The Washington times., 1910-03-13
Great Legal Struggle TO Test
Trust Law Attracts Ma
tons Interest.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
WILL HANDLE CASE
Frank B. Kellogg to Aid in Prose-
cution-J. G. Johnson Heads
Corporations Lawyers.
BY JOHN SNURE.


Beginning tomorrow afternoon. the
Supreme Court of the United States
viii hear arguments in the case of the
Government against the Standard oil
Company Of New Jersey. and the other
defendants in this great legal struggle
The making Of the arguments in this
suit will mark the submission to the
court or one of the greatest cases which
the Supreme Court has been called on
TO decide since the foundation of the
Republic. 1t is of the utmost moment
for various reasons. The decision Of
this case. together with the great case
against the Tobacco trust, doubtless
will serve TO define the meaning of the
Sherman antitrust law with much more
precision that it has ever been defined
by the Supreme Court.
Il Is the general opinion that the de-
cision in the Standard OIL case, along
with the Tobacco trust decision, will
amount in effect to a serving Of notice
10 the world Of big business and high
finance on what lines the law will permit
its operations and on what lines it will
compel it to refrain from operation.
Of Great Interest.
In addition to the fact that the Stand
ard OIL case viii test the Sherman anti
trust law and will determine whether
that law is competent to prevent the
n1onODolization or attempted monopoli-
cation Of trade. this controversy has a
compelling interest because Of the tre-
mendous scope OF the capital involved
and because of tl'e personalities v.
concerned.
For something like half a century,
John D. Rockefeller and men associated
with him, including some Of the great
est captains Of industry in this country,
have been engaged in piling up colossal
fortunes through the exploitation of the
oil industry. One attempt after another
to check their operations has ended in
defeat. State officials. one after an
other, have fought the Standard Oil
combination in vain. The Federal Gov
was undertaken has been but little more
successful The vast business built Up by
the Rockefellers and the men who have
worked with them has dominated the
oil industry, not alone in the United
states. but, to a great extent. through
cut the world. 1t now rests with the
Supreme Court to say whether that
business has been conducted in fash
ion that was Illegal. and whether the
colossal fabric which has been erected
shall be swept away.
A certain additional measure Of hu-
man interest is added to this case be-
cause just at this time John D. Rookie
feller is seeking to incorporate in Wash
ington. through act If Congress, the
Rockefeller Foundation, through which
he purposes to spend untold millions of
dollars in aid Of charity and education.
and various movements in the interest
Of progress and enlightenment
Admission BY CaTd.
The submission Of the case Monday
will be listened 60 by an audience OF
lawyers and spectators that will tax
the capacity Of the Supreme Court room.
The demand for seats is so great that
admission by card has been decided on.
only a few Of those that want admis-
sion will be able 10 obtain it.
In view Of the unusual Importance of
the case. Attorney General Wickershan.
will personally appear for the Govern