Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-02-14

ent administration in it's estimates for
the year ending June 80, 1911, cut them
some forty odd million dollars below
the actual appropriations Of the year
before ard now it is proposed to APP
point a joint committee, consisting
of congressman, senators and members
appointed by the Executive. who shall
examine the organization of the vari-
GUS departments and bureaus and by
the eliminations of duplication, the
consolidation of bureaus and the in
crease in efficiency of the individual
civil servant, shall decrease the regu-
lar permanent cost of governmental
operation"
Mr.. Taft next took I'D the party
pledge regarding the control of trusts.
After quoting the plank in the plat
form. he continued:
"Sincc this plank was adopted pros
ecutions of the Tobacco Trust and the
Standard Oil, begun in the last admin
istration, have gone on and have re-
suited in DEGREES in the court of ap-
peals OF the second and eighth circuits,
which are now pending on appeal in
the supreme court. The DEGREES in each
case tear apart the congeries of subor-
dinate corporations which, united by
holding companies, make up the trust
in each case and enjoin individuals
from further maintenance of the il
legal combination of such corporations
to carry on the business for which 1t
was organized.
"It has been said that the Republic
can party made promise SO to
amend the law as to ameliorate and
soften the application of the trust law
in its Introduction upon business as
conducted by the greatest corporations,
but I find nothing in the platform to
justify such a construction. The prin-
ciple of the antitrust law is that those
engaged in modern business, especial
ly Of manufacture and transportation
shall pursue the policy with respect to
their competitors of live and let live
and that they shall not use the bigness
of their concerns to frighten exclusive
patronage from customers and the
elimination OF smaller concerns from
competition and thus control and fix
prices.
THE attorney general has prepared a
bill which he thinks and l think will Of
fer to those who wish to pursue lawful
method of business the means of easily
doing so. A lawful interstate business un-
der the protection of a federal charter
which, while it will subject the business
of the concern to the closest scrutiny of
government officers, will save the business
from embarrassment by state authorities
and will give it that protection which it's
peaceful pursuit of it's business as fed
eral corporation will necessarily secure it.
"This measure has met the approval of
those who fear too great concentration
OF power in the federal government of
those who deny the right of the federal
government in such cases to grant incor
poration.
II believe the act to be constitutional
and I believe that if enforced it would
furnish solution of our present diff
culties, but as it was not specifically de-
cared for in the Republican platform I do
not feel justified in asking the adoption of
such an act as a party matter.
II have brought it forward, however,
as a suggestion for meeting the difficult
ties which are likely to be presented in
the prosecution of suspected illegal trusts
as means by which they can put their
houses in order and take their places
among those engaged IN legitimate bust
ness.
IF the other measures to which have
referred are enacted into law, and the
party pledges of the Republican party
performed, there. would seem to be no
good reason why the party should not re-
ceive renewed approval by the electors
of the country in the coming congression-
al campaign.
But there are signs which many con-
strue as an indication that the Republican
majority in the present Congress will
change to a Democratic majority in the
next. This is based chiefly on the dissen-
sions in the Republican party and upon
the very severe attacks made by great
many of the newspapers having Republic
can tendencies upon the party and It's
leaders in Congress and in the nation.
II am glad to say that so far as the
legislation which 1 have indicated above
Is concerned, there seems to be clear
party majority in both houses In favor Of
it's passage and the redemption of the
party pledges. There is, however, very
decided difference as to the proper rules
to prevail in the House and as to the
personnel of the leadership.
ut would seem as if these questions
were questions that might well be solved
within the party lines. but they have been
so acute as to produce what has been
called an instruction and to awaken the |
country over controversy between the |
insurgents and the regulars, so called.
am hopeful that as we approach the lines
of battle for the next year the settlement |
of these international questions can DE
effected without such breach of the |
party as to prevent our presenting an I'M
broken front to the enemy.
1--WE among the Republicans may
he discouraged when we consider our
o;rn dissensions. but when we look to
the possibility of an united action on
the part of the Democrats for any pol
lev of any line Of policies, we must
take courage.
.If the Democratic party were q
solid, cohesive opposition guided by
one principle and following the same
economic views as they hold. the sit
uation would be far more discouraging |
II. ~.,kx t,nC