The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-07-04
CHAPTER Ky.
CORLETT's CLEAN HAND'

~
HE wears succeeding the close OF
the Spanish war were a halycon
period in this country for the
organization and development of
those mammoth combinations Of capl-
tai which have come to be known as
trusts.
Most of the big ones were either form
ed, or reached the high-water mark of
their activities in this era, and only
from a stray philosopher or populistic
statesman was there occasionally heard
a note Of protest
Those were happy days for the pro
moter and corporation lawyer. Cast
ing their eyes abroad. whenever they
saw any industry not yet amaIgamated,
they Immediately went after II, and
never rested satisfied until il was safe
Is gathered into the syndicate fold
But by 1904 a change had started TO
come, and the reaction was gathering
force.
The ''muck-rakers'' were beginning to
bestir themselves, and the public, grow
ing aroused to its real or fancled IN
1uries, was muttering its disapproval.
Corporation lawyers 10 longer sought
to extend the dOmlniOns Of their IN
wieIdy companies. but bent all their
euergies to preserving what was already
red on by popular interest, were labor
ing no less earnestly TO bring the pred
atOry powers" 10 justice.
Among the Combinations IN restraint
OF trade" which seemed especially in
need of investigation and bringing TO
account was the so-called Marine Paint
trust" a branch Of industry IN which
old Vernon Corlets house was pre-emi-
nent.
The different manufacturers Of ma
rine paint, il is true, vigorously denied
the existence of trust ana dlrect
evidence was certainly lacking TO prove
the fact. vet It could NOT be contrOverted
that there were many suspicious cir
cumstances connected with the history
Of the business
Whereas at one time, the hottest
kind Of competition had RACED be-
tween the respective firms there now
reigned conspicuous and unbroken
peace Such a thing as one OF them un-
derselling another had come 70 De an
known: Indeed. the uniformity OF their
prices was only equaied by the steady
regularity with which they Kept Fals-
Higher and higher went the scale. ex-
cent at such times as some outsider
tried 10 break into the game Ihenr as
though at a given signal, every house
Wonld drop its rates-eNeh beioW cosl
of production, u necessary uIi5il tile
unIucky competitor was wiped OUT,
when the old order would be promptly
resumed with an extra or 3 cents
added 10 make Up for the interval.
Plainly a most perm cious pooling or
interests. and one which seemed 10 de-
rpand restriction. No wonder, then.
that consumers We're bowling for re-
lief ana Government agents were ac-
lively searching for facts 10 warrant a
prosecution
Early in TIE course Of the investi-
cation Graham learned what was afoOt,
and since he now had charge Of the
bulk of Mr. COrletts business, ne con
suited his client as soon as possible 70
discover in what danger they might
stand.
The millionaire had recently taken a
house just OF Fifth avenue IN the sew
entities; and Graham, after little chat
with Gladys found him knocking the
balls about the table down III the r-i-
lizard room.
ssWeU." observed Robert, interroga-
lively. II see Uncle sam is getting ready
10 twist the Marine Paint Trusts tai.
The old man waited TO try masse
shot before he answered.
Yes he laughed, 1T reminds me or
the time a mighty hunter set out 10 get
the ears Of a gyasticutis but failed,
first because the creature didn't have
any ears. and second, because no such
beast existed.
Graham could not help betraying his
surprise.
you mean that there is no com
binati0n in your liner he questioned,
increduOusly.
None that I know OF. said Corlett.
chalkinR his cue. IF anybody in the