The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1903-02-13
OIL MEN ARD ON DECK
"COal Oil Johnnie" WOuId In.
HueDce Legislation.
rockefeller Sends TeIegrams to
prominent Senators TO Defeat
the Antitrust Bill.

washington, Feb. NO lesssthan ak
united States senator's have received
teiegrams signed "John d. Rockefeller "
urging that no antitrust legislation be
enacted. 1t has not been possible To oh.
tam copy OF these dispatches. which il
can De said are practically identical
Substantially they read as follows:
we are opposed to any antitrust
legislation. Our counsel, Mr.. will
see you. 1t must be stopped"
As stated these telegrams (and il must
De clear that only the substance and NOT
the exact wording is here given) were
signed John d. Rockefeller
Yesterday morning one of the counsel
lOr the Standard Oil Company arrived in
Washington and called immediately ON
members OF the senate. as indicated in
the telegram. He did not remain long
Scarcely had he made known his business
when he was informed, bit curtIy that
his presence here was undeeirahIe and
he lett with an iDtimation that he wonId
return to New York.
During the afternoon information con-
corning the receipt of the message leaked
out and became the subject of some
quick cloakroOm discussion at the SEN
ate. The news also reached the bouse
some OF the prominent represpntatives
learning the gist of the dispatches Then
10 oecame known that this was not the
nrst time the Standard OIL COMPANY.
Jhfough Its attorneys, had endeavored
20 influence legislation in congress at
thls session. The attorneys for the com
pany, it is said, had opposed vigorously
the enactment OF the measures submit
TED by Attorney General Knox to the
subcommittee of the house judiciary
committee
subsequently, when what is known as
the Littletield bill was reported to the
house, 1t can be stated on the best au-
thorlty, the Standard Oil Companv's
counsel began to devote their attention
particularly TO the Nelson amendment
to section OF the department of COM
merce bill. The amendment, which con-
talns practically the publicity features
OF the Knox antitrust bill, they did not
want Incorporated in the measure; and.
1t Is stated, used their utmost efforts. to
prevent it's favorable consideration. They
were unsuccessful, as the bill with
that amendment was agreed upon unani-
mously today by the conferees OF the two
branches OF congress.
The action Of the conierees was re-
ceived with satisfaction, it is understood.
by the officials Of the administration. as
it is regarded as long and essential
step toward the kind of antitrust legis-
lation that both the president and At
tOrney General Knox believe will he
It is sud that is the sort Of
legislation that the Standard Oil Com
Gn vim 4
1t hoped might be headed off or emas-
through the appeals made to
before it reached the stage of
actual passage.
Tonight the efforts being made to de-
feat or emasculate pending antitrust
legislation formed the subject for some
animated conference. Indeed, the sub
Iect is likely TO be developed in some de-
tail IN congress. One OF the recipients
OF the telegram signed bv John d. Rocke-
teller said
"No such formidable weapon ever has
been put into the hands of one man by
another in an executive contest as was
put IN my hands by the sender of that
telegram. If necessary, | will rise in my
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"
Oil Lnbricates Wheels.
Washington, Feb. 9.-The opposition
Of the Standard Oil company has made
the carrying out of the Presidents trust
absolutely certain. In con-
of the disclosures in connection
with the alleged Rockefeller telegra m, the
conference report on the department OF
bill will be agreed to, and this
will introduce into federal statutes the
publicity principle for which the president
has cOntended. Furthermore, the house
will pass the EIkins interstate commerce
bill IN relation to rebates, and an extra
session will thus be avoided.
There is great deal OF mystery sur
rounding the Rockefeller telegrams. and
many senator's doubt their authenticity,
as they believe Rockefeller is too adroit
to resort to such open methods of inhu-
encing legislation. 1t is learned on good
that Senators Allison, Aldrich,
SpoOner and Lodge were among those
who received copies of this telegram, al
I hnuOh Dnnp nf thaDo yziII cd