The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-01-23

says program ls Founoeo On ConNic-
tion That "Private Monopoly Is In
toierabIe"--Would Have Penalties
I Fall Not Upon Business Itself, but
Upon Those Who Use Business For
Their Own Selfish Ends.
Washington, Jan. 20-President Will
cons special message on the subject
of trust regulation was read in con-
-gress this afternoon. 1t follows:
Gentlemen of the Congress
In my report "On the State OF the
Union," which / had the privilege OF
reading to you on the End Of Decem'
Ger last, ventured to reserve for dis.
cussion at later date the subject OF
additional legislation regarding the
very difficult and intricate matter OF
trusts and monopolies.
The time now seems opportune to
&urn to that great question; not only
Because the currency legislation,
which absorbed your attention and
che attention OF the country in Decem-
Der, is now disposed of, but also be-
cause opinion seems to be clearing
about US with singular rapidity In
3his other great field of action. In
che matter Of the currency 1t cleared
suddenly and very happily after the
much-debated act was passed. In re-
npect to monopolies which have multi
oiled about US, and In regard to the
various means by which they have
been organized and maintained, II
@eems to be coming TO clear and all
out universal agreement, In anticipa'
<ion of our action, as II by way OF
preparation, making the way easier
20 see and easier TO set out upon with
confidence and without confusion of
counsel
Legislation has its atmosphere like
everything else, and the atmosphere
of accommodation and mutual under
standing which we now breathe with
90 much refreshment is a matter OF
sincere congratrlation. We ought to
make our task very much less difficult
and embarrassing than II would have
Aeen had we been Obliged TO continue
20 act amidst the atmosphere of sus.
ptci0n and antagonism, which has so
Dong made II impossible to approach
such questions with dispassionate
fairness. Constructive legislation,
when successful, Is always the en-
Dodiment of convincing experience.
and of the mature public opinion
which finally springs out of that ex-
cerience. Legislation is a business
OF Interpretation, not of origination;
and 1t is now plain what the opinion
ns to which we must give effect in
this matter. 1t Is not recent or hasty
opinion. II springs out of the expert.
ence of whole generation. 1t has
clarified itself by long contests, and
chose who for long time battled
with II and sought to change It are
now frankly and honorably yielding
TO II and seeking to conform their ac-
etons to 1t.
Denied by Business Men.
The great business men who organ
He'd and financed monopoly, and
chose who administered It in actual
overy-day transactions have year
after year, until now, either denied
sts existence or justified 1t as neces-
eAry for the effective maintenance
Nnd development of the vast business
processes of the country In the mod.
ern circumstances of trade and man.
ufEcture and finance but all the
while opinion has made headway
against them. The average business
man Is convinced that the ways of
nj
and the way OF success as well; and
at last the masters OF business on the
great scale have begun to yield their
preference and purpose. perhaps their
judgment also, In honorable surren-
der.
What We are purposlng to do, there.
core. Ia, happily, not TO hamper or in
terfere with business and as enllght
Sned business men prefer to do It, or
sa any sense to put II through unit.
the antagonism between business and
government is over.
We are now about to give express
eion 70 tke best business judgment
Or America, to what We know to be
the business conscience and honor OF
the land. The government and busI-
aess men are ready to meet each 9th.
or half way In common effort to
square business methods with both
UubIIc opinion and the law. The best
anformed men OF the business world
'condemn the methods and processes
'and consequences of monopoly as we
condemn them and the instructive
judgment Of tho vast majority OF busi.
mess everywhere goes with them. We
shall now be their spokesmen. That
ts the rtrength of our position and
the sure prophecy OF what will ensue
when our reasonable work is done.
When serious contest ends, when
men unite in opinion and purpose.
those who are TO change their ways
OF business with those who asked for
the change, 1t is possible 10 effect Il
Ia the way In which prudent and
thoughtful and patriotic men would
wish to see 1t brought about, with as
Jew. as slight. as easy and simple
hOainQaa readiuofmaufa aa rnaaihla