The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1909-11-21
WORK
NOW ENTERED UPON
Roosevelt Policies Are to Be
"Cllnched" Beyond Shadow
of a Doubt.

of a Doubt.
Washington. Nov. 2O.-When Presi-
dent Taft returned from his continent
girding trip November 10, the solid.
SUBSTANTIAL work Of his administration
began, according to his supporters.
The executive has entered seriously
upon his task of ''clinching the Roose-
Veit policies" to which he pledged him
SER with such emphasis in the cam
pdlgn a year ago. That he means to
carry out this pledge, and to complete
ly dispet the forecast of those who pro-
Tess to see the fine Italian hand of the
reacttonary in his acts, is not doubted
oy those who are in touch with his ad-
Vlsers. Some question his methods, but
none disputes his Intentions,
President Taft is determined upon a
more rigid control by the federal gov
eminent of corporations. This will be
the keynote Of his policies. Now that
the tariff is out Of the way, for the
time at least, he is prepared to cohcen-
trate his energies upon this propa-
ganda.
In his forthcoming message to con-
gress he will make IL clear that he de-
sfres to go further than even President
Roosevelt intended doing. He hopes to
have the record of his administration
go down into history as that which
tanned and subdued the predatory cor
porate interests, but he will conduct
his light through the channels Of Icgis-
lation, and not by spasmodic agita-
ton.
L Contest Predicted.
This means, of course, that the con-
troll of corporations will be the subject
uppermost in the coming session of
congress, and consequently that an
other hot and thrilling struggle between
the radicals and the conservatives
such as took place when the Hepburn
rate law was passed, is likely to electri-
fly the country.
When the corporation tax was under
discussion, during the fight over the
tariff bill, the President referred 10 II
as the first step" in the control of cor
porations. The next step, il is under
stood, will be the control of the issue of
stocks and bonds of interstate corpora
tions.
Just where the President intends to
vest this control is not definitely
known, but his cabinet Of LAWYERS
with the able assistance of Senator
Root OF New York, has had the ques-
ton under consideration, and it is not
doubted that the right path out Of the
labyrinth will be found,
It Is not likely, however, that the
President will go fart enough to please
the radicals and the extremists in con-
gress. Predictions are plentiful that in
steering a middle course he will make
more enemies than friends. He would
be the last to avow himself an enemy
of corporations. He has the highest
possible regard for the rights of private
property.
That federal control will in time be-
recognized as the true protection and
safeguard of corporations is his belief
and in presenting his program to con-
gross he is certain to insist upon ade-
quate regulation without any compro-
mise.
President Taft will probably displease
the radicals by recommending an
amendment to the Sherman antitrust
law. He will urge that the general pro-
hibition of the present law against all
combinations and contracts in restraint
of trade be limited to such as constitute
conspiracies with intent to restrain
trade.
The radicals and insurgents are said
to be unalterably opposed to This
amendment, and have already commu-
nicated their displeasure to the Presi-
dent, although with what effect re-
mains to be seen. They insist that it
is a practical impossibility to prove the
criminal intention Of the trade restrain
ers andgthe trusts.
In close relation to this recommended
ton will be that regarding a change in
the administration of the interstate
commerce law.
Quasi-Judlciai Body.
The President aims at restricting the
commission to the proper functions of a
quasi-Judicial body. 1t will hear and
determine complaints and other causes
coming to it from the bureau of cor
porations, which will have the general
administration of the commerce law 70
look after, and the preliminary investi-
cation Of complaints Of its violation.
Prosecutions in the courts for such
violations will be undertaken by the
proposed bureau OF the department of
justice, and appeals from the Interstate
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