The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-11
THE BEEF TRUST CASE.

Briefs in the beef trust cases were
filed in the supreme court at Washing
ton last week by Attorney General
Moody for the government and by the
counsel for the packers. In April, 1908,
the federal district court issued an in
junction against the trust. An appeal
was made by the defense to the circuit
court of appeals to have the injunction
dissolved, and was denie by that
court. Now the case has come before
the highest court at Washington on the
plea of the packers to the effect that
the bill of complaint fails to, show a
conspiracy to monopolize trade in dress
ed meats within the scope of the Sher-
man law.
The attorney general says: THAT
there is a conspiracy to control the
market of the nation for fresh meats;
that it does control it; and its control
is merciless and oppressive, are facts
known of all men,"
In commenting on the case the Ro-
chester Democrat and Chronicle says:
There are some large combinations
of business interests and companies
which seem useful and legitimate. In
such cases there is no interference with
the rights of others to do business. no
forced and tyrannical increase of prices
in the necessities Of life to small deal
ers and to the masses Of the people, no
enormous enrichment Of a few persons
at the expense of the many.
But the beef trust is not one of these.
It is one of the meanest and most
odious combines in the country, rank
ing in its baseness and cruel disregard
of the well-being of the people with the
coal operators combine Every family
IN he MT
household in the White House to that
OF the humblest day laborer, has to pay
tribute to this greedy band of conspira-
tors. 1t shows no mercy at either end
of its business, forcing down the prices
of live stock on the one hand that it
may get its goods cheap. thus robbing
the cattle raisers, and forcing up the
price of meats on the other hand that
it may rob the whole people And more
than that, by building and owning its
own cars and exacting special rates
from the railroads it secures absolute
control of the markets through trans
portation facilities and rates, thus
crushing out all competition from less
favored producers
with millions at their command the
packers are able to employ the best
legal talent in the country to fight their
battles in the courts. Private opposi-
ton against such enormous odds would
be hopeless; but in this matter the peo-
pie have their own government, with
it's vast resources and prestige. as
champion, and they have in the presi-
dent and in the attorney general men
who cannot be fntimidated or bribed to
show the combine any favor to which
it is not entitled under the law.
There seems to be no question that
the laws bearing on this gigantic evil
will be found adequate to overthrow it,
at least in it's present FORM The beef
trust. Of course. viii fight to the last
ditch and make the public pay the ex-
pense of the contest; but there is no
appeal from a decision of the supreme
court, and when that arrives It is to be
hoped that it will be so radical and
comprehensive that this trust and any
other like it in reckless and ruthless
greed will be able to find no refuge
from the mandate Of that tribunal"