Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-06-10
Government Asks Dissolution
of Alleged Trust in Photo
graphic Supplies.
ACTION is TAKEN UNDER
SUPREME COURT DECISION
Firm Will Adjust It's Methods to
Federal Requirements, It's Presi-
dent Announces.

81 FFALO. n Y. June 10.-Dissolution
of the so-called Eastman kodak trust
has been asked in a civil antitrust suit
filed here by order of Attorney General
MCReynolds. The federal government
seeks the dissolution by receivership if
necessary of the Eastman Kodak Com
pany of New Jersey and the Eastman
Kodak Company of New York. which
are charged with monopolizing the trade
in Photographic supplies in violation of
the Sherman law
1t is the aim of the government to
obtain a division of the assets and
business of the two companies con-
trolling - per cent of the business in
the United States. into such parts as
will effcctually destroy the alleged
monopoly and restore full and free
competition. The petition in equity
asks for an injunction forbidding the
fixing of resale prices of cameras
films and other patented Photographic
supplies. This marks the Attorney
Generals first application of the recent
decision of the United States Supreme
Court denying patenteeS the right 10
Fix resale prices of retailers.
Following are named as defendants:
Eastman Kodak Company of New Jer-
Sey. Eastman Kodak Company of New
York, George Eastman. Henry a. Strong.
Walter S. Hubbcll and Frank S. Noble.
all u Rochester, ~ Y.
Company to Meet Charges.
ROCHESTER, y. y, June 1O.-The
Eastman Kodak Company will adjust
its methods of doing business to meet the
charges preferred against the company
in the governments dissolution suit, just
filed at Buffalo George Eastman, pres
ident of the company, SO announced here
upon receipt of the news that suit had
been begun. Mr.. Eastman indicated.
however, that the company would refuse
to dissolve.
while in the formal part of the petit
ton filed by the government there is
prayer for dissolution, as is usual, /
am Informed. in all such cases" said
Mr.. Eastman lit is believed that full
compliance with the main specific de-
mands for changes of trade methods
freely offered by this company will
successfully meet all criticism and sat
isfy the trade at large and the govern
ment.'
In compliance with the government S
petition. the company. according to
Mr. Eastman, intends hereafter to
operate its various retail stock houses
under its own name and add it's name
to their stationery and advertising
its stencil goods and abandon its Eek
elusive sales policy.
Attorney General McReynolds first
attack upon the trusts" is that filed
at Buffalo. New York. against the
Kodak trust. \ petition in equity
against the coaster brake trust was
fled a short time ago. but this was
the basis of an agreed decree.
The investigation of the Eastman
compa MES was begun under the adj
minstration of former Attorney Cen
eral Wickcrsham and the filing of the
suit has been delayed by negotiations
to reach an agreement with the gov
eminent. Although the companies were
unwilling to agree to dissolution, it is
understood that they have agreed to
put into effect new methods of bust
ness that will conform to demands OF
the government with respect to the
freedom of trade in that new terms
OF sale will be arranged so that the
market will be entirely open to all in
dependents. The company has not Yet
agreed. however. to discontinuance
of the alleged practice OF fixing resale
prices of patented Photographic sup
plies.