The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1912-02-17
VIEWS ON THE
SHERMAN Law
Result Of Inquiries by National
Civic Federation
FEW DESIRE ITS REPEAL.
Replies TO Series of Questions Sent to
Workers, Lawyers, Editors, Mer-
chants, Bankers and Economists De-
mand Some Changes, However.

Workers, Lawyers, Editors, Mer,
4 chants, Bankers and Economists De.
mand Some Changes, However.
The National Civic federation made
public an analysis of $4,000 answers
received by it to series of questions
concerning the sherman law.
The replies indicate little sentiment
In favor of the repeal of the Sherman
law. On the other hand. there is
shown practically no desire to abolish
large combinations. The public ap-
oarently has no desire for govern
nent ownership on one side or unre-
stricted and unregulated private or
corporate control on the other, but win
accept large combinations adequately
regulated.
The questions were sent TO editors,
| political economists, lawyers, publi-
cists, statisticians, manufacturers, mer-
| chants, bankers and the officers of
! commercial. labor and other organiza-
| tions.
Ii was pointed out that ''the Sher-
man antitrust act has now been in
terpreted by the supreme court to
mean as to interstate commerce that
any combination in restraint of trade
with the purpose of controlling prices
and sitting competition is unlawful"
OF the answers 81 per cent pro-
nounce the Sherman law neither clear
nor workable or workable without be-
ing clear, but only some 20 per cent
declare in favor of its repeal
The usual phraseology of suggestions
for amending the Sherman law is
MAKE it so that business men can un-
derstand it, or Bring it into line with
modern business conditions
For Regulation of Capital.
OF the replies so per cent favor fed
pahies psfi a~"aahh Engaged eIfr interstate com
merce, 10 per cent are opposed to
holding companies, and nearly all of
the remainder want holding compa-
nies bound by restriction that would
prevent abuses.
Government regulation of capitaliza-
tion is approved by so per cent, a few
of the minority who disapprove sug-
gesting that oyercapitalization Is not
always an evil, but sometimes brings
capital into action that otherwise
would remain idle.
Three important advantages claimed
for those doing business on a large
In
mics in distribution and greater use OF
byproducts-are admitted without dis
sent.
The propositions for steadier employ
ment of labor and at better wages and
better protection against industrial ac-
cidents were opposed by 35 per cent.
About so per cent favor an interstate
Industrial commission, some qualifying
with the condition that 1t should be
composed of business men only. Two
labor representatives proposed that the
commission should consist OF one mem
Der from each state-a SORT of inter
state business senate. Few are In ia
vor of control of prices by an Industrial
commission.
Uncertainty In Business World.
''The answers" the federation says In
Its statement, ''leave no doubt that the
public is thoroughly aroused to the VI
tai importance of the problems dealt
with by the Sherman act. A large ma
jority assert that business conditions
are unsatisfactory. Enforcement of
the Sherman law Is most frequently
mentioned by business men as dis
turbing cause, on the ground that they
do not understand the law and that the
uncertainty as to it's meaning retards
enterprise, makes capital hesitate to
enter upon new investments and
prompts those In charge of business
undertakings to restrict expenditures
to the absolute demands Of trade.
Leaders of organized labor are prac-
tically unanimous In demanding that
the Sherman antitrust act should be
either repealed or amended to exempt
from its operations organizations Of la
Dor and organizations Of farmers.
Many OF them argue for its amendment
from the standpoint Of the business in
terests
''The manufacturers, bankers, whole
sale and retail merchants and also the
commercial organizations that took a
membership vote are strongly opposed
to the repeal Of the Sherman act, but
just as strongly want 1t amended along
lines that will permit regulation
through an interstate Industrial COM
mission Of some kind"