The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1914-02-16
Monday, February 10, 1911.
THE ANTITRUST BILLS.

The IntelligeDcer called attention
the other day to the fact that the Ave
antitrust bills OF the administration
bear little resemblance TO the prom
ises made by President Wilson in out
lining his antitrust programme. This
TACT Is now being recognized by some
OF the most ardent supporters OF the
President Analysing these proposed
measures, which are supposed TO be
the legislative form OF President WI.
sons wishes. the sedate New York
Times asserts that the question that
confronts Congress and the admins
tration. and In very serious way CON
fronts the country. Is whether this
legislation shall be wise and sound.
adequate only for the proper protec-
ton OF the public. or whether It shall
be radical and destructive. looking be.
yond tine welfare OF the people TO the
political profit OF the demagogues and
agitators. The third OF these meas
ures, that which attempts to add def
initions 10 the antitrust law. Illus
trates and explains the refreshing
eandor OF the Times. 1t says:
The four definitions or explanatory
amendments added to the bill are NOT
only. each and al OF them vicious and
aeStructlNs; contrary TO public policy.
ana prdhably unconstitutional. but thew
muddle and confuse anew an act thar
under judicial Qualification of lis mean
InE mas nov come to be accepted as a
wen-nigh perfect piece Of legislation. a
Ieder1i weapon amply sufficient To- cor
rect all the evils At which q is aif1cd.
The authors Of these amendments wortII
make II n crime punishable by fine or
Imprisonment "to prevent comtlctition in
notwithstanding. mailing. Transporting.
HtHlhSs or purchasing 81 merchandise
produce, or any commodity"
Prof Van Hise. In his address AT the
convention Of the United states Chamber
% 'ohmer'e IN Washington. declared
that the sherman law should bc supple
nented by an act which would forbid
only combinations and contracts in rc-
straint OF trade that are detrimental tn
the welfare Of the people" The uhra -.
~ q very good one hut that ~ preciS.Iy
anu hey ond all question the meaning and
intent OF the act as IL stands Prof Nnu
IiiSc should address himself 10 me
courts. not TO the national Legislature
Inc prohibitions or the law arc aimed n Z
restraints 81 trade that are detrimental
10 the people. They do not forbid those
uNual ana innocent restraints of connect
uon mat are everyday incidents OF com
inercial practice and work no harm
whatever to the people II took the
care tho true meaning OF the act
The Interstate Trade Commission
bill Is another deformity that is cal
culated to work harm to many for
the sake OF catching up the irregular
lies Of the few. The sweeping inquis
iiorial power vested I'm the Commis
sion is not only unnecessary. but IS
likely to nulllfy the value OF such a
commission u is stated on good an
thority thai the attempt TO confer the
power TO search and sieze papers and
make public records OF all Information
so obtained is in violent conflict with
the Constitution. Commenting on the
other measures offered the Times con
cludes MAT sane and necessary leg
islation is not disturbing. But the
holding up OF all the business OF the
country, now after long trials hone
fully awaiting the return or prosper
ous conditions. while Ignorant and i'm
competent legislators tumble with pro
jects or law that are the fruits OF
their own ignorance and incompotcncs
would be a needless calamity. and ON,
which the country should not be called
upon To bear n Congress goes
wrong with these projects. Or Il adhere.
10 the misshapcn measures il has pro
duoed In committee. 30 cannot plead
lack OF light I'm excuse"