davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
SHOULD The Law BE Mop1F1rD,


There are indications that an effort
will be made in the next congress to
modify the antitrust law of 1890. An
eastern paper, somewhat disposed to
Sherman act was a reckless and danger
Gus piece of legislation and that "the
only safety, the only protection, is to be
found In an amendment of the act re-
quiring that before contracts can be an
nulled, corporations dissolved and busi-
ness destroyed, some proof must be ad-
duced that under the powers obtained
by combination wrongful and oppres-
slve acts have been committed, extor-
innate charges imposed and that a pol
icy not potentially but in fact contrary
to the public interest has been pur-
sued" This view is precisely in accord
with the position taken by the Northern
Securities company, which urged that
nothing had actually been done con-
trary to the public interest. The an
swer OF the court to this contention was
that whatever the motives that
prompted the merger, the securities
company had acquired a power which
enabled it to do those things which the
law forbids and therefore was illegal.
Obviously II the question of motive
were to be considered any combination
could evade the law by simply declar-
ing that 1t was intended, as was said in
behalf of the securities company, to
benefit the public.
There is another phase of the matter
however. that seems worthy Of serious
consideration. This is that the law as
judicially interpreted makes no dis
elimination between reasonable and un,
reasonable restraints of trade 1t has
been suggested by Attorney General
Knox that the antitrust act should bt
so modified as to forbid only unreason
able restraints Of trade and Mr.. Beck
who made the chief argument for tn,
government in the securities case, con
CURED IN this view, It has heretofor,
been noted that in the joint traffic cas-,
four OF the justices of the suprem,
court Of the United States, in a dissent
ing opinion, held that the anti-trus
law was intended to apply only to un
reasonable restraint Of trade. 1t is thi
point that will very likely be urge,
upon the attention of the next congress
and an amendment proposed in lin
with the suggestion of the attorne
general and the dissenting opinion O
the supreme court justices in the toIu
traffic case.
1t is urged that such a modifcatio
of the law would probably not in tn
least impair its value in relation to tn
great combinations, while it woul
! remove from it's application those CO.
porations which it could be easil
shown do not work an unreasonabl
, restraint Of trade. although they ma
to some extent interfere with free con
petition. There is no doubt that at pre
/ ent there is very general popular sati
t faction with what is known as n
n sherman act and II is certain the
J. would be strong opposition 10 any m
n terial modification Of the law. Befo
II II can be admitted that the construct,
e now given It makes the seope of :,
4 law more extended than is really no
IS essary for the proper protection of n
pubic interests. the trust magnates w
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
Trusts and the Merger Decision.
Washington Star.

Washington Star.
VIII the antitrust decision stick2 The
trusts say not. 1t interferes, they declare,
with the legitimate business development
of the age. Carry the principle asserted at
st. Paul to its logical conclusion, and we
shall soon have despotism or chaos. This
sounds familiar. We have been hearing 1t,
indeed, ever since the trust issue was
raised. We have been told all along that
the trusts are the friends, not the enemies
Of mankind; that we must look to them for
services Of far-reaching Importance to
mankind which no other agency can render,
The public, however, has not been con-
vinced, and now some eminent judges, after
hearing argument, agree with the public
For a time, at least, trusts will be the
paramount issue.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

Canada is showing a determination to
more fully protect her industries, par
ticularly in iron and steel. There has
for some time been an active agitation
for increased protection and although
the government does not contemplate
general revision Of the tariff at this
time it is pledged TO the imposition Of
duty on steel ,rails as soon as they
can be manufactured there in sufficient
quantity to meet the home demand.
This will probably be in the near fu-
ture. There is now one extensive steel
rail plant in operation and another
about ready to be put in operation, so
that in the opinion of those engaged
in this industry it will be only a short
time until Canada will be producing
all the steel rails which that country
will require.
This is understood to be the initial
step in a policy Of promoting the devel-
opment Of the iron and steel interests
of the Dominion, to be followed as con-
ditions shall render expedient with other
duties. There is being shown a very
active interest in this branch of in
dustry, several companies with large
capital having been organized within
year for it's promotion. That more
progress has not been made is due
largely to American competition, but
the pressure upon the government for
protection against this competition is
so strong that 1t can hardly be much
longer resisted. One prominent manu-
facturer voiced what is undoubtedly the
general sentiment In the iron and steel
industry in saying that it is the part
of wisdom to encourage to the fullest
possible extent outlets for the utiliza-
ton of Canadian-made pig iron in the
home production Of every line of fin
ished material that Canada uses.
That this is the true policy for that
country will not be doubted by any
American believer in the principle OF
protection. Having the raw material
Canada should utilize 1t in building up
her industries, thereby creating a home
market for her agricultural producers
Canada has had a fair measure of pros
perity during the last few years. She
has increased her foreign trade and hel
domestic commerce has grown mate
rally, but the country advances slowly
in population and this will be the case
until her industries are more exten
sively developed. OF course Canada IL
at a disadvantage industrially because
Of her proximity to the United States
but this is not an absolutely insur
mountable impediment to her progress
Canadians are still .cherishing the hop,
Of reciprocity with the United States
and there is talk of efforts being mad,
TO reconvene the Joint high commission
with view to considering reciprocit!
proposals, but there is not at presen
any promise that such negotiation
would be successful.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
UNDERTAKING. A LARGE CONTRACT.
Federation of old Maids Scheme to
Discourage MatrimOny.
Chicago Tribun,

Chicago Tribune. a
There have been formed of late societies
for the discouragement of suitors, for the
encouragement OF bachelors, for the per-
secution of bachelors, for the pro-
motion Of large families, for the encourage
ment of small families, for the advance
ment of mothers, and for the repression of
fathers. OF all the movements yet started
for the purpose of discouraging marriage
and encouraging race suicide that inaugu-
rated by the Old Maids Association Of
Western New York is distinctly the most
formidable.
II will, in the first place, be a matter Of
some surprise that there should be a state
organization of old maids. AS there is one,
It will not be a matter Of surprise that its
principal If not It's only object is the pro-
motion Of celibacy. The modus operandi Of
the new society is unique. Its members
propose TO collect the details of every case
Of domestic infelicity they can discover,
such as ife-beating, desertion, separation.
divorce and scandal, and send this delect-
able information to all the Young Women's
Christian associations and girls seminar
| les and colleges in the country. In this
way they hope to discourage marriage OF
course, such large and active association
| can pick up a choice and we'll assorted
mass Of information, as well as all the
scandal that is going and In the course of
even a few days might flood a Young
woman's Christian association resort with
extraordinary literature.
The enthusiasm which inspired the old
maids is shown by the fact that Amelia
Higginson, the president. subscribed $1,000;
Abigail Bean $1,000, and the other men,
bers sums from 800 to $1,000 The old
maids have undertaken a task as hopeless
as Mrs. Partington's efforts to sweep back
the rising tide from her doors. Matrlmouy
will continue In spite of separations and
| and sshupnan
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
AS SEEN BY FOREIGNERS.
The American workman at Work
and at Home.
Philadelphla Ledger.

and at Home.
Philadelphia Ledger.
The report of the committee Of British
workmen who came to this country 10
study the condition of the workers Of the
United States we commend to the perusal
of the persons, II there be any, who are
not already convinced that the American
workmen are in a class apart. The twenty
three British workers, who represented
various leading Industries, were naturally
inclined to view conditions here with a
critical eye, and perhaps there is something
In the comment by Mr.. steadman. repre-
senting the Parliamentary Committee of
the Trades Union Congress-, that the Brit
ish workmen cannot be surpassed for solid
and we'll finished work. The unanimous
conclusion of the committee that the Brit
ish workman has nothing to learn from his
American brother is a statement, however,
wholly at variance with almost all previous
opinion on the subject.
1t has been generally understood that
the American workman is quicker, more
adaptable to circumstances, not so set
and mechanical" has more initiative, re-
source, more ambition and does more work.
And the main conclusion OF Mr.. Moseley,
who brought the committee over here,
strengthens that view.
He says the American workman has
better education, and we believe the con-
sensus of opinion is that he is a more In
telligent, forceful and original, and, in all
respects a higher grade man. But, dis
regarding the opinions of the committee On
our corrupt politics, gambling, the wor-
ship of the dollar in Chicago, and other
things, we come to the main point stated
by Mr.. Moseley, that the American work.
man sis infinitely better paid, housed. fed
and clothed, and, moreover, is much more
sober than the British" We learn that
the American employer treats his work.
men better than the British employer, and
another tribute to American industry, ex-
planning much of our progress, is the
"hankering for the latest machinery and
the best methods" In America there is no
deep seated opposition to machinery and
the latest methods. as in England, where
the workman stands in his own light
From all which we may draw the con-
clusion that the American workman Is
| infinitely better off, because capitalists
and workmen are more intelligent. Our
| natural resources and riches contribute
materially to our industrial advance, but
| over and above that we have developed
| higher efficiency. The worker is better
fed and housed, and, therefore, he is a
| better man; he is a more intelligent man
and, therefore, he educates his children
And the result is convincing testimony to
the economy OF high priced labor as the
cheapest and most efficient in the struggle
for Industrial and commercial supremacy
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
Gives Us the Names.
New York Times dnd. dem,

New York Times dnd. dem)
The democratic party, as 1t approaches
the campaign year, is In the fortunate and
unusual position Of having In It's ranks
half a dozen men who are available for
the nomination. Republicans have often
made the democracy unhappy by the de-
risory reminder that 1t had but one candi-
date. Now the names Of several candidates
worthy Of the nomination and At to be
trusted with the great responsibilities Of
the presidency are in the thoughts and
upon the tongues of the people.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
commission

If Howell were really entitled to all
those bouquets now showering upon him
by the democratic organ, why was it
that the editor of that paper exerted
himself so strenuously before the con-
vention against his nomination, urging
that he was not a fit man to be mayor
or even to be the democratic candidate
for mayor2 has he become less tainted
with corporation subserviency since his
nomination than he was before itI Or
has the corporation antipathy Of the
World-Herald grown less2 Or was It
simply shamming as usual?
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The new German minister may be en-
barrassed over the fact that his recent
advent into Washington win put him
Tar TO the rear in the procession OF dip
lomats az ST. Louis, but the German
population there win reassure him later
with ample evidence that he is in one
American city that retains close com
muniOn with the fatherland II 1t takes
a whole brewery to do Il
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

Councilman LObeck went right to the
front for the gas company when the
snap resolution to extend the street
lighting contract eight months ahead of
its expiration was sprung in committee,
and he will doubtless be found voting
for this job when it is formally pre-
sented in the council. II he should be
by chance elected city comptroller, the
gas company would have a friendly
Indian checking up the accounts on
which its annual franchise royalty to
the city is computed.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The petition for the boomer mayor
which was advertised to contain thou
sands of signatures disclosed when
filed with the city clerk only about 700
names. But this is a good example Of
boom methods of imitation.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

Ed Howell is the man most RESPONSE
BILE for the insertion into the charter Of
the exemption clause by which the rail-
roads entering Omaha have unloaded
hundreds Of thousands OF dollars Of city
taxes onto the shoulders of the unprivi-
legged property owner. Yet he has the
nerve to proclaim himself Il champion
OF equal taxation.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

Having broken his rule to confine his
free distribution of surplus wealth to
library endowments, Andrew Carnegie
ought to have less difficulty in putting
into practice his preachment about the
man being disgraced who dies over
burdened with riches.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

II the decent people who have been
besieging Governor Mickey for the past
ten days trying to instruct him as to
his duties in the appointment of the
new police board, are to be believed.
there are very few decent people in
South Omaha.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The death of the originator Of the
"Gin Hickey" clears the field for some
one else to make himself famous by
mixing a new decoction that will touch
the popular palate.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The Benson fakery has played its
trump card in red letters by calling at
tention to the fact that Mickey Mullen
is not for Benson, that Tom Dennison is
not for Benson, and that gamblers and
pickpockets are not for Benson. If
this is the best that can be said for
Benson it is not very much. During the
Nebraska prohibition campaign the op-
ponents of prohibition were reminded
Of the fact that gutter snipes, yagrants
and criminals of all classes were op-
posed to prohibition and, therefore,
everybody who was opposed to prohi-
bition was either a gutter snipe, a va
grant, burglar or a murderer. By the
same line of reasoning no honest man
can vote for Benson because some of
the most rotten politicians and motor.
ious boodlers In Omaha are shouting
for Benson. The fact that Mr.. Benson
has been personally electioneering In
the prescribed district with Vic Walker
as his chaperon and soliciting the votes
of divekeepers would seem to justify
the conclusion that 1t is not morals but
votes Mr.. Benson is fishing for.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The candidate Of the reform purifiers
does not hesitate to invade the citadel
Of vice in his quest for votes with an
advance agent to promise for him a
liberal administration. How does this
strike the deluded reformers who have
been persuaded to follow Mr.. Benson
on the theory that his election would
mean an end to liberal administration? {?
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

General Funstons answer to the
charges OF cruelty against the FilipinOs
preferred against him is a challenge for
investigation by a court Of inquiry, but
the War department authorities do not
think the matter Justifies such action.
General Funston has been fairly quiet
for the last few months and II he win
agree not to indulge in any more reek-
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
that Illinois leg

Perhaps that Illinois legislature is
trying simply to give few object les
sons for the benefit Of Uncle Joe Can
non. who is to be speaker of the next
house of representatives. and who is
an Illinois man himself.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
senator Hanna's Sincerity.
Indianapolis Journal.

Senator Hanna's speech. on the labor
question will add greatly to the respect and
esteem In which he is held A few years
ago he was the worst abused man in the
country; now he is one Of the most popular.
The manner in which he expresses himself
on the labor question leaves no doubt as to
the sincerity Of his convictions
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

Benson's boomer record win scarcely
commend him as q safe man to admin
lister the affairs Of a municipal corpora
ton like the city of Omaha with more
than 500, 100000 worth of property.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

Lieutenant Governor Lee of Missouri,
who has been squirming under threat
of grand Jury investigation into some Of
his transactions with the boodling leg
islative lobby, declares that he is done
with politics forever. After the way he
has acted under fire he might as well
quit politics, for the politicians will GER
tainly have done with him.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

President Roosevelt would doubtless
gladly sign testimonial that two weeks
in the Yellowstone park is better physic
for tired man than all the drug store
concoctions ever invented.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

1t win be pretty hard to make people
believe that the administration Of
municipal affairs under Frank e. Moores
is wasteful and extravagant when the
tax bills for the current year are COM
ing in with smaller figures than ever
before In the history of Omaha since 1t
attained metropolitan proportions.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The new Chinese minister shows his
diplomacy at the start by seizing his
first opportunity in a public speech to
tell how finely America impresses him.
The Chinese may express 1t differently,
but they know that more international
hies are caught with sugar than with
vinegar.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
Pinch of III-Gotten Gains.
st. Louis Republic.

81, LOUIS REPUBLIC.
Boodling developments have shed a new
light on the proverbisl truth concerning a
fool parting with his money, and have
shown also that the fellow who parts with
1t is not the only fool. Bad money burns
all hands
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
western HospitaIIt,
Raltimors American.

Baltimore American.
II there are any honors that have not
been conferred or are not about to be con-
ferred upon the president by the western
people It Is because they haven't thought
Of them yet.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

Silver has gone up to 52.1 cents per
ounce. But that does not make the
silver In a dollar worth 30 cents yet
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

1t is in accord with the eternal fitness
of things for political boomers to do
their blowing through fakery. Like
master like man.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The investigation of alleged fraudulent
practices in the postofflce departments
seems to be getting pretty close to the
fusing point.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The alleged enthusiasm among demo
Gratis for Ed Howell has not yet mani
tested itself In the present campaign.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

First Doupe-Have you seen the new
cigarette music box2
Second Doupe-No; what is it7
First Doupe-Every time you put 10 cents
in the slot you get a pack OF cigarettes and
the machine plays Nearer, My God, 10
Thee."-New York Sun.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
Fatally Handicnpped.

st. Louis Globe-Democrat
The sentiment in opposition to race sui
eide has at least put David B. Hill out of
the running.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

The Broatch police board is notoriously
a corporation creation. 1t was named
by John N. Baldwin of the Union Pa
cidc law department In conjunction with
Dave Mercer as the corporation candi-
date for congress. One of the police
commissioners, who is retained as the
paid lawyer Of the Thomson-Houston
electric lighting monopoly, is the cor
poration candidate for city attorney on
the democratic ticket. The whole power
of the board under Broatch and Sprat-
len is being exerted to defeat Mayor
Moores. Spratlen, who is on the pay
roll Of the Burlington as its chief lobby
list, is the political manager for Ed
Howell, while Broatch is pretending to
shout for Benson and working for
Howell. If you want to know how the
corporations stand, keep your eye on
the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES police
| commission
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

ct see that a Chicago judge has Just be-
come father for the thirteenth time"
my graciousl And is It possible that
such man still finds time to devote him
self to the settling of other peoples trou-
bles Record Herald.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

"Yes." said Henpeck, "the thing that i'm
pressed me most in Egypt was the mummy
of one OF the ancient queens"
What was remarkable about it?'
''The fact that they could make her dry
up and stay that way."--Philadelphia
Press.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
WHITFIELD TO A POINT.

Teacher-wilfred. name the four seasons
OF the year.
wilfred-Golf, base ball. yachting and foot
ball.-New York Sun. ..F
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

STATEMENT OF CIRCULATION.
State of Nebraska, Douglas County, SIS:
George b. Tzschuck, secretary or Inc Bee
Publishing Company, being duly sworn,
says that the actual number OF tull ana
complete copies OF The Daily, Mornlne,
Evening and Sunday Bee printed during the
month OF March. 1905. was as folowsi
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

less interviews the public will be in
cllned to call the incident closed.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

What do you think of that anonymous
letter."
I'm my opinion" answered Miss Cayenne,
'the fact that Il is anonymous is slightly
to the authors credit. He at least had the
decency to be ashamed OF it,"-Washing-
ton Star.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25
you sold anything 70

Brakeman-Haven't you sold anything 20
that bridal couple back there2
Train Boy-Nawl That ain't no bridal
couple. Just before we struck the tunnel
the feller got up an went TO the other
end of the car to get a drink Of water
Chicago Tribune,
Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-25

According to the story, an American
heiress Is engaged to a member of one of
the most ancient families in Italy-so an
Client, in fact, that It is mentioned In
Dante's Inferno"
'In the 'InfernoT Say that italian must
feel like the man who said he had friends
In both aces.n-Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-06-27
Origin of Letters.

We are OH the verge of discovery
which will affect no ones happiness on
habits. but which has an unparalleled
academic interest. Sir John Evans re-
markable finds in Crete have already
been noted i'll these columns. The writ
ing upon the clay tablets from KnOssos
has been thought to show that letters
We're evolved from picture writing on
Cretan soil about four thousand years
ago. This. as we have observed, would
give to Europe the credit attaching TO
the most powerful weapon of civiliZa
ton; for the letter is mightier than the
battery. But possibly we shall have to
bow To the east after all, for now the
same inchoate alphabet has been found
at Boeotia and the question arises wheth-
or Crete or BoeOtia was the first. When
that is settled we must search phoenicia
and Egypt for the germ of the idea.
Meanwhile we may back the English ex-
plorer of Crete against the German stu
dent of Boeotia. And the classical launt
against the BoeotianS is turned against
the scorner-L london Chronicle.