Omaha daily bee., 1911-06-11
CLASH IN STEEL TRUST PROBE
Corporation Counsel Says Argument
with Witness is Unseemly.
DOUBT PHILANTHROPY MOTIVES
Chairman stanley Indirectly. Refers
to j. p. Morgan as Man of Infinite
Power over Business of
Nation.

WASHINGTON, June 10.--The first clash
between the house committee OF inquiry
into the United States Steel corpora ton
affairs and counsel for that combination
II. " Lindabury, occurred Friday when
Percival Roberts jr., a director, was I'M
der examination. Mr. Roberts and former
Vice President James Gayley of the cor
poration were witnesses, both testifying
that agreements as to parcelling Of out
put were. made between steel manufactur-
ers before the corporation was formed.
The committee attempted to show that
through the Gary dinners the prices of
steel products were maintained and COM
petition curtailed az effectively as they
were prior to the corporations formation
by gentlemens agreements, made despite
the Sherman antitrust law. Much OF the
examination of Mr.. Roberts dealt with an
academic discussion of J. Pierpont Nor
CANS Industrial potentiaIity, though Mr..
Morgan's name was largely avoided, and
with the system of interocking director
ates of the corporation and other big in
dustrial enterprises.
Spirit of PntIanthrOpys
Was it the same spirit of philanthropy
that guided. Independent steel manufactur-
ers to make agreements before the organ
ization of the United States Steel cor
poration," Representative Beall asked Di-
rector Roberts, las prompted the steel
corporation to save the nation in 1907 by
taking over the Tennessee Coal and Iron
company?
Mr. Roberts was replying that, he did
not believe philanthropy entered into
business when Attorney Lindabury pro-
tested against the question.
Il submit" said Mr.. Lindabury that
arguments between the questioner and the
witness are unseemly."
The form OF the question was changed
and Mr.. Roberts answered that since the
formation of the steel corporation bust
ness men in this country had new ideals
which governed them to avert destruc-
tive competition.
Man of Infinite Power.
With ]. Pierpont Morgan in mind, though
not mentioning him by name, Chairman
Stanley asked
is there in the financial world today a
man Of infinite power and vast interests
whose example is regarded in a way as
the law by big business men?"
T. NO" replied Mr.. Roberts, II think there
are certain new ideals of cooperation
"AANll Bhluc U.s. luChlS lNdl may be seen
in certain individuals"
rs there such an individual in America ?''
asked Mr.. Stanley.
Yes, l think So"
Where does he reside?"
II think his name is legion At least that
is the hope for the future of this country.
II We destroy ind. idualism we surely win
get into trouble
''Whn "a he a..
dustry?"
~ thiRk no one man particularly"
is there not one MANI" Mr. Stanley
continued, whose example business men
OF the nation follow. because Of his i'm
mense grasp OF modern conditions and his
touch with potentias, the railroads of
the country, the stsel-making business
and the establishment Of banks, extending
to all the muitifarious ramlfcations OF
business Of the country, and who can
not only frame business interests, but
change them by the mere press OF but
ton2"
i suppose have in mind who you men, "
Mr. Roberts answered smilingly what
ever he may accomplish for the good Of the
government and UNFOLDING the business in
terests OF the country he does by reason
Of his qualities and his ideals It is not
because Of his personality ana name. II Is
the ideal which he represents that makes
the country what it ISL - ~ ~.