Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-01

the widespread struggle against every
form of oppression and exploitation, and
the onward march of the people toward
the realization of the ideals of self gov
eminent. This movement. sometimes
checked by arbitrary power. sometimes
lmpeded by ignorance, sometimes suffer-
ing from the perversions of selfish ambi-
ton. sometimes under the urgings of pas
sion running into wanton excuses with
their inevitable reactions nevertheless
broadly viewed Is an irresistible move
ment against which in the long run the
opposition OF class or of privilege will be
poweriess TO prevail. There is no rest
in human affairs. The watchword of
humanity is progress. And the admins
ira OF government, in proportion to the
enlightenment of the people, will reflect
In ever-increasing degree their insistence
upon the enjoyment of equal civil rights
and upon the elimination Of all evils which
threaten equality of opportunity.
Socialism Un-American.
our government is based upon the prin-
ciples of inddvidualism and not upon those
of socialism. 1t was not established to
substitute one form of despotism for an
other. 1t was founded to attain the aims
of liberty, of liberty under law, but
wherein each Individual for the develop
ment and the exercise of his individual
poWSlS hight nave lie 1TteSl opportunity
consistent with the equal right Of all
others and wherein the rewards of indus
try and thrift-the gains OF honest effort
might be secure.
We do not seek to multiply the activi-
ties of government so as to bring about
veXatious interference with liberty or to
restrict legitimate enterprise. We depre-
cate all unnecessary governmental ac-
ton. But our individualism does not JUS
tify, unbridled license. It's aims NAV de-
maDd and franIJpnt1v nd no IN
te-vention of government with necessary
restrictions and regulations not to curtail
the liberty of the people. but to protect
it. Wherever in order to maintain civil
rights, to secure the public from agrees
sion or to compel the performance of
public obligation the action of the gov
eminent as the organ of the popular will
Is necessary, there its power should be
firmly. adequately and impartially exer-
cised.
Railroads
/ do not believe in government owner
ship of railroads. But regulation Of in
terstate transportation is essential to- pro-
tect the people from unjust discrimina-
lions and to secure safe, adequate and
impartial service upon reasonable terms
in accordance with the obligations of
common carriers In order to have super
vision which is both thorough and lust
an administrative board is necessary l
may assume that my attitude with re-
gard to this matter Is so we'll understood
through my recommendations in relation
to the enactment of the public service
commissions law In this state that an
extended statement is unnecessary
i approve the recent extension of the
authority of the interstate commerce
commission by what is known as the
rate BILL and 7 believe that the commits
sion should have the most ample powers
for purposes of investigation and super
vision. and for making rules and orders
which Will enable it to deal to the fullest
extent possible. within constitutional
limits, with interstate TRANSPORTATION in
all its phases.
Trusts and Combinations.
The Sherman antitrust act should be
| clarified and made more explicit The
law may be made stronger and more eff
fective by being made more definite,
Sweeping concentrations. of uncertain
meaning, do not aid but rather embar-
rass the prosecution of those who are
guilty of pernicious practices Combina-
| lions and practices In unreasonable re-
| Straint of trade and which menace the
/ freedom of interstate commerce should
be condemned in precise terms. At the
same time provision may we'll be made
| for joint agreements. under proper cir
cumstances. as. to railroad rates which
should be subject to the approval of the
| interstate commerce commission.
Various means have been suggested
of doubtful validity and still more doubt
full utility-to prevent oppression through
the conduct of large enterprises and to
secure the enforcement of the law against
| Illegal attempts to monopolize and the
various devices resorted to in III lawful
restraint of trade. In my judgment the
most effective course is explicit defini-
ton of what is wrong and adequate pun
ishment of the guilty. Such Laws. like
laws In general which are defir tie and
supported by public sentiment are to a
very large extent self-executing. That is,
they are generally obeyed.
Punishment by Imprisonment.
| l am not in favor of punishment in the
shape of fines upon corporations, except
| for minor offenses. The burden of fines
imposed upon such corporations is either
transferred to the public or is borne by
stockholders the innocent as well as the
guilty Nor am / impressed by the argu-
ment that American juries will generally
be indisposed to convict where the evil
dence is clear. because the crime is pun
ished by Imprisonment of the offenders.
But il the law be definite and the evil
dence warrants the presentation of the
case to the jury, it is better in my judg-.