The Topeka state journal., 1902-11-18
TRUSTS MILDLY TREATED.
Conservative Republicans Would Go
Further Than Roosevelt.

Washington, Nov 18.-The opinions of
Republican statesmen on the trust ques-
tion beginning to crystalize rs they
get together and exchange views here,
preliminary to the meeting of congress.
Even the most conservative Republicans
are now admitting the necessity for some
kind of antitrust legislation 1t is not
surprising to learn. however. that none
of them has scheme to correct the evils
of industrial combinations without run
ming foul of the Constitution.
President Roosevelt has read over his
recommendation to trusts well as
other provisions of his message very gen.
orally to senators and members who call
ed before he left town 1t is generally
understood that his recommendation as to
trusts is very mild and conservative. and
some of the conservative Republicans in
congress would evidently be willing to go
further than the president in curbing
these combinations One Republican, wide
y known. and possessed of considerable
wealth. observed the other day. from his
financial experiences in New York, that
it was impossible to gain any reliable in
formation of big corporations that repre-
sent billions and billions of dollars in
stock, except one happens to have close
personal friend among the directors.
1T is like looking into a dark cellar for
light" said he.
Every days development on the speaker
ship fight for the Fifty-eighth congress
rants for General Henderson's S gavel. Pete
Hepburn. one of the strongest men in the
Republican party in the house, came out
today for Babcock. after admitting that
Payne, Dalzell, Cannon, Littlefield or
Burton would prove a success if elected.
Mr. Hepburn thinks that with the all
powerful rules of the house back of him,
Cannon would make an unsafe or unwise
speaker, on account of his aggressive ma
ture and inclination to be arbitrary.
ho
be between Mr.. Cannon and Mr.. Babcock
should the latter man be a candidate" ="
said Colonel Hepburn today. II have
great respect for the abilities of Mr.. Can
non While he is not educated man.
in the sense of the school men, he prob
ably knows a greater number of facts
than any other members of the house
and particularly facts connected with the
every day workings of our government
Such practical matters as revenue and
expenditures he has at his fingers ends
so to speak. and while he is not at all
persuasive man, he has great power of
expression. With the exception of Ben.
Butterworth, he is the best debator
have ever known in the house. He is ex-
ceptionally strong in enforcing his views
of a subject before his audience be it
large small
Colonel Hepburn says that if an agree
ment can be reached as to what bureaus
shall be combined under the Droposed de-
partment of commerce the bill to create
that executive department will probably
be passed
Congress will meet this year on Decem-
Der l. the first Monday of the month
falling on that date. AS both houses are
fully organized, they will be able to pro
ceed Immediately to business. With near
ly three weeks of clear sailing before
them, prior to the holiday recess it will
be no surprise if considerable work is
accomplished.
There are a few matters pressing for
action this winter outside of the supply
bills. and 1t will be necessary to dispose
OF them speedily. if at ALL The senate
will have several reciprocity treaties to
consider. if it is so disposed. The house
will probably have three or four appro-
priation bills out of the way before the
statesmen hasten away for the festivities
of Christmas.
The ship subsidy bill is pending before
the house. and the attitude of Republicans
toward it will be very interesting sub
tect- In the middle west where nine
tenths of the population never saw a big
boat. there has been much Republican
indifference to this proposed legislation
which the merger of the great steamship
companies has verv likely stimulated into
more or Tess hostility. However the Re
pubicans have majority of go to which
can safely be added few Democratic
votes. and great deal can be accom-
plished with such big margin.