The Washington herald., 1908-04-03
HITS AT PAPER TRUST
Speaker Cannon Seeks In
formation as to Monopoly.
PUTS IT UP TO BoNAPARTE
Uncle Joe Introduces Two ResoIu-
tiOns Asking Facts Concerning Op-
eratiOns of International Paper
COmpany-Mnkes Statement Re-
garding His Action in the Matter.

Speaker Cannon yesterday introduced
two resolutions in the House. which fore
shadow an effort which is TO be made at
this SESSION to remove the duty from wood
pulp and print paper
The resolutions took the form OF dlrec-
tions TO the Attorney General and the
Secretary of Commerce and Labor to fur
nish information to the House in regard
TO the operations Of the International Pa
per Company. OF New York. and other
corporations engaged in the manufacture
or sale Of wood pulp or print paper.
The Attorney General is directed by one
resolution to inform the House what steps
have been taken to investigate the So
called paper trust. and to prosecute It as a
combination in violation Of the antitrust
law. The Secretary of Commerce and
Labor is directed to send to the House
information as to steps which may have
been taken 20 investigate the trust by the
Bureau OF Corporations, as authorized by
law.
Mr.. CannOn's Statement.
Speaker Cannon was asked what was
sought to be accomplished by his resolu-
tons, and his reason for introducing
them. In answer 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 VIII
son law, and the DingIey law, covering a
period Of eighteen years. II Is claimed
that the price OF this article has been
advanced within the last few months.
iarQeIv mara tho, ac,,o1 - ~. A.
"The publishers of the United States,
represented by Mr.. Herman Rldder. claim
that the manufacturers OF wood pulp and
print paper have. by agreement and COM
bination. even covering arrangements with
Canadian manufacturers, arbitrarily limit
ed the production and advanced the price
Of print paper.
IF the claim OF the publishers Is cor
rect, then the manufacturers OF print
paper are subject 10 penalty. and the
trust can be dissolved and enjoined by
proceedings I'm equity in any OF the
United States courts where they. or any
OF them. can be found; and If the claim
OF the publishers is correct, the advance
in the price Is not due to the duty. bu,
results from the illegal trust and com
bination. II the small duty were repealed
II would not interfere with the Illegal
trust agreement.
The object of the two resolutions IS 10
ascertain what investigation the Depart
ment OF Commerce and Labor through the
bureau OF Corporations has made, II any
touching the premises.
Secondly. 20 ascertain what steps have
been taken by the Department OF Justice.
II any, 10 investigate touching the prem
ises, and II there is reason to believe that
the law has been violated, or is being
violated what steps are being taken 10
enforce the same"
Discussed on Floor.
A little discussion Of the paper and pulp
tariff pertinent TO the Speakers resolu-
tons occurred Representative Clark. OF
Missouri. said he desired TO call atten-
t!on of the Republican editors and pub
fishers so actively agitating FOR a repeal
OF the duties 20 the fact that thirteen
men, the twelve Republican members OF
the Committee on Ways and Means. arls
the Speaker. were responsible for the
failure 20 pass the bill
IF they are worth the powder 70 blow
them up" he added. they'll roast these
thirteen men till they agree to repeal that
bill. II they don't. they ought 70 hold
their peace and vote for us in November. 3"
Representative Bates, or pennsylvania.
asked Mr.. Clark II he believed there
would be reduction OF the price Of paper
If the duty were removed.
Il do" he replied.
Does the gentleman know that the
price Of print paper reached the lowest
figure ever known several years ago. aft
er the enactment Of the Dingley bill?''
Il do not Clark replied, and added:
( And ] don't believe these figures on the
subject sent out by the Census Bureau,
either
How He Knew.
Mr.. Bates-Well I do
Mr.. Clark-How do you know?
Mr. Bates-Because. as half owner Of
n daily DoDar bo,,cyt+ ,,rfrt 49,, -. , n