The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-10-26

grow restless and a good many women
and a few men left the hall
Mr.. Fairbanks urged that people sup
port the Republican party, and send to
congress a representation which viii
support President Roosevelt in his eff
forts to continue the reign of prosperity.
The Sherman antitrust act was dis
cussed by the speaker, and the Elkins
anti-rebate law. He then told Of the
passage Of the railroad rate bill at the
last session Of congress.
Talks About Trusts.
The Republican party which has been
wrongly charged with being subservient
to these great interests, has dealt with
them justly and fearlessly. It can sue
eeSsfully appeal to the record written
In the statutes and in the courts for a
complete vindication of its course. Il
has placed upon the statute books of the
federal government all Of the great
laws which are to be found there bear
ing upon the regulation of corporations
engaged in interstate commerce. In
1887 1t passed the interstate commerce
law, which accomplished large amount
of good It was a decided and import
ant step in advance. The Elkins law,
enacted in 1904, struck at the serious
ton.
The Interstate commerce law and
this act did much to destroy the evils
against much they were directed, and
these evils were largely in the nature of
secret concessions to favortte shippers,
enabling the stronger to succeed at the
expense Of the weaker. The last ses-
sion of congress, deeming what had
been done insufficient, after exhaustive
debate and deliberate consideration,
amended the interstate commerce act in
many particulars, Strengthening it
where It was deficient and supplement-
ing it where additional legislative auth
GRITTY was regarded as necessary so as
effectuafly to cure the generally admit
n
able charges OF transportation.
The party in power was the pioneer
in the enactment Of legislation directed
to the restraint and cure of evils grow
ing out of so-called trusts. President
Harrison, one of the ablest statesmen
who ever occupied the executive Office,
brought the important subject sharply
to the attention of congress in his first
annual message.
Earnest attention. said he,
should be given by congress to the
consideration of the question how far
the restraint Of these combinations of
capital, commonly called trusts is
matter Of federal jurisdiction. When
organized, as they often are to crush
out all healthy competition and to
monOpolize the production or sale of
necessity, they are dangerous con-
spiracies against the public and should
be made the subject Of prohibitory and
even penal legislation"
ACLlIE upon IAG executive EU8RGS-
ton, the Sherman antitrust law was
passed. It condemned all agreements
or com binations in restraint of inter
state trade or commerce and sub
jected offenders to fine and imprison-
ment. It went far to correct the
abuses of which there was widespread
and just complaint
The congress at the same session
in which the Elkins laws was passed,
enacted a measure under which the
advanced and secure speedy considera-
ton Of all cases arising under the in
terstate commerce and antitrust laws.
Owing to the general prevailing inter-
est of the people in these great meas
ures and in order to avoid the denial
of justice which frequently comes
through the laws delay. this whole
some measure for securing a quick
consideration Of cases arising out of
violations of the interstate commerce
and antitrust laws was enacted.
It will thus be seen from this brief
reference to what has been done dur
ing the ascendency OF the party in
power, that it has responded to the
hesitated to enact laws necessary to
safeguard them against the encroach-
ment upon their rights by corpora
lions and com limitations Interested in
interstate commerce. and that It has
not hesitated to amend and strengthen
the laws where experience has shown
the necessity therefor so as effectually
to safeguard wholesome competition
and fair trade and commerce.
Cuba to Be Free.
I'VE have heard that the United States
should hold Cuba said MI Fairbanks.
Il do net agree with that view Of the
ease aeeiaL9o s 1.ksIS5 re
+ ley to declare war upon SPAN
Ny friends We VIII md written il the
: records Of the relations between the Uni-