The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1913-12-31
ANXIOUS TO OBEY LAW
CORPORATIONS WOULD con-
FORM WITH LAW.
Wilson Says He is Willing to Do All
He Can, But is Insistent That
Statute be Obeyed.

| SS<~SoCS ~ WV wv
President Wilson let it be known
Monday that some other corporation:
besides the American Telephone ant
Telegraph company had shown dis
position to take the initiative IN re
organizations to conform with tht
| Sherman antitrust law.
Department of justice officials de-
clare that every day representative:
Of business concerns are calling tt
learn what they can or can not de
under the law. While officials stated
emphatically that prosecutions would
not be discontinued where they were
warranted, cooperation would be US
ed wherever possible to secure an OBJ
servance of the law. 1t became
known that the department is al
work on plans submitted by other
corporations for friendly settlements
Just which ones they are was not
divulged.
The president did not specify what
corporations he referred to, though
in informal discussion Of the subject
with callers, he spoke Of having some
in mind. He reiterated that there
seemed to be very general disposi-
ton to inquire what the law was, to
know what would be expected of "big
business" and desire to comply
with the spirit Of the law.
Mr.. Wilson made it clear to his
callers that it would be the policy OF
his administration to cooperate in
every way it legitimately could to
bring about a satisfactory under
standing Of the law by the business
men of the country, and the execu-
tive departments did not expect to
raise barriers against those who
wanted. to obey the law. The presi-
dent pointed out that the attorney
general would cooperate and hearth
ly desired and welcomed the impulse
on the part of business to take the
Initiative.
The president indicated in his
manner Of discussion that he hoped
the government had shown by exam
pie in the American Telephone and
Telegraph settlement what might be
expected as the future course Of his
administration. He has been confer
ring with congressional leaders on
the antitrust subject and will read a
special message to congress after he
returns from his vacation, in which
he will point to the necessity Of a
rigid enforcement Of the Sherman
law and will endeavor' 70 make clear
the Interpretation Of that statute
which the department Of justice will
follow. Some statement on the SUBJ
ject may be made when the presi-
dent signs the currency bill.
A note Of confidence that the bus
mess men Of the country will CO.
operate with the government in Sc
curing a compliance with the Sher-
man law is expected to be sounded
in the presidents remarks. He will
indicate the manner in which the ad-
ministration will approach the sub
ject and express his realization Of
the delicacy Of the task and the nee
essity for cautious and careful treat
ment of it because Of its intimate re-
lation to the business conditions Of
the country.
The president learned from the
conferees early Monday that salts
factory agreement had been reached
on the currency bill. He expressed
his qualification that the organiza-
ton committee has been retained as
provided in the House bill because
it gave the president 60 days to Sc
lect members Of the federal reserve
board while the organization commit
tee was making it's Investigations.
The president has been consulted on
the telephone by the conferees and
indicated to them his approval Of the
way the bill had finally been complet-
ed.