The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-02-10


stated by authority that. unless anti
trust legislation, at least satisfactory
to the administration is enacted at the
present session, President Roosevelt
on the fifth of March will call an extra
session of the fifty-eighth congress.
The president himself has told men,
bers Of congress of his desire and of his
determination in this regard. 1t is un-
derstood that the announcement was
direct and unqualified.
| 1t is further stated that the determi-
nation of the president was reached
after careful consideration of the stren-
uous efforts that are being made to de-
feat any antitrust legislation by con-
gress. These efforts have covered
wide range. They were characterized
| today by one prominent republican
leader, to quote him directly, "as the
most remarkable of which I have had
personal knowledge during my public
life'
These efforts eliminated during the
past thirty-sx hours it is now decIar-
ed in direct appeals from the STAN
dard Oil Company through it's presi-
1 -
bers Ct the senate not enact any anti
trust legislation at this time. No less
than six United States senator's have
received telegrams signed John D.
Rockefeller" uroing that no antitrust
Legislation be enacted. 1t has not been
spatches, which it can be said are prac-
tically identical. Substantially they
read as follows: I'VE are opposed to
any antitrust legislation. Our coun-
sci, Mr.----- will see you. L,
must be stopped"
must be clear that only the substance
and not the exact wording is here
| given) We're signed
| JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER."
| Yesterday morning one Of the counsel
nf the Standard Oil Comnany arrived
upon members of the senate as indl-
Gated In the te1egrams. He did not re
main long, Scarcely had he made
| known his business than he was in
| formed, bit curtly. that his presence
here was undesirable and he left with
an fntfmatlon that he would better re-
turn to New York.
| During the afternoon information
concerning the receipt Of the messages
leaked out and became the subject Of
some clok room discussion at the SEN
ate. The news also reached the house,
| SO1lp OIL CHn prominent representatives
learning the gist Of the dispatches.
Then 1t became known that this was
not the first time the Standard Oil
Company. through its attorneys. had
lendeavored to influence legislation in
congress at this session. The attorneys
for the company. it was stated. had
Opposed vigorously the enactment OF
the measure submitted by Attorney
General Knox to the subcommittee of
the house judiciary committee. Sub
lseQuently. when, what is known as the
Littlef1eld bill was reported to the
house. it can be said on the best Of au-
thor1ty, that the Standard Oil Compa
nys counsel began to devote their op-
sition particularly to the Nelson
amendment to Section s. Of the depart
ment Of commerce bill-the amend
ment which contains practically the
publicity features Of the Knox anti
trust bill. They did not want that in
said. used their utmost efforts to pre-
vent its favorable consideration. They
were unsuccessful, as the bill. with
that amendment. was agreed upon
unanimously by the conferees of the
two branches Of congress. The action
Of the confarees was received. IT is un-
derstood. with satisfaction by the Off
Gals Of the administration and it Is re-
gardcd az = long and essential step
toward the kind Of antitrust legisla-
tlHn that DOtn the president ana AttOr-
new General Knox believe will be ef-
fective It is this legislation particu
larly that The Standard Oil COMPANY
so vigorously objects to and which II
hoDed might be headed off or emascu-
: lated. through appeals made to sena
tors. before 1t reached the stage o.
| actual massage.
It is said by authority that the ad-
ninistration hopes that the Elkins re-
bate bill. which was passed by the SEN
ate this week will be passed also by
the house. While this measure too is
T opposed by those who are in favor o.
no trust legislation. the special opposf'
tion to 1t does not come from the
, Standard Oil Company. because it i:
= explained. that corporation has grown
beyond any effects the enforcement o.
such legislation might have upon IT
The president. it is understood. regard
the ElSins bill as essential TO a round
ing OF the administrations plan TO
: antitrust legislation and it is believed
by those in close touch with him ant
with the conditions in Congress tina
|. il may be enacted into law.
Tonight the efforts being made to de
), feat or emasculate pending anti-trus
Z legislation formed the basis of SOM