The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1903-01-20

effective for the suppression of every
trust in the United States"
Congress Is Powerless.
However the laws of congress can
not reach trade and commerce Who'll
ly within a single state. Hence the
necessity for S ate legislation on the
subject and Mr.. Springer suggested
that the convention rec mmend to
the several state legislator es the pass
age of such measure as WI i'll effectual-
ly prevent abuses.
The speaker submitted the draft of
a bill which he has form ulated, ITO
protect trade and CONNIE rec against
unlawful restraints and monopolies."
The bill may be passed by the legis-
lature of any state. OF its terms, MI.
Springer said: ut is merely an
adaptation of the Sher man anti
thrust law and the Hoar bill now pend
ing in the United States senate to
trade and commerce wholly within
the boundaries of a state
MIR. Springer concluded by saying:
"The question whether trusts, unlaw-
full combinations and m%onopoliess in
restraint of trade within a state, or
among the states and with foreign
nations, is now submitted to the peo-
pie and to their senators and repre-
sentatives in congress and in the
state legislatures. If the people de-
eide that they will nc longer submit
to trust abuses and will rise in their
majority and demand the suppression,
not of corporations but Of trust prac-
tees whether performed by great cor
porations or by individuals, their
voices will be needed an d all unlaw-
full combinations and monopolies in
restraint of trade and commerce, both
within the states and among the
states and with foreign nations, will
be speedily suppressed.
Vox Populi, ct cetera.
"In this matter the voice of the
people will be the voice of Cod. 1t
will be so powerful that all public
men and all political partie e. will obey
it,"
Captain Davies was unable to be
present and his paper was read by
another delegate.
Among the speakers on the after
noon program was Jerry Simpson of
Roswell, N. M, the former Kansas
congressman. He took for his theme
'The Process of Evolution from a
Populist to a Stockman," and treated
it in his characteristic style.
The resolutions enumerated were
all passed after but slight discussion.
When Judge Springer had %conclud-
ed his address Preside mt John w.
| Springer took occasion to refer to the
bill submitted by the associations
counsel. This bill, sale President
| Springer, would embody all the good
points contained in the Sherman anti
trust law, as we'll as the good points
of all. bills along this line now pend
ing in congress-. When it becomes
a law it would, he asserted, regulate
any trust that now exists or that may
ever be formed.
Will Attack Them All.
Murdo Mckenzie, president of the
Texas Livestock association, asked
Judge Springer if it is the purpose OF
the bill to attack mer gers, or only
those affecting packing houses, to
which he replied: EVERY unlawful
combination in the restraint of trade
within the states will feel the effects
of the law"
In answer to another question Judge
Springer said that a constitutional
amendment was not advisable be-
cause it would cause delay and would
confer the power upon congress to
regulate trusts within Zach individual
state. Congress already has all the
power it needs.
l.. G. Powers of Washington, d. c.,
chief statistician of the agricultural
department, delivered IN address in
which he urged the taking of more
frequent livestock censuses.