The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-12-10

Washington, Dec. 10.-Secretary
Cortelyou, in the first report Of the
department Of commerce and labor,
says: ..s
THE department deals with the
great concerns of commercial and in
dustrial life. To be of service to
these interests it must have their
hearty cooperation and support. 1t
must be department Of business.
1t must be progressive, but at the
same time conservative. It must not
deviate in it's course from the path
way Of justice, strict and impartial.
It must be nonpartizan in the high
est and broadest sense. 1t must rec
ognize no distinction, as between large
and small interests, as between the
affluent or powerful and the humblest
citizen. If it attempts to occupy
field that properly belongs to private
endeavor it will inevitably fail to
realize the high hopes of its present
wellWishers. 1t must adhere r1gldly
to the lines marked out since the
foundation of the government for Ted
eral agencies in executing the Will or
the people. If these general princi-
pies are made effective, if. conserva-
tism and impartiality, coupled with
ever-increasing efficiency, mark its
administration, I cannot but believe
that this new department will be-
come a mighty influence for good in
our commercial and industrial af-
fairs"
Reliable Statistics.
The department aims to furnish the
business world with more prompt,
more complete and more reliable sta
tistical reports upon the various sub
jects of commercial and Industrial in
terest. Special efforts are being made
to extend it's facilities for supplying
foreign trade information, and more
active assistance will be required from
the consular service, Mr.. Cortelyou
says.
1t Is proposed to establish an office
for the collection and distribution of
foreign-tariff information.
Statements of facts and statistics
issued by this department Will be non
partisan. not only in the usual politi-
cal sense of the word, but In the
broader sense of freedom from the
bias of preconceived theories or of
predictions toward or against in
dividuals, associations or organiza-
tons. .... y
BY various publications the depart
ment presents to the public daily,
monthly and annual statements of the
commerce Of the United States and
of foreign countries, bringing to the
attention of those interested oppor-
UTILITIES lOL Idut SAICllo1Oll al SiAS
various quarters of the world. d..
Corporation Affairs. ... -
The organization Of the bureau Of
postponed In the absence of adequate
appropriations.
It is the duty Of the bureau of cor
porations to gather information on the
subject Of interstate and foreign COM
merce, TO investigate the organization
90 Won't of %rN
ations and joint stock com paniesa en-
gagged in such commerce (other thar
common carriers subject to the jur1s
diction of the Interstate commerce.
commission), to report the results O
such Investigations to the presiden
thru the secretary OF commerce am
labor and to compile and publish use
full information concerning corpora
tons engaged in interstate and for
eign commerce, including insuranc
companies. ..... - 80.
The creation Of the bureau wa
viewed by some with alarm, or
least with suspicion. 1t was feare
that the powers granted might b
hastily or inadvisedly used to the in
jury Of legitimate enterprise. No sue
purpose actuated the trainers of tn
law; no such purpose will control it
administration.
Labor and Capital.
The department is empowered to &C
quire and diffuse among the people c
the United States useful informaio
on subjects connected with labor, j
the most general and comprehensive
sense of the word, especially regard
ing its relation to capital. 1t cannc
Interfere on behalf of either employe
or employe in controversies arisin
between them. Its authority wal
rants the department in publishin
any information drawn from cond
tions in this or In other countrie
which will be helpful in bringir
about fuller knowledge and better III
derstanding.
Immigration.
immigration is one of the depar
ment's most important administrator
problems.
The report Of the commissioner gel
eral regarding the fraudulent use
naturalization papers demands serio1
attention. The extent to which sue
frauds are successfully practiced
order to evade the immigration lay
shows clearly the need Of legislation
safeguard more thoroly the method
obtaining citizenship and to prove
the fraudulent use Of certificates
naturalization.