Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-01
President Believes 1t Does Not
! Permit Violation of the
Sherman Law.
GRANTS NO PRIVILEGE
NOT ALREADY ENJOYED
Mr.. Wilson Can See No Real OBJ
stacle in the Path of
.1 Business.

Resuming his semi-weekIy confer
ences with Washington newspaper cor
respondents today, President Wilson
met vo1leys of inquiries covering al
most every public issue except media
tion Of the Mexican troubles, which the
White House barred
On the subject of adjournment of
Congress the President was not so san
guine and did not commit himself as
TO the probable time. He was asked
numerous questions as to pending
legislation and especially as to the
amendments to the Clayton bill touch
ing upon the exemption of labor unions
from the operation of the Sherman
antitrust law. He does not believe
that the amendments agreed upon by
the administration and Congress give
the exemptions mentioned.
On the contrary, he thinks there is no
more immunity for labor and farm Or
CARNATIONS, as far as violations of the
law are concerned, than any corporation
or other organization. Recognition. how
ever. is given the labor organizations as
legal bodies. thus removing much doubt
that existed as to their legality. Labor
unions had taken the position that under
court interpretations of the Sherman law
labor unions existed merely by the suffer-
ance of the Department Of Justice. All
doubts on this point would be cleared
under the amendments to the Clayton bill
Discusses Section 1s.
The President is also of the opinion that
section IS of the Clayton bill does not
confer any more rights on labor than it
already has, although clarifying their
status to the extent Of showing what
they may do under the limitations of the
law.
The Presidents answers indicated that
labor would know its statue under the
proposed amendments and not be subject
to having its organizations attacked as
Illegal. But at the same time the or
CARNATIONS would not be given any more
right to violate the law than any other
class of men.
Depression a Estate of Mind"
President Wilson still regards whatever
business depression that exists as a
state Of mind''-psychological. He can
not see anything fundamentally wrong
with business. He rejects suggestions
that the tariff has anything to do with
existing conditions.
Looking over the entire field, he could
not put his finger on any spot except
any excuse for permitting the state OF
mind" to go on The radiation of the
railroad view of things had, of course,
affected kindred industries, especial
~ steel. although the President had
noticed that the steel business is
picking up and that prospects look bet
ter. The business depression is world
wide and has been international for
long time. Conditions in the United
States are far better than in any other
country in the world. it was Indicated
The President was very sure that
turn for better things is on the way
and that IL business men will change
their viewpoint there will be speedy
Improvement.
Declines to Commit Himself.
The President again declined to COM
: NIT himself as to whether he thinks the
interstate commerce commission should
grant an increase in freight rates. but,
rs In the past. he admitted that the
weak spot in the country's business and
financial world Is among the railroads.
He did not Indicate whether he thought
the railroad view OF things was mental
or real his remarks as to state of
mind" applying more particularly to
manufacturing and other lines of bust
ness.
The President favors conservation leg
aslation at this session of Congress II it
can be reached. He has always favored
such legislation, but has been informed
II the administration legislative program
is to be put through. The President said
he recognized the demand of the west for
constructive legislation for conservation
legislation when the opportunity presents
itself.
Mr.. Wilson said he hopes to complete
the federal reserve board this week, and
Q frpv for NToA
turn from his bridal tour.
Liberia Making a Protest.
John L. Morris. secretary of the treas
ury OF the republic of Liberia, today laid
before President Wilson protest against
the operations of Reed Paige Clark, re-
ceiver of the customs and other finances
of the republic, whose appointment was
sanctioned by the State Department fol-
lowing the loan of 81, 1U0, coo made to Lii
IBERIA in 1912 by Kuhn. Loeb & Co. Under
the agreement by which the loan was
made Clark was to apply the revenues
In certain directions, taking care of the
loan of the New York firm, of course 1t
IS now charged that Clark has become
dictator. insisting upon running the whole
finances Of the country. The President
promised to have the matter investi-
gated by the State Department.
Senator Pomerene of Ohio ia. ed with
ti!S IeSiociit toudy dpOut IIle nomination
of United States district Judge for the
northern district of Ohio Judge Day. a
son of Associate Justice Day of the
United States Supreme SQUIRT some time
ago resigned as judge of that district
Senator Pomerene said he had discussed
with the President the qualifications of
all the candidates whose applications
have been filed with the White House
and the Department of Justice
1ronworkers Ask Clemency.
Appeal for executive clemency for the
dynamiters convicted at Indianapolis
over a year ago was made to President