The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-08-26
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continued from rage OneD
nearly all not only realized that the coun-
try was making tremendous strides by
material development but also that each
individual had some part In ". They
knew. at least most of them did, that
very large fortunes were being realized
by some individuals-fortunes more colos-
sal than had been accumulated during a
like period at any other time In the
worlds history. However. they were not
envious. because the majority supposed
them 10 have been honestly earned. IL
had been no part OF American spirit or
the American education te envy those ~Ae
had been the more successful.
At a time when our prosperity seemed
greatest and our enjoyment OF the mate
rial things OF life was most general. sud
denly the righteous wrath OF the people
became stirred. and Justly stirred. by the
unwelcome discovery that at least some
Of the large fortunes had not been fairly
gained Revelation followed revelation In
quick succession OF transactions In the do
main OF high finance by which a few/hsd
been enabled TO add TO their store q the
expense Of the many
DEMAGOGIC DEMANDS.
The occasion thus presented called for
a careful study OF the situation by those
engaged I'm statecraft Many there were
doubtless who attempted 10 perform this
duty. Their purpose was 10 ascertain
how wrongdoing became possible and
whether due In some part to direct legis-
lation improperly procured. 10 inadequate
or to a failure 20 enforce ex-
istina law on the part OF those charged
with the duty OF Its enforcement.
But those charged with this duty both
because OF official obligation and from
love OF country, were not permitted to
work out these problems thus presented
In that quiet and orderly way which
should characterize a government OF law.
Indeed when they had scarcely be-
gun the task which the situation de-
volved upon them. the demagogues OF
the country. seeing their opportunity.
seized IT, They filled the land with
not only OF those who
had been wrongdoers, but OF all cor
porate interests OF every kind. II
mattered not to them that the great
trunk lines Of railroad contributing
so largely to the magnificent and uni
form development OF the country. the
street surface railroads. adding so
largely 10 the comfort and convenience
OF n vast contingent OF our population,
the great manufacturing plants, bear
ing their part In making up the wealth
of the people. and many other indus
tries requiring large amounts OF capt.
tai. could not have been built at all
but for the device of the corporation.
some instances hundreds OF thousands
OF persons to unite In the construction
and operation OF a single great under
taking. For their purpose was not the
patriotic one OF discovering and apply
ing remedies. Instead they sought
power. political leadership and office.
They sought them for selfish advan-
tage. not for the public veal. There
fore. they hesitated not because injus-
tice would inevitably result from their
forays against all wealth whether hon
estly or dishonesty gained. whether
employed for public good or public
harm.
STATE RIGHTS
Remedies OF course they proposed. for
the politician cannot succeed by de-
nunciation alone. Some of them ap-
parently oblivious of the fact that the
powers conferred upon congress by the
federal constitution are enumerated
powers. and that all other powers are
by that instrument reserved 20 the
states and to the people. professed TO
see In the assumption OF federal control
OF corporations. the true remedy
In the circumstances 10 which have
OF necessity made but brief and In
adequate allusion. the legislatures OF
many OF the states assembled That
the majority OF their members were
animated by good purposes. 7 doubt
not Naturally they wished 20 meet
what seemed 10 them the honest de.
sire OF their constituents. that all
abuses be remedied. But the majority
had neither the time nor the training
10 enable them in one short session.
crowded with hundreds OF bills 20 go
TO the bottom OF so vast n subject.
Hence they were unable 10 say whether
certain abuses were due 20 the made
quacies OF law or TO the failure Of the
TO enforce the law. Nor
had they opportunity 10 make such
study OF the bills presented as would
enable each TO determine for himself
each bill was needed or
whether II was prepared on right
ines.
In support OF that assertion. direct
your attention 20 the fact that over
welve hundred bills were passed by the
legislature OF my own state. although
our hundred eighty-four Of them were
prevented from becoming laws by advi-
'ory or other action on the part Of the
governor. What n commentary on hasty
cgislation IL 10 be found In the action of