The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-08
STATE PRESS ON THE LccHREN
DECISION.

Redwood Gazette-The decision OF /
Judge Lochren holding that the merger
was not In violation of the constitution
and laws of Minnesota, and of the Sher- |
man antitrust law, is certainly a great |
surprise. Judge Lochrens court is lower
than the United States court Of appeals, |
and the latter body, in an unanimous de- |
cision, had previously decided that the |
Securities company was organize ed in vio-
lation OF the antitrust laws and now 1t |
VIII have to tell Judge Lochren that he
said that he is an independent thinker on
the bench, and does not care how the
other courts decide--he will decide ac-
cording to his own belief.
Glenwood Press-Judge Lochren's deci-
sion in the merger case is hard knock
against Bob Dunn for governor To nom
mate one who declared In favor of the
merger. In the face Of this decision would
be backdown, and some folks profess to
believe. that Van SAINT is the only logical
candidate. Why will not some other man
whose views on the merger were in har-
mony with Van SAINTS be equally accept
able now? Eddy for instance
Mankato Free Press-If Judge Loeb
ren's decision is to hold good there will be
no end of legal artful lodging. This coun-
try is a sufferer already from this same
brand OF lodging and with such a deci-
sion as has been handed down the people
VIII be given no avenue Of relief from
corporations designed to merge competing
lines Of railroads.
a Jackson Republic-The judges decree
is, surprise to a great many people who
had long hoped for a decision prohibiting
the merger. There is no question but the
state will appeal to the United States su-
preme court before it will give UP the
fight. Upon reviewing the decision we
fIyf1 ,n 1ncri
ing power Of the judge and to a layman it
is hard to find points on which to predict
a reversion, but the outcome is yet to be
determin ed. s.s
sRenville Record-Judge Lochren upheld
the railway lawyers in every one of their
contentious, his decision being based upon
his view" that the Northern Securities
company was not an railway operating
corporation and that therefore there was
no combination for, the restraint Of COM
petition. Judge Lochren's decision was a
very narrow and technical Interpretation
Of the letter Of the law and belongs to
that class Of judicial decisions that so Oft
en- have thwarted the clear intent and
purpose of legislation.
Albert Lea Eenterprise-Judge Loeb
rens decision Of last week in favor Of the
merger" was considerable of a surprise
I'M view Of the decision early this spring
against the Northern Securities company
by a higher court. The decision Is a dis
tinct victory for James J. Hill, ct al, pro-
moter of the merger, but it is believed by
eminent lawyers that the supreme court
will not sustain Judge Lochren's views re-
garding the Northern Securities company
not being railroad company.
| Elk River Star News-It would be
somewhat presumptuous for a layman to
give an expression on the merits of a case
| of this character, which Is a strictly legal
one governed by evidence presented, and
it is safe to leave it to the supreme court
which will have before 1t both views OF
the law In the matter. In the meantime
we have no sympathy with those dema-
gogtc politicians who will attempt to make
a political issue of the cases and prejudice
the public against the integrity Of our fed
eral courts of justice.
| LIE Sueur News-Judge Lochren Of the
United States federal court decided the
merger was not violation Of the laws
of Minnesota, nor the United States. jim
Hill thus wins against the political trick
ster Van SAINT. Aside from politics little
Interest In the outcome was manifested
ivan, his Sans, Bob and Mum of the
500. are reported i'll.
Waseca Journal Observation-Disclosures Will
liam Lochren Of the United States circuit
court hands down decision in the cele-
brated merger case favorable to the
Northern Securities company. He holds
|
violated the law, and that the Securities
company is as much beyond the reach Of
either the state or federal law as any in
dividual who CHANGED to own stock in two
competing lines. This way Of looking al
the matter seems to us as most reason
able and just. The case will be carried tt
the United States supreme court.
T. Glenwood Gopher-The Northern Sc.
curities company owns the majority Of the
stock Of two competing and parallel rail
way lines. and the stock controls the man
agement of the railroads, and has the
power Of electing or removing officials
etc. The fact that the merger company
tho having the power mentioned, may no
yet have exercised it, ought not to change
its status over against the law.
H. Crookston Journa-Judge Lochren's de
cision in the states merger case came al
a surprise to the public, as little douh
seemed to exist as to the outcome. TIL,
great majority of those interested, as wei
as the general public. seemed satisfied
that the circuit judge would decide in ia
vor of the state. The fact that Judg
Lochren, after the careful study he CAV
the case could find no clause of the stat
laws which had been violated by tn
Northern Securities company, is Of spe
cial interest
Ortonville Herald Star-One court ha
decided that the Northern Securities com
! pany is in restraint Of trade, and on
court has decided it is not, and since Their
is still another court to make guess O.
it, it behooves the honest laynan to post
pone his guess for a time,