The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-12-08
COMMERCE AND LABOR.
Establishment OF Department Marks
Step Towards Control of Trusts.

The establishment OF the department Of
commerce and labor, with the bureau Of
corporations hereunder. marks a real ad-
vance in the direction of doing ali that is
possible for the solution OF the questions
vitality affecting capitalists and wage
workers. The act creating the department
was approved on February IA, 1893 and
two days later the head of the departing Mt
was nominated and confirmed by the SEN
ate. Since then the work of organizat ion
has been pushed as rapidly as the initial
appropriations permitted, and with due
regard TO thoroughness and the broad pur-
poses which the department is designed 10
serve. After the transfer OF the various
bureaus and branches 10 the departme 1T at
the beginning OF TIE current fiscal year, as
provided for in the act. the personnel COM
prisec 1,cS9 employees in Washington and
1856 IN the country a. large. The scope
OF the department duty and authority
embraces the commercial and Industrial
interests Of the nation. 1t Is not designed
10 restrict or control the fullest liberty OF
legitimate business action. but TO secure
exact and authentic information " hich Will
aid the executive in enforcing existing
laws and which VIII enable the congress
20 enact additional legislation, II any
should be found necessary. III order 10 pre-
vent the few from obtaining privileges at
the expense Of diminished opportunities
for the many.
Bureau of Corporations.
The preliminary work of the bureau
OF corporations IN the department has
shown the wisdom Of its creation. Pub
licity in corporate affairs VIII tend to do
away with ignorance, and viii afford
facts upon which Intelligent action may
be taken. Systematic intelligent inVes
tigaton is already developing factsi the
knowledge of which is essential 70 right
understanding OF the needs and duties
of the business world The corporation
which is honestly and fairly organized.
whose managers in the conduct OF its
business recognize their obligation TO
deal square.y with their stockholders.
their competitors. and the public. has
nothing to fear from such supervision.
The purpose Of this bureau is not to en-
barrass or asSail legitimate business. but
20 aid in bringing about a better indus
trial condition. condition under which
there shall be obedience TO law and rec
ignition OF public obligation by all cor
porations, great or small The depart
rlent of commerce and labor Will be not
only the clearing house for inform3 ton
regarding the business transactions of the
nation. but the executive arm OF the
government TO aid in strengthening our
domestic and foreign markets, in perfect
Ing our transportation facilities. in build
ing up our merchant marine. in prevent
ing the entrance OF undesirable iInfni-
grants in improving commercial and in
Gustrial conditions. and in bringing together
on common ground those necessary part
ners IN industrial proGresS-capital and
labor Commerce between the nations
s. steadily growing in volume, and the
tendency OF the times is toward closer
trade relations. Constant watchtulness
chance TO participate to the best advan-
tage IN foreign trade: and we may conf
IDENTITY expect that the new department
Will justify the expectation OF its ere
etors By the exercise OF this watchful-
ness as well as by the businesslike ad-
ministraton OF such laws relating 10 our
internal affairs as are Entrusted TO its
care
In enacting the laws above enumerated
the congress proceeded on sane and con-
servs.kve lines. Nothing revolutionary
was attempted: but a conmon-senSe and
ton OF seeing that corporations are so
handled as TO subserve the public good
The legislation was moderate 1t was
character.Ze throughout by the idea that
we were not attacking corporations. but
endeavoring 20 provide for doing away
tine against misconduct, not against
wealth; gladly recognizing the great
good done by the capitalist who alone. az
tn conjunction with his fellows, does hts
work along proper and legitimate lines
The purpose OF the legislation. which pur-
pose Will undoubtedly be fulfilled. was e
Favor such man when he does well,
and TO supervise his action only 20 pre-
vent him from doing Ill. Publicity can
DO no harm TO the honest corporation.
The only corporation that has cause &c
dread II Is the corporation which shr,Rks
o. such corporations We need not be over
sensitive The work Of the department
OF commerce and labor has been craii-
toned upon this theory. OF securing fair
treatment alike for labor and for capital
Capital and Labor.
The consistent policy OF the national gov
eminent. so Tar as il has Ire power, is &c
hold In check The INSCRIPTIONS man