The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1907-06-07
Natlonal Reform Movement.

The national movement every
where to curb corporate power and
to regulate the actions Of corpora
lions Is significant. 1t is the first
period IN the nations history that It
has accomplished much In this dlrec-
ton Of a general nature, though a
number of specific incidents may be
pointed out, such as the breaking up
OF the louisiana lottery. The pass
age OF the E!kins antitrust law was
inspired by desire to stop corporate
greed but there was little effective
ness until the Republican party I'M
der the leadership Of President
Roosevelt instituted vigorous APP
pllcation OF the law, as well as pass
ed other laws along the same line
Of a helpful and wholesome nature.
And, now, in many sections of coun-
try there are prosecutions of violat-
ors Of the law in respect to imposi-
ton of corporate greed and practice,
with the result that heavy penalties
are being imposed.
The reforms in government along
these lines, constantly kept up, will
in a brief period rid the country of
such practices on the part of corpo-
rations and teach them to respect
the rights Of the people,. The com
bines and corporations will continue
to exist, like all combinations of
capital must exist for the operative
ness of magnitudlnous business, in
dustrial and commercial enterprise,
but their existence will inure to the
advantage Of the people in general
and not so outrageously exclusively
and unjustly to the corporations
themselves as at present. These
combinations of capital properly reg
ulated will then give the country
wholesome stimulus and their work
will be upbuilding to the many and
their benefits shared by all, these
conditions taking the place OF pro-
hibition their present manner Of op-
Grafton infiicts upon opportunity of
the general public to advance and
share the fruits Of the natural and
artificial resources Of the country,
which, in fact, from the very nature
Of our government are more or less
vested in every citizen of the land,
Such situation will not be at all
socialistic nor tending in the direc-
ton Of radicalism. To the contrary
1t will be the establishment Of fair
ness, justice and equity.
These measures of reform, care
fully and zealously pursued, will
bring about a legitimate existence of
combinations of capital, whose use
fulness and value to a community
will prove itself by the stability Of
the combinations, establishing the
highest degree of business integrity
and affording opportunity to the peo-
pie in general TO acquire an in
heritance, or at least the comforts of
life without undue hardship and
even slavery.
Properly restrained from infringe
ment on the rights Of mankind in
general, these corporations Of capt
tai may conscientIously cooperate
with the people to mutual advantage
and there will be plenty in life for
all, as well as mutual profit and
pleasure.
1t is largely this condition, or sit
uation, the national government. to-
gether with a number of state gov
ernmeats, is aiming at and that great
good to all the people and no hard
ship unmerited by corporate wealth
will result none has the temerity to
gainsay, if he be honest with him
self and loyal to his country and
people,