Evening journal., 1914-07-10
FRIDAY JULY 10, 1914
nOosEYELr ANn AMERIcAN nuslNEss.

ROOSEVELT AND AMERICAN BUSINESS
a S matter OF interest, We republshed in THE
"A EVENING JOURNAL several days ago Colonel
kooseyelt's speech al Pittsburgh in which he ar
raiened the Wilson administration and the Demo
cratic party in general Nobody viii donbt Colonel
RooseNelts skill in ngectise. His linguistic and lit
eraly skill assist him greatly in landing his blows.
While the general public including many Democrats,
viii endorse most Of his criticisms the fcannot
be said Of that portion his speech which deals with
Of the principles and policies OF the Progressive
party. Take, for instance the colonel's proposed
method Of dealing with the business interests Of the
country which largely agrees with The plans endorsed
By The radical Democratic majority OF the House Of
Representatives and embodies the appointment by the
President OF a commission 20 whose tender merees the
business OF the country is 70 be turned over. and
which 10 be vested with extraordinary powers in
Guiding the right OF Investigation" which, according
@ the Democrats al least tie search and
seizure Of private papers the duty OF defining and
regulating unfair competition and the ability to
force individuals OF corporations to suspend opera
tions and so out OF business entirely In respect,
we may observe, Colonel Roosevelt goes little better
the Democrats Of the House Of Representatives
for his plan precudes any aggrieycd business man
from appealing 70 the courts Of justice from the rui-
ngs Of tic commission
Il is not YET explained, however how these ane pro-
srammes be reconced with the Fourth Amend
ment 10 The Constitution, which reads as follows
The right Of the people TO be secure in their per
~sQns houses papers. and effects against unreason-
able searches and seizures shall not be violated and
no warrants shall issue, butt upon probable cause
supported hy oath affirmation, and particularly
describing the place TO be searched and the persons
things to be seized
nor with the Fifth Amendment 10 the Constitution
which expressly states that person shall "be de-
prFed Of life liberty property without due pro-
cess of law
The long series Of blunders and mistakes Of tho
present administration made it easy mark FOR the
colonel, and the gttering goneratea with which he
launches his projects of reform render tham COM
paratyely immune from attack he is sagacoua
enough not TO go into details.
There Is serious 70 American business how
ever IN that portion Of the speech to which
Colonel Roosevelt renews and emphasizes his plan
ihat American business be placed at the mercy
Of an interstate trade commission, clothed with such
fe~uaordinary mquisorial reguiatye and repressiye
powers
such rlan which is IN line generally with The war
fare that has been Nugcd upon American business
hs ihe Wilson administration cannot fail to arouse
the diaappfoyai and alarm OF American business men
Ihes knew what terrible weapon such commits
sion would Pc fl ie hands 81 conscioness politicians.
Who would not hesitate d II for mercenary and
partisan purposes.
Colonel Roosevelt outlined TIE three cardinal powers
be would confer upon such commission as he had
ID mind They are as follows
First The power Of investigation The commits
sion should be able 20 ascertain complaint or on
is motion whether a monopoly in fact exists, and
It does exist the basis OF its monopostie power.
fSecond. The power directly to prohibit an unfair
trade practices within its jurisdiction This powei
Would enable the commission to stop all monopolie
based unfair and oppressive trade practices. When
ever monopoly is based such practices, THAT Il
needed to recommend that suits be brought b,
The attorney general by sny else What is need
ed the direct power in the commission itself TO stol
the wrong
''rhird- The power to end the exclusive control o
factor necessary to production by an order adapte,
to the circumstances Of the particular case The orde
may involve changes in organization. in management
or in the conduct OF the business. Where exeIusiy,
possession OF natural is the basis Of th,
monopoly may be necessary to subject its posses
sion 70 the obligation Of public service; that is tn,
oolieation to sell TO others reasonable amount a
reasonable rates.
That sounds all very we'll in theory but il woul,
throw the door to all abuses when cam
70 practice It would place in the hands Of a fey men
appointed in instances because Of their partisan feel
ing and activity. the power destroy the commercial
or the industrial life-work Of a business man VIII,
might refuse to pay for protection money in politi
eal work or in sacrifice OF political principle
The picture painted by Colonel Roosevelt OF th
blessings that would flow from such 4 commission /
very ailuring 70 the thoughtess but the reyers
SIDE Of me painting has exceedingly sinister aspec
that cannot fail 70 appeal the spirit OF protest An
opposition OF every American business man who plsce
proper value upon as commercial, industrial an
political independence
The commission proposed by Colonel Roosevelt woui
" Infinitely menacine and dangerous to Amer
can busineae than is the one proposed by Tie Wifo