Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1914-02-19
Proposed Interstate Trad e
Commission Is Not to Be
Granted Regulatory Powers,
as First Contemplated,
BILLS FIRST FRAMED
ONLY FOR DISCUSSION
Federal Regulation Of Railroad
Securities to Be Taken Up
With Executivei Bargain
Counter RusheS Condemned
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Washington, Feb. 1S,-President
Wilson and Attorney General Mercy
rolds spent two hours tonight at the
White House examining bills pending
before congress dealing with the trust
problem. It was the first opportun-
ity the president has had for long
discussion on the subject with the
chief legal officer OF the government
No announcements were made af-
terward, the attorney general express
ing the opinion that the whole quea-
ton would have to be worked out
gradually but an idea Of the princi-
plcs which the administration desires
embodied in the proposed legislation
was gained from an authoritative
quarter
Restrictions ON Commission.
The attorney general and the presi-
dent are In agreement that the pro-
passed interstate trade commission can
be made % valuable instrument for
dealing with the trust problem pro-
yidcd It's powers are properly re-
arictcd 1t should not for instance,
they think, exercise any administra-
tive on regulatory functions or in any
way cncroach upon the field OF the
department Of justice. Cooperation
between the department and the com
mission would be aimed at, much of
ihe work now done by the department
~ Justice hein9 transferred to The new
commission. The attorney general
believes the interstate trade commits
sion could gather facts and evidence
in Investigations that might be useful
in a preliminary way for government
prosecutions or might be the basis of
Judgment in dealing with the desire
Of corporations voluntarily to bring
their business within the confines Of
the law.
Powers Of Grand Jury.
In either case, IL Is proposed TO give
the commission merely powers Of In
qulsition POSSESSED by grand jury,
It's findings to be passed upon by the
department. Of Justice. The commits
sion, the attorney general thinks
coull keep an eye on corporations al
ready dissolved to determine whether
DEGREES are being carried out in good
faith
What the administration is desirous
Of doing is to add such legislation as
VIII help to prevent monopoly but VIII
n no way increase the already debat-
able area around the antitrust law.
Further conferences between the
president AMI the attorney general
are likely The emphasis at present
IS on The fact that the pending meas
urcs are purely tentative and launched
chiefly for purposes Of discussion.
Members Of the Interstate Com
merce commission will appear tomor-
row before the house committee on in
lerstate commerce TO discuss the ad
visibility of legislation for federal reg
uauon Of railroad securities. Their
appearance will mark the beginning
OF hearings on this phase of the adj
illustrations antitrust program.
Woman Wants Fixed Prices.
While members Of the committee
were preparing to take up this phase
of the work, the judiciary committee
today listened to a plea from Mrs.
Christine Frederick of Philadelphia,
Tor fixed prices to standardize house
mold goods and for legislation which
would eliminate peril to womanhood
w the nation IN mad rushes at bar
gain counters, under the lure OF
lhe retailers to fill their stores with
Patrons
REPRESENTING the Housewives
League Of America, Mrs. Frederick
aroused intense interest when she ar
"lgned the folly Of women who
spend half day, six thousand ealories
OF energy aud ten cents In earfare 10
rush down town to take advantage of
cut price, a twenty tooth-
crush selling for nineteen cents
once, she said. u crowded around
bargain counter. hay my picks tor
s's twisted out Of shape, wrecked my
pest hat. tore out the armhole Of a
! 5000 waist. ana got three yards of
'aee for 10 cents"
9rs Frederick asked for legislation
. sHe would enable full and frank
nnswledge about every article per-
NNsion to manufacturers to fix prices
XVI encouragements to manufacturers
Y pfing about decrease and service to
Nt Consumer