The Topeka state journal., 1914-01-20
The President Declares Hin-
self Spokesman for Country
In His Message Presented Per.
sonally to the Congress
VOICES RUBllc SENTIMENT
Proposed Legislation Is De-
sired by All, He Declares.
Government and Big Business
Meet on Common Ground.

Washington. Jan. 20.-President
Wilson personally laid before . Joint
session of congress today the funda-
mental principles Of the Democrats
administrations program for DEALING
with trusts and s'big business" The
president presented the case. he oaid.
''as 1t lies IN the thought OF the coun-
try" reiterating that private m0nop-
oily IL indefensible and tntole1able," :"
and declaring that conscientious bud
ness men throughout the nation would
not be satisfiod until practices now
deprecated by public opinion n re-
corrected.
1--WE are now about to write the adj
ditional articles OF our constitution OF
peace" said the president; 1.-THE peace
that ie honor and freedom and pros
Besides suggesting the scope Of leg
islatiOn, the president made . per-
sonal appeal for an atmosphere of
friendliness and cooperation In con-
''The antasonism." he said. ''be-
tween business and government Il
over. We are now about to give ex-
precision to the best Judgment OF
business conscience and honor Of the
land. The government and business
men are ready to meet each other haR
way in q common effort to square
opinion and the law"
Basis Of Negotiations.
The chief points which the presi-
dent singled out az basis for negotia-
tions:
1.-Effectual prevention of the I'M
terlocking Of directories of great corr
porations-banks, railroads, 1ndu0-
trial. commercial and public service
bodies.
"A law to confer upon the Inter-
state Commerce Commission the pow
er to superintend and regulate the fin
ancial operations by which railroads
are henceforth to be supplied with
the money they need for their proper
development and improved transpor-
tation facilities. The president made
railroads and the prosperity OF the
cOnntry are tnseparabay connected" a
s-Definition Of Inc many hurtful=
restraints of trade. by explicit legis1a-
ton supplementary to the Sherman
4.-The creation of q commission to
aid the courts and to act as a clearing
house Of information in helping busi-
ness to conform with the law.
5.-Provision of penalties and pun
ishments to fall upon individuals re-
sponsible for unlawful business prac-
tees.
6.-Prohibition of holding compan-
les ana suggestion tnat the Young
power of individuals holding shares IN
numerous corporations might be re-
stricted.
7.-Giving to private individuals the
right to found suits for redress on
facts and judgments proven in gov-
ernment suits and providing that
statute of limitations should run only
from the date of conclusion Of the
governments action.
The Message.
The president spoke as follows:
'Gentelmen OF the Congress: In
my report 'on the state Of the union
which had the privilege Of reading
to you on the second Of December last,
l ventured to reserve for discussion af
a later date, the subject Of additional
legislation regarding the very diff
cult and intricate matter Of trusts and
monopolies. The time now seems op-
perfume to turn to that great question:
not only because the currency legisla-
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