Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-06
Trade Commission in New Light

TT is curious fact that the decision Of the
1 United States district court upholding the
present conduct of the steel trust and deny
ing the governments plea for the trusts dis
solution. was based in part on the existence
of the Federal Trade Commission, an insttu
ton against which Big Business only very
lately. was calling down the anathemas of
highest Heaven.
The court held that it was no longer neces-
sary to dissolve the steel trust in order to
make it, behave itself for this function could
be performed very satisfactorily by the Trade
Commission. The clear inference is that, had
the commission not been esta blished, some
drastic judicial process might have been re-
CURED. 1t is rather remarkable, certainly,
that the trust should have found refuge and
salvation in this particular quarter. 1t is
like man sheltering himself from the rain
under the umbrella of an individual at whom
he has just taken pot shot from behind
the fence.
Business is finding another use for the
Trade Commission. Manufacturers have ex-
pressed their confidence in it and willingness
TO cooperate with it. and certain of their
representatives have appeared before it and
asked to he informed how legally they might
combine their resources for the invasion of
the much desired foreign field.
II appears to be admitted that successful
extension Of American trade abroad--espe-
ciaily in South America-cannOt be accom-
plished save through some form of co opera
tive effort Manufacturers, if they are to do
business efficiently and economically, must be
permitted to divide among themselves the
expenses Of publicity introduction and dis
tribution This involves. it would SEEM
some agreement to price maintenance.
Here the Sherman antitrust law rises as
specter at the feast. That statute, it is APP
pretended, forbids the very sort of combina-
tons in restraint of trade that manufacturers
declare must be formed, and without which
the commercial conquest of Iatin-America
is physical and financial impossibity.
They point out that German success in for
eign trade was due very largely TO just such
combinations and agreements
The Trade Commission is asked and urged
to solve the problem. Manufacturers want
to be told how they may go out to swim and
not get near the water. They want TO enter
South America, but they have no desire what
ever to enter ja--or even to pay the sort
of fine that unsympathetic Federal Judges
have been known TO impose.
Perhaps the Trade Commission will achieve
the impossible and do what is asked If it
cannot do so under existing law, the next
Congress may be asked so to amend the Sher-
man act as to make foreign trade associat lions
possible. We should not be surprised to see
such an application receive the approval OF
the commission itself.
The point is, however, that this ogre Big
Business feared has shown itself. on close in
spection sngulary lacking in horns and ii
tail. 1t is benevolent ogre, at the worst
Apparently, it has no desire whatever to
Cypress business or prevent or discoura &c
prosperity. On the contrary, il is manifest
ing very strong wish 10 help manufacturers
extend their opportunities and increase their
profits. It is proving itself rather intelligent
also, despite the mournful walls from the
New York Sun and Tribune and other organs
of that sort of opinion, which accompanied
its birth.
The whole thing is very SURPRISINGLY