Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1908-02-01

the rate bill, and / believe that the
commission should have the most ample
powers for purposes Of investigation
and supervision and for making rules
and orders which will enable 1t to deal
to the fullest extent possible. within
constitutional limits, with Interstate
transportation in all it's phases. That
is Just policy. The power of Con-
gress to fix rates for interstate trans
portation so as to prevent improper
determinations and to compel carriage
upon reasonable terms is undoubted.
SHERMAN ANTITRUST LAW.
1.-The Sherman antitrust law should
be clarified and made more explicit
The law may be made stronger and
more effective by be ng made more
definite. Sweeping concentrations of
uncertain meaning do not aid, but
rather embarrass the prosecution OF
those who are guilty of pernicious
practises. Combinations and practiseS
in unreasonable restraint of trade ana
(which menace the freedom of inter-
state commerce should be condemned
in precise terms. At the same time
provisions may well be made for int
agreements, under proper circum-
stances, as to railroad rates, when
should be subject to the approval OF
the interstate commerce commission.
Various means have been suggested
of doubtful validity and still more
doubtful utility--to prevent oppression
through the conduct of large enter
prises and to secure the enforcement of
the law against Illegal attempts to mo-
nopolize and the various devices resort
ed to in unlawful restraint of trade
In my judgment, the most effective
course is explicit definition of what is
wrong and adequate punishment of the
eyttiltU Gnrh laNUS Ike lawE In n
eral which are definite and supported
by public sentiment are to very
large extent self-eXecuting. That 49,
they are generally obeyed.
Il am not in favor of punishment in
the shape Of fines upon corporations.
except for minor offenses. The ''urden
of fines imposed upon such corpora
lions is either transferred to the pub
lie or is borne by stockholders, the in
nocent as well as the guilty. Nor am |
impressed by the argument that Amer
lean juries will generally be indis
posed to convict where the evidence Is
clear because the crime is punished by
imprisonment of the Offenders. But If
the law be definite and the evidence
warrants the prosecution of the case to
the jury, 1t is better, in my judgment,
that the responsibility for failure to
convict should lie with the jury than
that convictions should be followed by
penalties which are either inadequate
or bear unjustly upon those who have
had no completely in the offense.
II do not believe in arbitrary action.
We desire prosperity We are anxious
that there should be fair opportunties
for all the workers OF the land, for the
extension OF industry and commerce
and that there should be the widest
diffusion of blessings among n content
ed people.
ITO attain these ends, the rule of the
people must be the rule of reason, and
every effort must be dominated by the
sense of Justice We must he ratien'
impartial and thorough Investigation
must precede action good win must
displace passion; and the sole motiv'
must be to seek the truth and to do the
right.
ASKS NO FAVOR
Fellow Republicans I do not come
before you I'm any spirit of rivalry o
self seeking There are many Repub'
lcans who by virtue OF their charac-
ter and distinguished services ar
worthy of the highest honor the party
can hestow ] ask no favor and make
no claim. | desire that the party shall
act for It's best interest.
1--WE must not underestimate the la
bors OF the next campaign, IL VIII be
hard-fought battle We cannot OK,
pect victory unless we are united and
nothing should be done to imperl sue
cess In this state. / appeal to you IN
the name of the party to which You
are all loyal TO forget every personal
difference and to make the work which
precedcs the campaign a fitting prepar'
alton for the united effort which VIII
be later essential"
The speech OF declaration was FIRE,
uuently punctuated by applause and
cheers from the large gathering Of
club members and their guests, who
stood packed In an immovable body on
the floor Of the reception hall for over
an hour. A reception followed the adj
drnsR.