Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-12-10

| SuSDlClOll. II WIS lIdI luS pow
ers granted might be hastily or mad
visedly used to the injury of Legitimate
enterprise. No such purpose actuat-
ed the trainers of the law; no such
purpose will control its administra-
tiOn.
MANY corporations have been
granted important privileges by the
public, and some of these corporations
through consideration of capital, have
| acquired extensive influence in the in
uustrial affairs of the country. Such
privileges, if used improperly, not only
retard the progress of industry, but
frequently breed corruption in poll
tics. The legislation creating the bu-
reau of corporations was the express
sion of a popular belief that further
safeguards should be provided for the
regulation of business enterprises to
which special privileges have been
granted by the people. Publicity will
disclose unfair dealing, dishonesty,
and corruption; but if properly en-
forced it will not disclose to trade
competitors the fruits of individual
thrift and initiative. nor permit in
any other manner the invasion of
private rights.
No Executive Functions.
The department of labor has no eX-
ecutive functions relative to the settle
ment of labor disputes 1t cannot in
terfere on behalf of either employer
or employee in controversies arising
between them. Whatever enables
either party TO secure necessary in
formation falls within the authority
of law. That authority does warrant
the department in publishing any in
formation drawn from conditions in
this or in other countries which will
be helpful in bringing about fuller
knowledge and better understanding
THE new department should not be
expected to do impossible things. If it
can be helpful to any considerable ex-
tent in improving existing relations
as between employer and employee;
if its publications can furnish facts
from which there may come fuller
understanding; if, having gained the
confidence of the people, it can, from
time to time. point the way to better
feeling and broader views as between
cOntending interests, it viii accom-
plish one of the most benificent re-
suits of its organization"
Must Have CoOpera tIOn.
In concluding his report the secre-
tary says:
The department deals with the
great concerns of commercial and in
dustrial life. To be of service to those
interests it must have their hearty CO.
operation and support. 1t must be
department of business. 1t must be
progressive, but at the same time
conservative. 1t must not deviate in
its course from the pathway of JUS
tice, strict and impartial. 1t must
be nonpartisan in the highest and
Droadest sense. 1t must recognize
no distinction, as between large and
small interests, as between the afflu-
ent or powerful and the humblest citi-
zen. If it attempts to occupy a field
that properly belongs to private en-
deavor it will inevitably fail to re-
alize the highest hopes of its present
well-wishers. 1t must adhere rigidly
to the lines marked out since the foun-
dation of the government for federal
agencies in executing the will of the
people. If these general principles
are made effective, if conservatism
and impartiality, coupled with ever
increasing efficiency, mark its admin
istration, | cannot but believe that
this new department will become a
mighty influence for good in our com
mercial and industrial affairs