The San Francisco call., 1905-01-02
LAYS HIS WHIP
ON The TRUSTS
Thomas B. Walker, Capital
ist, Exposes Dangers Found
in Modern Combinations
UPHOLDS COMPETITION
Considers the Men Who Have
Made Fortunes and Decries
Prejudice Against Them

THE Principles and Methods Of Sue
cessful Business Men" was the subject
of an address by Thomas B. Walker
of Minneapolis, capitalist, philanthro-
pist, land owner and generally success
full business man. at the Y. M. G. A.
yesterday afternoon. The auditorium
was crowded. On the platform were
Edward Coleman, Rolla v. Watt and
the general secretary Of the Y. M. G.
A, Henry j. Mccoy.
In the course Of his address Mr..
Walker said
The modern DEVELOPMENT Of the combination
methods 30 common among all classes, out Of
which the trust has come. is unjustifable in
OF business integrity and fair dealing in other
respects should be blunted to justify
such methods is par with the conduct OF
labor unions. They are both founded on the
same intention Of limiting competition and
taking advantage Of the public-the capitalist
supporting his efforts by means of trade
manipulations and the labor unions adding
direct physical force in enforcing their de-
mands
They are both unwise, unpatriotic and
against the best interests Of the public. 1t
generally are in favor Of trusts. A large part
of them are opposed to such measures.
l have known many who have strongly op-
posed the formation of trusts although they
could have gained largely by giving them
their approval and operation AS one be-
longing TO this class. I can say that have de-
feated several such we'll planned efforts that
would have resulted very profitably to me
from a money standpoint. and my approval
would have enabled the promoter to complete
the combinations
Competition under individualism Is the only
means OF developing higher and better civil
ization and the only source from which man.
kind has been raised from the tribal state to
the present civilization 1t is the only means
by which progress Will be made and the only
safe reliance for the future.
Selfish combinations constitute the great
danger to modern civilization and especially
to free government And every one who lends
"a helping hand to encourage or advance and
enlarge this modern mania is adding his mite
toward the final Generalization OF free govern
ment and best interests OF mankind.
Any one familiar with the modern business
world, whether ''frenzied finance or more
sober and moderate ways and principles of
doing business will admit that many men
handling large financial and industrial inter-
ests are found pracitcing business methodist
that not of the nature Of the golden rule
ways.
step by STEP the men who have accomplished
the best results in industrial and commercial
life, find that, general proposition,
the methods and principles followed have been
more Trustworthy reliable honorable and fair
than those customarily practiced by the gener-
ality of men.
The men who have gained large fortunes are
good will. and as little deserving OF prejudice
against them, any class of men among us.
They are in general reliable, friendly and
helpful In charitable work and public spirited.
and they generally deal with others with fair
ness and honesty.