The Prescott daily news., 1914-05-29
HONEST BUSINESS PRACTICE

No one should be surprised or dis couraged because there is an occa- sional scandal in great corporations. This is always regrettable, because it causes many people to lose confidence in utilities controlled by great cor porations. That there are irregular ities and dishonest dealings in busi- ness does not prove that business af- fairs in general are growing more cor rupt or that managers and stock com panies in particular are more dishon- est and more anxious for special fa- vors than formerly. Crooked tran octions and disgraceful dealings of iN, stockholders and managers of corpor- ations only show that there are still selfish, incompetent and dishonest men in the world and some of them are still in business, afact which ev- erybody knows.
 Large corporations by reason of the fact that there are many exceptional advantages in organization and asso- citation of men of intellect and money should have government restriction that will reduce the temptation and prevent the public utilities of the country from robbing the many to en- rich the few. And congress is now struggling with the ways and means to prevent some of the grave abuses practiced in high finance to the det- rimeut of the people of the country whom the corporations should serve.
 But let us not be deceived by the ex- citing stories of graft and corruption. It is deplorable that men should ser ve mammom in this way This is be- cause of dishonesty and selfishness that should be banished from business. And when such disclosures are made people are warned as to the abuses that prevail.
 Where there is one dishonest cor poration that practices such methods there are many serving the people honestly and efficiently and the men managing these are good citizens some of them Christian gentlemen who are striving to set a worthy eX- ample before the young men of our country. as we'll as to earn legitimate dividends upon the stock of the invest ors in the corporation. Such men de serve the patronage and respect if the people who believe in honest business, efficient service to society and the bro therhood of men. And there is no bet ter way to show ones approval of hon esty, service and economy than to patronize those who conduct business in such manner. This will soon drive the dishonest, designing incompetent out of business-or cause such busi- ness to be conducted honestly.
 We believe the people are willing to give honest, efficient and deserving business a fair chance; that when they find out what Is just and equitable they are anxious to see that every cor
  mic system has justice. That some of them have not wanted justice but have sought special privileges and unrea- sonable advantages has caused them to suffer in public confidence which means financial disaster.
 Business, whether it be farming, merchandising, banking or railroading should be conducted upon the highest possible plane of ethics and economy and the people for whom the business is conducted should demand that the business affairs be above reproach. No business has a right to exist with out honesty and efficiency and we should consider it our sacred duty to help maintain only that which gives the people economic service.-Farm and Ranch.