Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-06-28

further hearings and has nothing to do
but to act upon It's findings that illegal
practices exist and that 1t has been
unable to prevent the exorbitant print
paper charges.
The commission" said Senator Reed,
mas Investigated every question of fact
and reported its conclusions to the
senate. Whatever testimony necessary
has been taken. Nothing remains for
the commission to do except to issue
its order commanding the manufacturers
70 desist from their Illegal practices.
Ma further hearings or examinations OF
witnesses under oath are Necessary:
therefore. there can be no immunity
given the indicted manufacturers"
Senator Reed said his resolution does
not reflect upon the commission or impute
negligence. and that the Senate should
nave Its reply to determine whether the
commissions conduct is satisfactory.
Has Asked for Opinion.
The commission has asked the Depart
ment OF Justice for an opinion whether
II 1t should issue an order against the
manufacturers, those who might demand
a hearing would secure immunity from
tne gb bneparment OF Justice prosecutions
inc commission, the Arkansas Sena-
tor said, is still awaiting the ruling of
the Attorney General and probably wiz
80 respond to Mr.. Reeds resolution.
Senator Robinson said the commissions
take over and operate the print paper
plants is strongly opposed by many
large publishers, but generally favored
by the small publishers.
senator Hollis Of New Hampshire. de-
clarfng the manufacturers have COM
mftted "a crime" in their paper rates.
suggested that the commission might
believe the Senate demands an intunc-
ton against the manufacturers
Servica IN fba pr,hJ1n
I think the senator from Missouri
has done q public service In calling
lis. and hope the Department of Jus
tfce will take notice of the Interest
In 1t. There is no doubt the manufac-
turers have committed a crime in this
situation. The commission has report
ed that. It is shown that the manu-
facturers have violated the Sherman
antitrust laws, and I hope thew will
be promptly prosecuted by the Depart
ment OF Justice, but fear the commits
sion may believe the Senate thinks it
ought to proceed by Injunction"
To Await Trials in New York.
Further action by the Departmen+ =,
Justice for the federal trade commits
sion. 1t was unof1cially stated today.
Will be deferred pending tho outcome
of prosecution of manufacturers in New
1ork. lndlcted under the Sherman anti
trust law.
The trade commission today made
public its answer to Senator Reeds
resolution asking why the commission
had not ordered papermakers to desist
In alleged unfair and Illegal practices
IN maintaining high prices. The COM
mission explained that while it has
power to issue an order to desist. If
has no power Of prosecution or punish
ment. and members indicated that the
entire matter Is now up to the Depart
ment of Justice.
Justice officials intimated that the
New York prosecutions will be carried
on vigorously, especially in view of the
fact that papermakers virtually de-
manded dtscontnuance Of these cases
as an unwritten proviso in their price
agreement with the federal trade com
mission This agreement, it is under
stood. was repudiated when the cover
ment refused to dismiss the prosecutions