Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1914-05-06
NOW BIG BUSINESS
HOUSE READY TO CONSIDER
WILSON'S CONSTITUTION
OF PEACE
QUICK ACTION is PROMISED
Democrats to Pass Bill Exemptina La
Dor Unions and Farmers OraanI-
cations From Prosecution Un-
der Sherman Law
BY GEORGE CLINTON.

BY GEORGE CLINTON.
Washington.-Quick action is prom
ised by the Democratic majority in
congress on all the big business"
bills commended to the consideration
OF the law makers by President VIII
son. IL now can be taken for grant
ed. however. that no drastic rule for
limiting debate TO a few hours will be
put into force by the house leaders
There was too much opposition TO the
rule cutting of debate on the ques-
ton OF the repeal OF the tolls exemp-
ton act TO make il seem wise to en-
act. at any rate Immediately. another
rule OF the same kind
or course this does not mean the
administration antitrust measures
will be debated in the house OF rep
resentatives for any great length OF
time. An agreement will be reached
that debate shall close at a certain
time and the certain time" will be
set forward far enough so that no
charge OF an attempt to gag the OPP
posing members can stand.
And so II now is that the house,
having finished with the repeal mat
ter which some persons have called
Woodrow Wilson's declaration OF
war. will take up the consideration OF
his Constitution OF Peace" a name
which the president attached to the
plan OF procedure for the regulation OF
big business without smashing any
commercial industry.
Another Party Clash Coming.
Before this something has been
said about one piece OF legislation
which the majorities in house and sen
ate are going TO insist upon enacting
and to which the president Will object
! strongly. 1t is known today that the
majority party men are determined to
exempt labor unions and certain
forms of farmers organizations from
prosecution under the Sherman law.
The president is opposed to this ex-
emption. 1t is not believed, apparently,
that any such turmoil will grow out
of the next difference OF opinion be-
tween congress and the White House
as that which made itself riotously
apparent in connection with the re-
peal bill. but seemingly there is go
ing to be trouble nevertheless.
Nothing has happened recently as
far as one can determine TO weaken
IN the least the initial determination
Of the majority law makers to brave
the presidents opposition in this mat
ter. II was the original intention to
include the exemption provision in
one OF the main antitrust measures.
but it now seems TO be the mind OF
the majority 10 make IL a bill by it
self, so that If Mr. Wilson vetoes It
he will veto it alone and thus will not
be compelled to put other measures
out Of the running when entering his
final objection.
Members OF the parties I'm opposi-
ton to the Democrats in the house.
and IT Is said few Democrats with
them, believe that If a bill exempting
labor unions and organizations OF
farmers from prosecution under the
trust act is passed. the action will re-
suit in court proceedings which NAV
rob the Sherman law OF its power to
prevent combinations I'm restraint OF
trade Glass legislation for so the
opponents OF the proposed exemption
law call It. Will be used it is said by
business combinations which may be
proceeded against by the government,
as the basis for plea of unconstitu-
tionality Of the law in general.
There seems to be a fear among the
lawyers in the house and senate that
any kind OF an exemption, whether It
is made a special bill or part OF one
OF the main antitrust bills. actually
can be used as "A means 20 prevent
successful prosecution against bust
ness com binations which are accused
Of restraining trade.
Delay in Commerce Rulings.
Congress is being blamed By part OF
the press Of the country, by business
men, whether or not connected with
the carrier corporations. for the con
gested condition OF matters in the Of
flee OF the interstate commerce com
mission Perhaps if "congcsted" sug.
gests confusion it. Is not the right
word 10 use for the commission has
its work well iva order. the trouble be
ing that there IS 80 much work for the
commissioners today That decisions
are being delayed and Tho petitioners
and litigants are complaining.
Iu discussing This question OF the
proper place TO iay the blame for the
overw0r,ing of The commission this
has been said
We cannot altogether blame the
interstate commerce commission for
the DELAY fu dorIdiuv the erosf rr.fgtf