The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1903-03-24
From the Evil OF the Trusts,
That are Already
Strangling Our
Industries.
The Necessity for Vigorous
Action. Before 1t Is
Too Late.
The Power of the Government
And Its Duty To The People.

The Trust problem is not enough
The people do not suf-
fciently realize it's character, and
are not awake to its tremendous i'm
portance.
As a problem that at least threat
ems great changes in our labor, finau-
cial and social systems, it is worthy
the widest attention; while as a dis
turbing element that threatens to
change all existing conditions of
business; all relations between capi-
tai and labor; and threatens to make
of society, two classes, one the alb
sorbing, controlling and ruling class
and the other the receptive, depend
ent and crushed Industrial class: it
becomes a question of unapproach-
able Importance. And when it is
recognized that trusts. unrestrained,
will eventually control the Govern
ment, and destroy the independence
and liberty of the people, it is ques-
tion of such tremendous import, that
it should have the earnest and i'm
mediate attention of all classes of
society.
1t would be foolish to say that all
combinations of capital or labor are
evil. The best results, the grandest
achievements, the greatest blessings,
come to the world, through combina-
tions to promote the interests of
trade, manufactures, commerce, re-
igion and government.
But the Trust, which by great ag-
gregations of capital, restricts trade
or production; which increases prices
to consumers; and which uses its
power to monopolize trade and bust;
ness; becomes an enemy to the pub
lie welfare, and should be restrained
and restricted, or destroyed, if neces-
sary to promote the public good, and
secure the best interests of the peo-
/ pie. In other words, the Trust shat
works evil should be placed under
Government supervision, for the pub
lie good. The Government has nc
other reason for existing. but to
serve the best interests of the people
And it can never confer on any com.
bination or Trust, any right or privi
lege to carry on any business that
will take from the masses their op
portunities for an honorable liveli
hood, or make them dependent fol
living or happiness, on those who are
more wealthy or powerful.
We may be told that society has
been all wrong, that our civilization
has been wrong, and that our Gov
ernment has been built upon wrong
foundations: that the masses will hv,
better, that the Nation will be mor'
prosperous. If we will foster grea
combinations of capital, which cal
afford to use the best machinery, pa,
for expert talent, employ skille'
labor, purchase on narrow margin
their material, and effect great saw
ings, and thus be able to give tn,
lpeople better products at lowe
lprices than they could otherwise oh
tain. This looks plausible. but VI
find ready, that Trustals do not fulfil
these anticipations; on the contrary
they put down prices only L
run competitors out of business, thei
raise prices; that they first get con
troll of the market, then make tn
public pay higher prices 1t is TIL
old story of human greed and powe
covering its mailed hand till it get
its victim within its grasp.
:. Millionaires do not need more mon
ley to meet their personal and famil,
J wants. They have enough for al
comforts, all pleasures, all necessi
ties, all luxuries, and then have mon
ley to burn. Why, then, do the.
worry their brains and shorten thei
lives, to become multo-millionaires
to organize Trusts and control Gov
ernments? II is because of the lus
of greed and the lust of power.
. But the advocate of the Trust says
there are a few men who are capaci
tated for handling great enterprises
that there are many men who canno
provide for themselves, unless SOM
one gives them work; and that mel
} in civil life, like armies, need grea
lgenerals at their head, to produc,