The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1903-02-10
We are Opposed TO Antitrust
Legislation. It Must
be Stopped.
OUR ATTORNEY, Mr..
BLANK, WILL SET YOU
A Telegram Received by no Less Than Six
Senators and Signed J,hn o. Rocket liel--
If no Satisfactory Eli IS 7asstd New
Roos ey-it viii Cal NIX
ira Session.
by the Associated Press.)

I'D SeSSiCHs
by the Associated Press.)
Washington, Feb. lit can be stated
by authority, that antitrust legislation,
at least satisfactory to the administra-
tion is enacted at the present session.
President Roosevelt on the fifth Of March
viii call an extraordinary session of the
Iilth-eighth Congress. The President
has told the members of his desire and
Of his determination in this regard. It
is understood that the announcement
was direct and unqualified.
1t is further stated that the determi-
nation Of the President was reached on
~ after careful consideration of the
strenuous efforts that are being made to
defeat any anti-trust legislation by Con
gress. These efforts have covered a
wide range. They were characterized to-
day by one prominent Republican leader
to quote him directly, "as the most re
markable of which I have had personal
knowledge during my public life
These efforts eliminated during the
part thirty-six hours, it is now declared
in direct appeals from the Standard Oil
Company, through its president, Mr.. John
D.. Rockefeller, to members CT the SEN
ate not to enact any antitrust legisla-
ton at this time.
No less than six United States Senator's
have received kilograms signed tJohn D.
Rockefeller urging that no antitrust
legislation be enacted. 1t has not been
possible to obtain a copy of these Cis-
patches, which it can be said, are prac-
tically Identical. Substantially they read
as follows:
We are opposed to any antitrust
legislation. Our counsel, Mr.. -
will see you. It must be stopped
As stated these kilograms (and it must
be clear that only the substance and not
the exact wording is here given) were
signed John p. Rockefeller
Yesterday morning one of the coun-
sci of the Standard Dill Company arrived
in Washington and called Immediately
upon members of the Senate, as indicated
in the kilograms. He did not remain
long. Scarcely had he made known his
buesiness than he was informed. a bit
curtly, that his presence was undesirable
and he left with an intimation that he
had better return to New York.
During the afternoon information CON
corning the receipt of the messages
leaked out and became the subject Of
some quiet cloak room discussion at the
'NNS' - w. oIoo 1tdC1pu l16
House, some Of the prominent represen-
%tatives learning the gist of the dis
patches. Then it became known that this
was not the first time the Standard oil
Company, through its attorneys, had en-
deaVored to influence legislation in Con-
grsss at this session. The attorneys for
the ompan it was stated, had opposed
vigorously the enactment of the meas
ure submitted by Attorney General Knox
TO the subcommittee of the louise Judic-
larry Committee: Subsequently,. when
What is known as the Littlefiel1 bill
was reported to the House it can be
said on the best of authority that the
Standard Oil Company's counsel began
to devote their oppositin particularly to
the Nelson amendment, to section 6 of
the Department of Commerce bill-the
amendment which contains practically
tho publicity features Of the Knox Anti
Trust Bill. They did not want that in
corpCrated in the measure and If is
said. used their utmost efforts to pre-
vent its favorable consideration. They
were unsuccessful, as the bill, with that
amendment, was agreed upon unanimous
ly today by the confcrces of The two
branches of Congress. The action of the
conferecs was received, it is understood.
With satisfaction by the officials Of the
administration and it is regarded as q
long and essential step toward the kind
OF antitrust legislation that both the
President and Attorney General Knox
believe will be effective. It is this leg.
~islation particularly that the Standard
Oil Company SO vigorously objects to ard
which it hoped might be headed off or
emasculated, through tho appeals made
to Senator's, before it reached the stage
OF actual passage.
1t IS said upon authority that the ad-
ministration hopes that the Elkins' rc-
bate bill, which was passed by the Sen
ate this week, Will be passed also b. the
House. While this measure too IS OBJ
posed by those who are in favor of no
trust legislation the special opposition
to it docs not come from the Standard
Gil Company, because it is explained.
that corporation has grown beyond any
effects the enforcement of such llgisla-
tion might have upon it. The President.
it is understood, regards the Elkins bill!
as essential to a rounding out Of the
administrations plan for antitrust leg
~islation and it is believed by those in
close touch with him and with tie con-
ditions in Congress that it may be en-
acted into law.
Tonight the efforts being made to de-
ledt " ehldSculaIe pending a-e.i-t~usr
legislation formed the basis of some
animated conferences. Indeed The sub
ject is likely to be developed in some do
tail in Congress. One of the racfpients
Of the telegram signed by John d
Rockefeller said:
\ such formidable weapon ever ha-
been put in the hands Of one man hv an
other in a legislative contest as was MT |
in my hands by the sender of that tel,-
gram. If necessary, will rise in nv
place In the Senate and read it. Then
We will see whether any votes are to be
recorded against the legislation at which
these efforts are being directed.