Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-28
Farmers and Small Dealers
Also May Be Omitted From
Antitrust Bills.
LIMIT TO INJUNCTION
IN SETTLING DISPUTES
Forecast of Legislation Before House
Judiciary Committee-Protracted
Hearings Probable.

Labor unions, farmers cooperative or
CARNATIONS and combinations of small re-
tall dealers and manufacturers probably
Will be exempted from the provisions of
the antitrust laws now being framed by
the House judiciary committee. The COM
mittee practically has decided. in addi-
ton to exempting trades unions and
farmers organizations, that associations
of small dealers and producers. IL they
do not engage in price raising. will not
be held liable to prosecution under the
proposed legislation. A bill limiting the
use of the injunction In labor disputes
also will be reported by the committee
to follow the antitrust measures.
The work of the judiciary committee
threatens to interfere with the progress
of democratic leaders to conclude the
session Of Congress by June /. members
of the committee said today mat near
ings already were scheduled up to March
II, and that the hearings probably wouio
keep the committee busy until April i.
Progress on Trade Commission Bill.
The subcommittee of the House inter-
state and foreign commerce committee
working on the interstate trade commits
sion bill expect to be able to report to
or Thursday.
A letter from Henry L. Higginson of
Boston, addressed to Senator Root OF New
York, criticising vigorously the so-called
administration trust bills, was read in the
Senate today. at the request of Senator
Root.
Mr. Higginson said that the bill aimed
at price cutting was unfair, since there
are frequently occasions when it Is per-
fectly proper to cut prices, either for the
sake of ready money, for winding up
business, etc.
The bill prohibiting interlocKins direc-
torates, he said, would prevent many
valuable men from serving IN boards of
directors in companies. which needed
their services and advice.
The criticism by Mr.. Higginson on the
interstate trade commission bill was
to the effect that such a measure would
permit any man jealous of a corpora
ton to start an investigation of that
corporation, and indirectly to injure
that corporation, for no good reason
at all.
Discusses Interlocking Directorates.
Concerning the proposed interlocking
directorates measure, Mr.. Higginson
declared no one doubted that ait is
often well that a man should advise
and direct in two corporations which
interlock in their dealings, and that
often such action is harmful.
1.-The federal bank act" he continued,
will drive from bank directorates many
men Of great value to the .anks and will
substitute men ignorant of credits, con-
ditions and general affairs. At the same
time the influence and knowledge Of these
valuable men will be used, but the re-
sponsibility for their acts will not exist
that Is. these men can be used, but not
held accountable. The law taxes the
shadow and not the substance. Further,
if directors are to be imprisoned because
Of mistakes or sins Of the corporation
officials good men will not serve on
directorates. This bill has good intent.
but needs very careful consideration.
Injury to Honest Business.
"All these bills hurt the honest man
and help the dishonest or half honest or
reckless man-in short, the gambler or
semi-gambler who will run risks, wrig-
gle, and if need be lie. If the corpora
tons are hurt or crippled it reacts on
all the wage earners. Unless they are
carefully drawn, with the full belief that
most men are honest and will deal fair
ly, the bills will prove absolutely I'M
democratic in their results.
Nothing but good courts and a higher
tone in business will cure the evils al
though the evils have been much lessened
in these last years. Ignorance does much
more mischief in this world than dis
honesty"