circulation the result
is worse than what it was during
the period of ''hard times" In mon
arches it may be necessary to keep
what is known as the common peo-
pie poor, but certainly the enlighten-
ed government of the United States
should not stand by and see the bone
and sinew Of our people kept down
to feed the OVERLOOKING Golfers ofthose
who form an insignificant number of
appropriation. The doctrines ola Re-
publican form of government-equal
rights to all-does not contemplate
such a state of affairs and we are de-
parting from the precepts of our fore
fathers when we allow this to go on
in such an unhampered manner.
The only effectual remedy is the i'll
telligent use of the ballot, and it re-
uuires strenuous efforts to educate
the people how to use this all-power-
full weapon iii an intelligent manner.
Oflate years, even the daily press has
fallen III line with the power OF money,
except in few rare cases, and upon
the shoulders OF the suburban week
lies rests the responsibility of bring
ing to the attention Of their readers
the true state of affairs. The task at
times seems almost hopeless and the
outlook discouraging, but the con-
scientious weekly newspaper, weak
and insignificant though it may APP
pear to he, should not hesitate to &C
complish task that has been set be-
fore it. 1t is a fight Of principle
against money, and in the end the
right must always prevail.