Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-07
By Frederick Boyd Stevenson.
Copyright, 1907. by Frederick Boyd
Stevenson.)

Stevenson.)
1T DON'T believe in trusts
Charles NJ. Schwab said this slow
y and deliberately, as he sat oppo-
site to me the other afternoon at
big table in his private Office in
Trinity building. New York.
Over on Wall street they were pounding
stocks Schwab's face was as placid as a
harvest moon. He had folded his hands
before him like a ceiling painted cherub.
There was glowing color on his skin that
handicapped all previous stories anent Ill
health Like Tom Lawson of Boston,
whose office IS a geological garden of
bronze elephants and a botanical garden
combined. Schwab Is an esthete. even dur
ing business hours. His inner sanctum is
lone in mahogany to furniture and trim,
and the woods blend artstlcally. AS for
Schwab personally. he was groomed like
wedding guest and dressed in the best
Of taste.
II don't believe in trusts" he said
yet you are the original of the cap
tains of industries, are you not?' 1 vent
ured.
The cherub-like hands went midway be-
tween table and chin.
1T is not for me II say that" was the
5uoyant answer.
But the trusts? | Insisted.
oh. yes said he. Il don't believe in
them.
His keen black eyes shone brightly His
face had become eaSer-almost impatient.
He added quickly:
But l do believe in industrial and COM
mercial consultations"
is that distinction without a differ
encc?'
NO; nothing Of the kind. This new
combination should be organized first not
to raise prices: second, not to restrict pro-
luotion"
And Its obiect7"
simple enough. 1t would produce
goods cheaper and extend trade"
AT the same time driving out the small
dealer l INTERCEPTED
He looked at me reproachfully
Il am opposed TO all trusts" he said
These consultations would help trade
not hinder nor kill traders. In the con-
solldaton Of industrial lines for instance
I Is apparent that the big concern can use
)ne plant for one special production. Such
| proposition cannot be considered in a
small private concern. That ought to be
plain to all With this thought in view
you VIII understand how The Industrial
possibilities of America will widen out un-
Ter the proper consolidation. Whenever
Jou restrict these consultations you re-
'Lict these Industrial poss blit.es'
But nave not these very same consolIda-
lions as you call them. resulted In the
ack Of confidence that the American peo-
PIE nave IL your captains o. Industry"
IL You mean the trus;s-I would say
yes. Eut I am not talking about trusts to
eSt-', iIldG tpu or p, gUIatr II, nor to
ais prices. refer to legitimate CONSOLE
Iatlus OF allied interests. They are bust
Aess interests pure and simple"
WHAT effect Is the present agitation
having on these business iacerosts%'
1t is injJring all Of them. 1t is the
'ausr of the furry on Wall street,
But this manipulation OF tablespoonful
ng them or boosting tnen-is nothing
lew,' 1 suggested Has not this very
thing resulted IN a loss OF confidence on
ne part of the people?"
"A stable. well-balanced market always
means confidence. One share Of any stock
~ par is better than two shares at 30
'ents a share man feels no.e secure
with Standard OF at Jtp chan United Steel
1t 81 Now, the very consolidation that
[ am taking about means a secure and
stable market, and that in turn means con-
ddence."
This consolidation IS your idea. then. OF
future industrial advancement in the United
States
Yes that is my idea Of it. OF course. /
believe there will BE- many new methods
in the coming vested interests Of the
country"
will these new methods he brought
about BY the present governmental aglta-
He whirled around in his chair
No
He snapped the word out like boy
snaps a whip at his top. Then his face
was chcrubic again. It resumed the VuasG
Of the full harvest moon. l.. continued in
MS low well-trained voice:
THE methods Will he changed. but not
because Of the fear Of the present ag ia
dion. They will be changed because the
men who are In control Of the Industries
because the men who are in control of the
business OF the country are beginning te
realize that ii Is Cor their own best in
tereSts to change their methods. They
realize lhat the lost confidence OF the peo-
Pile must be regained. To get new bust
ness there must be new methods. But
the new methods will not be brought ABOUT
by the present agitation through fear"
He shook his head decidedly
Self-tnterest; seIf-preserE alton, the de-
sire for expansion will create the new
Methods he added
will the agitation play no part in the
reorganization of the business interests?''
I asked
Yes, in this way" he replied; 1T has
started the men In control of these inter-
ssts TO think These movements brought