Middletown transcript., 1905-02-04
BEEF TRUST
is CRUSHED
Unanimous Decision Declares
1t an Unlawful Combine
MAY BE HEAVILY PUNISHED

| WASHINGTON, ID. c., Jan. 30th.-Pro-
badly the most decisive and far-reaching
victory ever won by the Federal Govern
ment in legal proceedings against Trust
was scored to-day, when the Supreme
Court handed down unanimous decision
sustaining the validity of the injunction
granted by Judge Grosscup, of Chicago,
against the Beef Trust.
The scope of the decision as well as its
unanimity gives the keenest satisfaction
to the Administration, whose hands are
greatly strengthened thereby for dealing
with other similar combinations in re-
straint OF trade which are now under in
vestigation by the Department of Justice
or the Department of Commerce and La
Dor with view to beginning legal pro-
ceedings against them.
1t is believed by members of the Ad-
ministration that the general moral ef-
feet of to-day's decision will be marked
and salutary in fields other than those
Immediately covered by it through the
demonstration it affords that the Federal
Government has in its hands weapons
which can reach even the strongest and
most adroitly conceived and managed
combinations of men who seek to estab-
lish practical monopolies in any line of
commerce.
Now for Criminal Proceedings
1t is the understanding, moreover, that
the Government is fully resolved to follow
up the advantage it gained through the
decision by beginning without delay
criminal proceedings against the chief pro-
moters of the Beef Trust There is no
doubt the Department of Justice and
Labor have in their possession ample
proof that the Trust has continued its
business without change of method, re-
gardless of the injunction issued against
it many months ago by Judge Grosscup.
The agents of the Department of Com
merce who Investigated the Trust last
summer collected mass OF evidence con-
corning its operations extensive enough to
ill freight car.
This evidence shows in the minutest
detail, it is said. the methods the Trust
has pursued in all branches of its business
and establishes the fact that there was no
change in its aims or procedure because
of the Grosscup injunction. The Trust
has gone on violating the law in every
parcticuar, as if no injunction had been
issued against if, not only leaving itself
liable to the penalties provided for such |
violation of the Interstate Commerce
Commission act, but the more severe
punishment visited for fragrant contempt
of Court. y,
Nearly month ago, it is said, the Ad- |
became convinced that the
Supreme Court would uphold the validity |
of the Grosscup injunction. Steps were |
taken looking to immediate further pro-
ceedings against the Trust when the de-
cision was handed down. District Attor-
ney Bethea,. of Chicago, was called to
Washington and spent two days here in
with the President and At
torney General Moody. The purpose, of
these consultations, it is understood, was:
to prepare the way for criminal proceed
ings against the chief promoters and ac-
tive managers of the Trust.
Z Attorney General Moodywould not say
this afternoon what further steps the
would take in the case, but
it is the general belief here that move
along the lines indicated will be made
speedily. The Administration has been
placed ina position great advantage to
deal crushing blow to all Trusts by to-
days decision, and if it does not follow it
up by closing in for a final struggle with
the gigantic Beef Combine, there will be
general surprise.
Effect of the Decision