Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1902-11-12
RELIEF FROM TRUSTS
People Can't Get Il Through
the Republican Party.
IT IS THE FRIEND OF MONOPOLY

All che Branches of the Governments
Have Been Inv the Hands of the Re
pubitcans For Sfx Years, and par-
ina That Time Trusts Rave Flour
tshcd rs Never Before.
For six long years the Republicans
have had control OF all branches OF the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT legislative and
judicial During this period the or
Eanization and growth OF the trusts
have been most prolific, and their extor-
uoas from the public have been en-
iarscd and extended to most OF the
lcceSSitics of life. The coal combine
ana the beef trust are examples OF the
growth of combinations during this pc.
Rod of Republican administration.
The opening oc this era of Republic
an rule WAS emphasized by the enact
lie Dngley law. many sched-
Cf which were not only intended
90 protect the combines. but were ac-
iuaily prepared 10y attorneys of the
trusts and therefore were entirely in
Their interests. The trust magnates
nn.ing themselves securely intrenched
protected, then began series OF
nations that staggered tho
world and have gradually
or most necessities to the
.,l- cvcr before known.
aiiy tine voters began to kick at
>-,. onS. and attempts were
IS ia, Democrats i'm congress to
TIA ia. The present executive
frSt message to the congress
ended publicity as an antidOte,
..D.. was taken Of this recon-
i.n ~ thc Republicans in con-
II remained for n Democratic
SENATOR 90 propose an amendment TO
census bin on the lines Of PrcSi-
.,-ns vClCs recommendation. A
r.-c was taken. and all the Republic
aDS present voted against II and all
the Democrats for il. but It was de-
fcatcd. for the Republicans were in
Command OF the situation.
Tnc political situation became more
acute. and upon the close Of the first
session of the Fifty-seventh congress
he president determined to take the
stump and try TO stay the tide that
was flowing in favor Of controlling
these vast corporations. 1t appears
from his speeches that he has no rem
edy to offer other than publicity Of
trusts transactions unless an amend
ment to the constitution can be had.
but this would only be available to
future generation. and the voters are
clamOrIng for immediate relief. To
change the constitution requires two
thirds OF congress TO vote TO propose
II and three-fOurths OF all the states TO
ratify such changes. Clearly this is
on impossible achievement IL the pres
ent temper of congress is continued,
besides the further obstacle Of all but
one-fourth OF the states agreeing to
the same. The corporations control
over one-third OF the senate. was stat
cd by Senator Morgan, and it is doubt
tul II they do not control greater per
centage OF the present house OF repre-
sentatives. Under these circumstances
can the Republican party be relied on
10 control the trusts? 1t would seem
to be unlikely and improbable Grant
ing that President Roosevelt is sincere
In his trust batting, will he be able TO
bring his party TO the same frame OF
mind? Unfortunately. there are strong
indications that the president himself
is but lukewarm in his antitrust fight.
II he were sincere. would he be silent
on the principal remedy for stopping
the eXtortions OF the principal COM
Oines by saying not a word about re-
yising the tariff and thus cutting Off
the protection these combines now en-
JOY and which allows them To fleece
the people TO the tune Of from 30 10
100 per cent?
Nor does he say Il word about the
coal strike or lift n finger TO stop IL,
yet there would seem to be a way
open. The law OF Pennsylvania for
bids railroads 10 operate mines or man
ufactories of any kind, and the fed
eral antitrust law provides that com
bines can be punished by fine and i'm
prisonment and the judicial arm OF
the government could enforce it.
The miners of Pennsylvania have
behaved with wonderful moderation.
but no word OF praise or encourage
ment has been vouchsafed them by
the president, though he enlightens the
public on much less important matters
at great length and minuteness.
1t is therefore useless TO look for re-
lief from trust eXactiOns from a Re
publican president or n Republican
congress. They are bound to their
idols.