New-York tribune., 1907-09-27
STANDARD OIL BUSINESS METHODS.
Cudgels Taken Up for Them by Mechanic
Correspondent.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: In many of the newspapers and periodicals
we find severe criticisms of the methods OF busi-
ness pursued by John D. Rockefeller and his as
socates, and not in a single instance do we find
a mechanic who will uphold them or say Word
in favor of any course taken by them. l believe
that the TRADE against these gentlemen IS entirely
uncalled for. They have accumulated an I'M
mense amount of wealth. It is true, but has not
that accumulation cost them through their untir-
ing efforts their health, and in many cases their
happiness? They have not Il do not believe) az
any time in their business careers committed an
act that could be rightly considered morally
wrong.
True they have accepted special rates from
railroads, but is not every business enterprise
seeking greater discounts which is practically the
same. only is much larger scale! IL Is
the way of the world that whether a man Is q
mechanic or a millionaire. he who purchases the
larger quantity and pays in the shortest time is
deriving the greater benefits by discounts. What
are the special railroad rates but discounts?
Mr.. Rockefeller. I believe. is a good man. and
his vast wealth has been accumulated not through
crDokedness but through his determination 70
succeed In every business undertaking. some
assert that he has too much wealth. but any one
with common sense knows that when that snow
ball Of success begins roll It must accumulate;
II not 1t will 70 found melting. and another
businass failure IS recorded in the commercial
world ! would much rather see Mr.. Rockefeller
and his constituents manage this immense amount
Of wealth than have the same distributed
among a class who would create business failure
bv their inability to manage same II VIII De
found that business failures are not caused by
accumulation of wealth. some contend, but
entirely by the lack of ability. There are many
Who attempt 70 run a business who are no more
cana he of doing so than our faTaWay reIatFe
Ginger who is now confined in the Bronx Zoo.
II there was less amount OF jealousy In our
hearts and more energy there would De less
TRADE against the men who have encountered anu
overcome the many obstacles in their business
careers A number Of business men (etther stand
ard on rnagnates or members OF Typographical
Union No 81 organize themselves into comoina-
tior or trust I'm order that they can more sue
cessf,IIv compete with competition They sue
coed bv driving TO the wall the weaker conpet-
tors and thereby they show the greater ABILITY
and to the victor belongs the spos' every uTne
am r.lechanic and belong to a labor organi-
zation which 7 consider one Of the most powerfuI
trusts I'm the country and l appreciate the fact
that this organization is great beneht to me ana
all members IN good standing but nevertheless
va are opposed to trusts; but how very 'nconsls-
tent There is not Of the headers OF our or
earizatIons bu. what would willingly resign his
present office to accept n lucrative position with
] D x or any of the trust magnates whom they
1rronrfulIv cali their enemies Now the political
,rust Is wagng a war on the Standard OIL. hoping
tba. they, can gain the confidence Of the American
people for their own selfish purpose and they
will probably succeed among the hnterate ones
hat anv man holding a position OF trust in this
co,,,ir,, who takes advantage Of his office BY
waring war on the successful business man Is
no American for nc is destroying confidence In
the business world and thereby staSnaung the
entire commerce of our country
A MECHANIC AND AMERICAN CITIZEN.
Danbury, Conn, Sept. "a. 1901