New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-06-24
Signs Sundry Civil Bill with
Exemption Clause, Which
Taft Would Not Accept.
CALLS IT "UNJUSTIFIABLE"
But Assures the Country That
Anti Trust Law Will Be
Impartially Enforced,
Despite Limitations.

Washington, June 23.-The President
signed to-day the sundry civil appro-
priation bill, containing the provision
eXcmpting labor organizations and
farmers cooperative associations from
investigation or prosecution under the
money appropriated for enforcement OF
the sherman antitrust law. He issued
! statement TO Justify mis- action. in
view Of tho fact that eX-President Taft
had vetoed the bill and had charac-
terized the rider as vicious legisla-
ton"
President Wilson calls the provision
"uniustiiable I'm character and prnci-
pie" although the bill was introduced
following a conference between himself
and Senator Martin and Representative
Fitzgerald, chairmen OF the Appropria
tion committees His plea is that the
antitrust law will be enforced in spite
Of the exemption contained in the bill
The impression has been that Presl-
dent Wilson has been anxious 10 avoid
break with organized labor and has
been put in an embarrassing position
by the measure he signed to-day. His
statement has been watched for with
interest because of his expressed aver
sion to riders" on appropriation bills.
Prosecutions Not Barred.
The Attorney General has assured
President Wilson that prosecutions
against the labor unions and farmers
organ anizations are possible despite the
exemption clause The President says
In his statement that the law will he
interpreted in the determination OF
what the department should do by in
dependent, and, hope, impartial judg-
ments as to the true and just meaning
Of substantive statutes of the United
states" but what Mr. Taft called
Legislation of the most vicious sort"
will remain.
Il have signed this bill" SAYS Presi-
dent Wilson's statement. because
can do so without in fact limiting the
opportunity or the power of the De-
partment of Justice TO prosecute viola
tions of the law by whomsocver COM
mittcd.
III | could have separated from the
rest of the bill the item which author
lied the expenditure by the Department
of Justice Of "A special sum of $500, 900
for the prosecution Of violations Of the
antitrust law. l would have vetoed
that item. because it places upon the
expenditure a limitation which is. in
my opinion, unjustifiable in character
and principle. But | could not sepa-
rate it.
Affects Only Ono Fund.
II do not understand that the
limitation was intended as either an
amendment or an Interpretation Of the
antitrust law, but merely as an ex-
preston of the opinion of the Congress
"a very emphatic opinion. backed by
an overwhelming majority of the House
OF Representatives and large ma
jority Of the Senate. but not intended
TO touch anything but the expenditure
of a single small additional fund
II can assure the country that this
item will neither limit nor in any way
embarrass the actions OF the Depart
ment of Justice. Other appropriations
supply the department with abundant
funds TO enforce the law. The law will
be interpreted in the determination of
what the department should do by in |
dependent and | hope, impartial judg-
ments as TO the true and just meaning |
of substantive statutes OF the United |
States"
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same old original stand, IL Park Place
Adyt.