Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-02
HE SUBMITS RESOLUTIONS
Asks Two Departments if There Has
Been an Investigation.
DESIRES THE FACTS OBTAINED
inquiries if Legal Steps Are Justified
and If Any and What Have
Been Taken.

important action in Congress looking
to investigation of the paper trust was
taken today. when resolutions looking to
an investigation of the trust were intro
duced in the House. The resolutions di-
rect the Department OF Commerce and
Labor. in effect, to report to Congress
what steps have been taken by the de-
partment to inquire into the extortionate
charges for paper alleged by the news
paper publishers of the land.
Speaker Cannon himself introduced the
resolutions. Their authorship. therefore,
gives the resolutions added Importance.
There Is said to be no question that
prompt action will be taken by the House
on the resolutions and that the House
will expect speedy reply from the de-
partment
The newspaper publishers have COM
planned against the monopoly Of the trust.
and have requested of Congress abolition
of the duty on wood pulp. The question
has been raised whether the increase of
prices was chargeable alone to the 10 per
cent protective duty or whether the trust
is proceeding along lines of monopoly
which render it liable to attack under the
antitrust law.
Speaker Cannon's Purpose.
When Speaker Cannon was asked by a
Star man his purpose in introducing the
resolution, he said:
The duty on print paper is Is per cent,
ad valorem. and has been the same since
1880, under the Mckinley law, the Will
son law and the Dingley law, covering a
period of eighteen years. 1t is claimed
that the price has been advanced within
the last few months, largely more than
equal to the duty.
The publishers of the United States
rnn tod h., IN
that the manufacturers of wood pulp and
print paper have by agreement and COM
bination-even covering arrangements
with Canadian manufacturers-arbitr
limited the production and advanced the
price of print paper. If the claim of the
publishers is correct. then the manufac-
turers of print paper are subject to pen
atty. and the trust can be dissolved and
enJoined by proceedings in equity, in
any of the United States courts where
the claim of the publishers Is correct, the
advance In the price is not due to the
duty, but results from the Illegal trust
and combination. If the small duty were
repealed. II would not interfere with
the illegal trust agreement.
The object of the two resolutions is
to ascertain what investigation the De-
partment of Commerce and Labor
through the bureau of corporations. has
made, II any. touching the premises
Secondly. to ascertain what steps have
been taken by the Department of Justice
If any. to investigate touching the prem
1ses, and, II there is reason to believe that
the law has been violated or is being yio-
iateo' ta what steps are being taken to en-
ioiee 'ie Same.
The Resolutions.
The resolutions follow:
Resolved. That the Secretary of Com
merce and Labor be directed. if not in
compatible with the public service to
transmit to the House all papers and in
formation which may be In the possession
of his department relating to any steps
which may have been taken by the bureau
or corporations to make 'diligent In
veStigation into the organization, conduct
and management of the business. of the
International Paper Company of New
York and other corporations joint-stOck
companies or combinations engaged in
the manufacture of wood pulp or print
paper or the sale thereof as said bureau
of corporations is authorized to do by
law of the United States: and all papers
and information In his department which
are the result of such investigation if
any such has been made
Also: Resolved. That the Attorney Cen
eral be directed to transmit to the House.
If not incompatible with the public service
such papers and information as may be
in possession of his department showing
what steps. if any. have been taken to
investigate the action of the International
Paper Company OF New York and other
corporations. joint stock companies or
corporate combinations engaged in the
manufacture of wood pulp or print paper.
or the sale thereof. and what steps have
been taken to prosecute the said corpora
tion OF corporations joint-Stock COM
panies or combinations for violation of
the law i'm case reasons for such Drosecu-
tions may have appeared from investiga-
ton. information from the Department of
Commerce and Labor or otherwise
Proposed for Free List.
Senator Overman of North Carolina
today introduced a joint resolution putting
printing paper and wood pulp on the free
list and asked for it's immediate consider
ation but Mr.. Hepburn objected and on
motion of Senator Gallinger the resolu-
ton was referred to the committee on
finance.
The Republicans Denounced.
Later in the day Representative Champ
Clark (Mo) denounced Speaker Cannon
and the twelve republican members. of
the committee on ways and means for
persisting in their refusal TO bring in a
bill placing wood pulp and white print
paper on the free list. He said that the
republican editors and publishers "if
they were worth the powder and shot to
kill them would lash the Speaker.
Chairman Payne and the other republi-
cans of the committee. IF they don't
do it he exclaimed, they ought to
hold their peace and vote for us in No
vember."