The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1902-12-05
THE TRUSTS.
They Can be Controlled Only by Ma
tiona1 Action.


= In my message to the present congress
at its first session l discussed at lenS tn
the question of the regulation of those
big corporations commonly doing an in
terstate business, often. with some ten
Sency to monopoly, which are popularity
known as trusts. The experience of the
Ion, tie desirability of the steps l then
proposed. A fundamental requisite OF
Individual energy and EXCELLENCE; but
this Is iE no wise inconsistent with pow
er to act in combination for aims which
cannot so well be achieved by the iadi-
v;dual acting alone. A funda mental ha Sc
OF civilization Is the, inviolab.lity OF prop
erty; but this is in no wise inconsistent
exercise of the artificial powers which 1t
eon.ers upon the owners of property, un-
der the name of corporate franchises, in
such way as to prevent the misuse
o. these powers Corporations. and espe-
should he MANAGED under public regtia.
ton. Experience has shown that under our
sssten of government the necess airy
supervision cannot be obtained by state
acton. 1t must therefore be achieved by
rational action. Our aim. is not to do
away with corporations; on the contrsry.
Development of modern industrialism. and
the e.1ort 10 destroy them would be futile
work the utmost mischief to the entire
body polite. We can do nothing Of go q
in the way of regulating and supervising
cur minds that we are not attacking the
corporation but underwriting to do away
with any evil in thenl. We are not hostile
they shall be so handled as to- suSserve
The public good We. draw the line
The capitalist who, alone or in conjrnc-
ton with his fellows, performs some
great industrial, feat by which he wins
provided only he works in proper and
legitimate lines. We wish 10 favor such
tr1norxy;ca control his actions Or1.-
prevent him from doing i'll. Publicity
can 60 no harm to. the honest corpore
about sparing the dishonest corporation.
Must Exercise Care.
H. curb.ng and regulating the combira-
lions OF capital which are or may become
not to stop the great enterprises which
have legis.mateiy reduced the cost of pro-
euc;ion; rot to a6ane 2, tie pisee Which
the International Industrial word, not 10
strike down wealth With the result of clos
wsge-worker idle in tbs streets ard Eeav-
ing tbs farmer without a market for what
he grows. Irsisterce upon, the impossible
actly as. on the other hand. the stubborn
6efeEse alike of what is good and what is
fo,t TO obstruct any attempt at retirement,
betrays blindness to the historic truth thu I
wise evolution Is the sure safeguard against
No more important subject car come be-
fore the congress than this of the regula-
Ton of interstate business. This country
cannot afford to sit supine or the PIES that
under our peculiar system OF government
we are helpless in the presence OF the rev
= conditions. and unable to grapp.e with them
or 20 cut out whatever of evil has arisen In
connection with them. The power of the
congress to regulate interstate commerce
WITHOUT limitations other than those pre-
scribed by the constitution The congfess
has constitutional authority ito make al
this power and am sa tisfied that this
power hassnot been exhausted by any leg.
evfienf. = efefore. that evils res trictive OF