Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1902-09-22

not ny posslDlHty De reacncd. we nave
argued also, and we can see no fault
in the argument now, that even IL the
necessary time and other obstacles i'm
the way of adopting a constitutional
amendment and the subsequent legis-
lation needed to make 1t effective were
out OF the way, one of two things
must necessarily be true: Either the
requisite number of States would not
give up the control they now have over
corporations of their own creation; or
the trusts themselves would not per-
NIT such a surrender if it would in
volve any real and effectual insight
into, or supervision of, trust methods;
and we may be sure that without such
permission by them, Mr.. Roosevelt
might as well ask for the fee simple
of the moon as for his publicity
amendment. On general principles,
too. the States would be very slow to
agree TO the proposition. Now, the
smallest State exercises as great power
in regulating its corporations as the
largest, ,-Delaware as much as New
York, and this advantage is one which
will not easily be relinquished.
OF course If it were certain that the
proposed legislation would be of a
kind which the trusts could laugh at,
or the courts by construction emascu-
late, as they have the interstate COM
mcrce law, the former would be will
ing enough to have 1t go through.
But as they are wise in their genera
ton, they cannot help seeing that
successful and efficient federal regu-
latlon of industries must In time lead
to something still more successful and
efficient. namely, federal ownership
and running of them. And the trusts
will not permit this entering wedge to
! be driven.
The New York Sun, generally re-
liable supporter of the administration,
but always a faithful supporter Of the
trusts, and which is not hypocritical
enough to claim that the combines
are in business for purposes other
than profit, clearly scents the danger,
and serves notice on the President that
his nostrum of constitutional amend.
ment will not be tolerated, in this
way:
But the proposition that New York
should declare for a constitutions
amendment empowering the federal
government to regulate corporations
is another matter.
"Of all the political ideas that have
grown up with the phenomenal indus
trial development enjoyed by the peo
pie of the United States during thu
last ten years. that Of the amend
ment referred to is the most revolu
tionary. In the practical obliteratior
of the individuality Of the States ant
the incalculable enlargement of tn,
power of the central government which
such an amendment would effect there
would be a more momentous change
In the character of the American gov
ernment than any leader of the rank.
Of radicalism has ever ventured t,
advocate openly and directly.
For State like this, in industry tn,
foremost in the Union, politically lon,
recognized as the arbiter of nationa
elections, and, in company with 1T
sisters, prosperous to the degree tina
rather commands conservatism thar
suggests experiment, to favor 81
fundamental change in our organic
law would be ill-advised indeed"
This is the opinion of stanch de
fender Of Republican policies. 1t nee,
not be said that no Democrat could
and still adhere to the central tradi
) tion of his party, consent to such {
> measure for moment. The yer,
proposition is negation of that au
toncmy Of the States, within purel.
, state spheres, which Is the cardina
: principle OF Democracy.
: And yet. even with the present Con
, gross, largely Republican as It ia, |
would take the votes OF 80 Democrat
: and Popullsts, to give the measur
) its requisite majority OF two-thirds.
, 1t ls well known that. even In tn
: present Congress too, Mr. Roosevelt
| hns been unable to obtain a majorit,
: OF his own party members In favor o
, his scheme of Cuban reciprocity
! measure OF which much more coul
, be said In its favor than can be o
the legislation now proposed by him
, For the President to so about tn
! country ringing the changes on prop
!, osition of doubtful value at best, bu
5 which he must know cannot be adopt
Y ed In any event aud In support O