Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1912-01-31
PUBLIC OPINION AROUSED
Replies to Questions Show Great ri.
versity Of Opinion on Sherman
Antitrust Law.
by Associated Press.l

, Grafton as follows:
"The replies indicate little senti-
ment in favor of the unconditional
repeal of the Sherman law. On the
other hand, 1t is shown that there is
practically no desire to abolish large
combinations. The public have no de-
sire for government ownership, on one
side, or unrestricted and unregulated
private or corporate control on the
other. They will accept large combi-
nations adequately regulated"
The questions were sent to editors,
political economists, lawyers, public
lists, statisticians, manufacturers, mer-
chants, bankers and the officers Of
commercial, labor and other organiza,
tions. AS Introductory to the ques-
lions it was pointed out that "the
Sherman antitrust act has now been
interpreted 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"
Going into detail regarding the re-
plies the federation says: Eighty
four per cent of the answers pro-
nounce the Sherman law neither clear
no lrnI 10 nrly 10 x1-it hn
ing clear; but only some twenty per
cent declare in favor of it's repeal. OF
these latter the larger number add
that If not repealed, it should be
amended etc. Substantially, the usual
phraseology of suggestions for amend
ing the Sherman law is, make it so
that business men can understand it,
or bring it into line with modern bust
ness conditions
Eighty per cent of the replies favor
federal license or incorporation for
companies engaged in interstate CON-
merce, about one-third of the eighty
taking federal license as an alterna-
tive. Seventy-five per cent are OPP
posed to holding companies, while of
the remainder nearly all want holding
companies bound by restrictions that
would prevent abuses.
Government regulation of capitali-
cation is approved by ninety per cent
of those to whom that question was
submitted, few of the minority who
disapprove suggesting that over-capi-
talization is not always an evil, but
sometimes brings capital into action
that would otherwise remain idle.
Three important advantages claim
ed for those doing business on large
scale-economies in production, econ
omies in distribution and greater use
of by-products-are admitted without
dissent by all who answer that query.
'Steadier employment of labor and at
better wages, and better protection
against industrial accidents, are de-
MED by thirty-five per cent, and more
command of international trade and
command of the best ability are
doubted by ten per cent, of those an
swering.
about eighty per cent favor an in
terstate industrial commission, some
qualifying with the condition that it
should be composed of business men
only, and two labor representatives
that the commission should
consist of one member from each state
"a sort of interstate business senate.
"a comparatively small proportion
are in favor of control of prices by an
Industrial commission.
THE answers" the federation con-
.inues in it's statement, leave no
doubt that the public is thoroughly |
aroused to the vital Importance of the !
problems dealt with by the Sherman
act. This condition of the public mind |
IS appreciated, just as much by those
great combinations of cap |
tai as by the business men and the
wage Garner.
THAT business conditions are dis
urbed nearly every reply admits" the
federation declares. "In the thousands
# replies received large majority
Issert that business conditions are un-
Enforcement of the Sher-
nan law is most frequently mentioned
" business men as a disturbing cause,
N the ground that they do not under
tand the law, and that the uncer-
ainty as to its meaning retards en-
erprise makes capital hesitate to en-
er upon new investments, and
rompts those in charge of business
to restrict expenditures
, the absolute demands of trade.
sit is significant that the leaders of
'ganized labor, representing three
illions of, wage-earners, are practics &
ly unanimous in demanding that the
herman antitrust act should be
Their repealed or amended to exempt
ON it's operations organizations of