Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-02-17

A great deal by the way OF anu
trust legislation was expected from this
session OF Congress, When II assembled
indignation was widespread In the
country against trusts, on account Of
the coal strike that threatened to be-
come a great calamity Congress has
now dealt with the matter. II Is be-
lleyed that rs trust program Is about
finished Whether anything Of practi-
cal value has been accomplished, re-
mains TO be seen
one Of The measures passed appro-
pirates half a million dollars to enable
the attomey-general to employ legal
talent to assist IN the prosecution OF
corporations charged with having eyad-
ed the provisions Of the sherman anti
trust law. A number OF bills proposed
drastic legislation. Among these were
the measures introduced BY Senator
Hoar and Congressman Llttleiield, both
Of which failed TO receive influential
support
Perhaps the most important OF these
efforts Is the Department OF Commerce
bill with Senator Nelson's publicity
amendment. as It is called This bill
provides in part
"That there shall be IA the Depart
ment OF Commerce and Labor bureau
TO be called the bureau az corporations.
and the chief Of said bureau shan be
appointed by the President aud shall
receive q salary Of $4,000 per annum.
There shall also be In said bureau such
clerks and assistants az may from tine
10 time be authorized By law II shall
be the provinces and duty to said bu-
reau. under the direction Of the secre-
tary Of commerce and labor, 10 gather,
compile, publish and supply useful IN
formation concerning such corporations
doing business within the limits OF the
United States as shall engage In inter-
state commerce or In commerce be-
tween Che United States and foreign
countries, aud 70 attend 10 such other
Duties as may be hereafter provided by
law"
The amendment gives to the commls-
sIoner the same power and authority In
respect 10 corporations, ioint stock COM
panes and commissions as Is conferred
on the interstate commerce commits
sion In respect to common carriers SO
far as the same may be applicable, in
Guiding the right TO subpoena and com
pei the attendance and testimony Of
witnesses and the production Of docu-
mentary evidence and to administer
oaths.
Another measure aimed at the trusts
IS the Elkins bin, Intended to regulate
the rebate system, II makes Il the duty
Of transportation companies TO publish
their tariff rates and abide By them,
The penalty prescribed for violation
OF the acts Is a fine OF not less than
$1,000 nor more than $4,000 for each Of
Tense.
Such Is the result of the agitation for
antitrust legislation. II is not far
reaching enough to suit all. But II
the laws adopted were carried out
strictly. they would prove effective
Russell Sage is a philosopher. He said
the other day OF the trust legislaton
"The situation, as II appears to me. IS
similar to case Of illness, with the
trust as the patient The doctors are
called in. They simply watch develop
ments and time speedily develops just
what is the matter Then the cura-
tlyes are applied"
In the opinion Of many, the develop
ment has been watched long enough.
The time 70 apply the curatives has
come.