Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-02-02
DEMAND sHERmAn LAW CHANGE.
Wsrlsses, Lawyers, Editors, Msr
chants, and Bankers Give Views.

New York. Jan. 31.-The National
Civic Federation yesterday made public
an analysis of $4,000 answers received
by It to q series of questions concern
ing the Sherman law.
The replies indicate little sentiment
in favor Of the repeal Of the Sherman
law. On the other hand there 10 shown
practically no desire to abolish large
combinations. The public apparently
has no desire for government owner
ship on one side or unrestricted and
unregulat II private or corpoi ate con-
troll on this other, but will act,ept large
combinations adequately regulated.
The questions were sent to editors.
political economists. lawyers, publicists.
statisticians, manufacturers, mer-
chants, bankers. ana the officers Vi
commercial, labor and other organiza-
tions.
It was pointed out that 1.-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
stifling competition IS unlawful.
OF the answers 81 per cent pronounce
the Sherman law neither clear nor
workable or workable without being
clear: but only some 20 per cent de-
clare in favor of its repeal.
The usual phraseology Of suggestions
for amending the Sherman law is:
Make 1T so that business men can
understand it." or Bring 1. into line
with modern business conditions"
or the replies 80 per cent favor ed
eral license or Incorporation for COM
panies engaged in interstate commerce.,
Is per cent are opposed to holding COM
panies, and nearly all Of the remainder
want holding companies hound oy re-
striction that would prevent abuses.
Government regulation Of capttaliza-
ton is approved by 80 per cent. fe"
OF the minority who disapproVe suS-
s:esting that overcapitalization IS nos
always an evil. but sometimes brings
capital into action that otherwise
would remain idle.
Three important advantages claimed
for those doing bushes on large
scale-economies in production, econ
onies in distribution, and greater use
or py-pruGuvts-aTe admitted "!tnen
dissent.
The PROPOSITIONS for steadier en-
ployment of labor and at better wages
and better protection against Industrial
accidents were opposed by 35 per cent.
About 50 per cent favor an inter-
state industrial commission, some quail
flying with the condition that it should
be composed of business men only.
Two labor representatives proposed
that the commission should consist OF
one member from each state-a sort OF
interstate business senate. Few are in
favor of control Of prices by an in
dustrial commission.
THE answers" the federation says in
II. statement, leave no doubt that the
public is thoroughly aroused to the
vital Importance of the problems dealt
with by the Sherman act A large ma
jo.ity 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 its meaning re-
tards enterprise. makes capital hesi-
tate to enter upon new investments,
and prompts those in charge OF BUSH
ness undertakings to restrict e1pehCl-
lures to the absolute demands Of trade.
Leaders Of organized labor are
practically unanimous in demanding
that the Sherman-anti trust act should
be either repealed or amended to ex-
empt from its operations organizations
'of labor and organizations OF farmers
Many Of them argue for its amend
ment from the standpoint of the bust
ness interests.
1.-The manufacturers, bankers, whole
sale and retail merchants. and also the
commercial organization that took a
membership vote, are strongly opposed
20 the repeal of the Sherman act. but
just as strongly want 1t amended along
lines that will permit regulation thru
an interstate industrial commission OF
some kind"