The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-11-21
Executive Has Entered Upon
His Task Of ''Clinching' the
Policies Of Theodore Roose-
welt.
PRESIDENT TO CARRY
OUT ALL HIS PLEDGES
Another Thrilling Struggle Be-
tween the Radicals and
Conservatives Is Promised
To the Public.
(6y Jonathan WinfIeid.)

(6y Jonathan WinfIeid.)
Washington, Nov. 2O.-When Presi
dent Taft returned from his continent
girdling trip November 10, the solid
substantial work of his administration
began, according to its supporters.
The executive has entered seriously
upon his task OF "clinching the Roose
welt policies" to which he pledged him
self with such emphasis in the cam
patgn q year ago. That he means tc
carry out this pledge, and to com.
pletely dispel the forecast of those
who profess to see the fine Italian
hand fof the reastionary in his acts, is
not doubted by those who are in touch
With his advisers. Some question his
methods, but none disputes his inten.
lions.
President Taft is determined upon q
moro rigid control by the federal gov
eminent Of corporations. This will
be the keystone Of his policies. Now
that the tariff is out of the way, for
the time at least, he is prepared to
concentrate his energies upon this
propaganda
Message to Congress.
In his forthcoming message to con.
gress. he will make 1t clear that he
desires to 60 further than even Pres.
ldent Roosevelt intended doing. He
hopes to have the record Of his admin
1stratiOn go down into history as that
which tanned and subdued the predato-
~ corporate interests, but he will con-
duct his fight through the channels of
legislation. and not by spasmodic agi-
tation.
This means, Of course, that the con-
troll of corporations will be the sub
ject uppermoet In the coming session
OF congress, and consequently that
another hot and thrilling struggle be-
tween the radicals and the conserva-
tives, such a. took place when the
Hepburn rate law was passed. is like
~ to electrify the country.
When the corporation tax was under
discussion, during the fight over the
tariff bill, the President referred to
1t as the first step" in the control of
corporations. The next step it is
understood. will be the control OF the
issue Of stocks and bonds of Interstate
corporations.
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 been the
question under consideration, and 1t
10 not doubted that the right path out
OF the labyrinth will be found.
Steers Middle Course.
1t is not likely. however, that the
president will go far enough to please
the radicals and the extremists in con-
gress. Predictions are plentiful that
in steering middle course he Will
make more enemies than friends. lie
would be the last to avow himself an
enemy Of corporations. He has the
highest possible regard for the rights
of private property.
The federal control will In time he
recognized rs the true protection AMI
safeguard Of corporations In his be
lief. and in presenting his program to|
congress, he Is certain to insist upon
adequate regulation without any COM
promise.
President Tate will probably dis
please the radicals by recommending
an amendment to the Sherman Anti
Trust law. He will urge that the |
general prohibition 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
and have already commu-
nicated their displeasure to the presi-
dent, although with what effect. re-
mains to be seen. They insist that 1t
ID q practical impossibility to prove
the criminal intention of the trade re-
strainers and the trusts. /
In close relation to this recommer.
dation will be that regarding change
Ia the administration of the Interstate
Commerce Law. The president aims
It restricting the commission to the
proper functions Of quasi-judicial
body. 1t will hear and determine
and other causes coming
10 Il from the Bureau of Corporations
which will have the general admins
ration of the commerce law to look
after. and the preliminary investiga-
ion of complaints Of its violation.
Prosecutions Planned.
Prosecutions in the courts for such
riolations will be undertaken by the
Bureau of the Department OF
Justice. and appeals from the Inter
tate Commerce Commission will be
aiken directly to the proposed COM
narce court, instead of to anyone of
he various district courts. as at pres
mt This new court would tend to
essen delay in reaching decisions. and
o simplify and nifty the practice.
That the strongest kind Of opposE
lon to this plan will be manifested in
congress 10 not doubted. The insur-
rents and radicals will fight to the
mt ditch against 1t, although the
resident believes that 1t viii strength
a the administration OF commerce