New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-04-12
PROBES LITTLE AID,
SAYS WICKERSHAM
information Fills Libraries,
but Valuable Sugges-
tiOnS Are Few.
EX-ATTORNEY GENERAL
ON WILSON TRUST PLAN
Sees Widespread Feeling That
More Constructive Pro-
gramme Is Needed.

Rochester. April 1.-THE amount OF
information elected by investigating COM
mittees would fill libraries. but the num-
Der Of constructive suggestions OF sane
legislation measurably adapted TO reach
the evils which have been ascertained
could be printed in one small volume
said George w. Wickersham, former At
,orney General Of the United States, be-
fore the City Club. Of Rochester TINS
afternoon. His subject was THE Presl-
dents Trust Programme"
Mr. Wickersham was Analysing the bills
introduced in Congress, and particularly
the last edition of the trade commission
bill. which he characterized as the latest
expression of mania for investigation
which has occupied the legislative nina
to such an extent as apparently 10 ex-
clude all constructive thought
He pointed out that a national indus
trial commission would be most useful
first, in assisting in the disintegrauon OF
unlawful combinations found by the
courts to exist in violation OF the Sher-
man law. thus relieving the Department
of Justice and the courts OF the BURDEN
cast upon them by requiring the ENFORCE
ment of the law without any Legislative
guidance as TO the method OF its enforce
ment after a decree is pronounced; second
that through such commission protec-
ton might be afforded 10 parties TO con-
tracts. consultations or mergers, VINO
were willing to submit them 10 such
commission, with a frank statement OF all
the surrounding facts, such submission TO
nrotect the parties TO the agreement from
liability for criminal prosecution, unless
and until they should fail, on notice from
the commission that such agreements. etc,
violated the law. TO take steps 10 cancer
the same, and, third, TO entertain and de-
eide in a summary way complaints or Vlo-
lations Of the antitrust law and make
orders. which, IL complied with by those
against whom they are directed. would
relieve from the penalties of the anti
trust act.
The speaker then referred TO the pro-
visions Of the Panama Canal act or Marcn
4. 1913, comforting on the Interstate Com
MERGE Commission jurisdiction to de-
ternine questions of fact as TO the com
petition, or possibility Of competition. be-
tween a railroad company and common
carrier by water. with which it does or
may compete, and authorizing the COM
mission TO indefinitely extend the time
during which such service by water may
continue.
Continuing. Mr.. Wickersham said;
1T is worthy OF serious consideration
whether or not, with respect TO new CO.
operative business organizations, includ-
ing those resulting from the disintegra-
ton pursuant TO decree, Of unlawfui
combinations heretofore formed. II would
not operate in the public interest to have
some administrative body, following the
analogy Of this Panama Canal act'
clothed with power TO investigate ana
determine whether or not the public IN
terest might not justify the continuance
of organizations and cooperative ar
rangements which, although theoretical
w constituting an undue restraint Of po-
tential competition, yet actually are oper-
ating TO the advantage Of the public.
ut is the study of affirmative construc-
tive measures of this character which is
demanded at the present time and not
the multiplication of additional prohibi-
lions 10 those already on the statute
books, and which have proved effective
and susceptible Of enforcement"
There is a widespread feeling that some
more constructive programme is demand
ed than that recommended by the Pres
ident. Mr. Wickersham said In closing
and now under consideration in Con-
gress, which has led the Chamber OF
Commerce of the City of New YORK and
other bodies TO demand that the whole
programme be deferred to later session
Of Congress, in order that what shall De
finally determined upon may be the proo-
uct of mature judgment and likely 10
inure 20 the benefit. and not to the as
tage, of the interests Of the people
Tonight Mr.. Wickersham was the
S,,as, AZ dinner Of the Harvard Alumni,
and spoke on The State"