The sun., 1918-09-02
TRADE COMMISSION. .
SCORED IN REPORT
e.. -
U. 8. Chamber Of Commerce
Committee Bitter in State
ment to Wilson.
MANY COMPLAINTS MADE
Members Shape Policies to Fur
Their Political Ambitions,
President Is Told.
MANY COMPLAINTS MADE
Special Despafch to THy Sun.


WASHINGTON. Sept. 1.-The Chamber
Of Commerce Of the United States has
placed in the hands Of the President
formal report declaring that the Fed
eral Trade Commission as at present
constituted is no longer responsible
body. but that the purposes for which
Il was created have been subverted and
have given way TO policies that are APP
parently shaped for the asgrandixement
OF the Commission and Its members.
This report was prepared by the
Chambers Federal trade committee,
headed by Rush c. Butler. a Chicago
lawyer. 1t was formally approved by
the Chamber before being sent to the
President, and voices the convictions of
the governing heads OF that body repre-
senting business and commercial inter-
ests throughout the country.
The report ia designed TO guide and
influence the President in the selection
OF men to Nil the two vacancies existing
on the Commission. There are at pres
ent but three members. Chairman Will
lam b. Colver, Victor Murdoch and ].
Franklin Fort. The report was sub
to the President but the Commission
refused to alter its present policies.
Attacks, Change in Policy.
The Chamber of Commerce attacks
what 10 termed q change In policy from
ono OF constructive effort and aid to one
OF critical interference, rather than any
specific action of the Commission. though
its entire course is reviewed. 1t Is no
secret that the aim of the Chamber Ia TO
turn the Commission back to its original
constructive policies by obtaining. IL pos
sible the appointment OF two suitable
members to succeed William J. Harris
and Joseph E. Davies. The business
men believe Cow Fort would line up
with such men az opposed to the present
controlling power In the Commission.
The report is critical Of the action OF
]. Heney. in going from the commission
to seek political preferment, though they
are not mentioned by name.
In substance the committee mentions
seven specifications Of conduct which the
committee disapproves. They are:
The commission has undertaken the
exercise OF functions beyond its own
jurisdiction to the detriment of its
proper usefulness.
ut has begun the study Of important
situations but because OF vacillating in
toicSts UT lot OtHer reasons not apparent
has left Its work incomplete.
The commissions procedure. orig
inally orderly and appropriate. has been
changed without public notice or notice
to Congress.
1T has abused its powers OF publicity.
Prominent features OF the commits
sion's recent food Investigate were sub
versive OF common Justice
In presenting information to Congress
and the public the commission has been
Needless Of the accuracy and frankness
which rs position and the circumstances
require.
TT has departed from the fundamental
purpose for which IT was established"
President's Words Cited.
From the Presidents address to Con-
gress on the proposal to create the COM
mission the committee takes the follow
ing excerpt:
The business men OF the country de-
sire something more than that the mem
ace Of legal process IN these matters be
made explicit and intelligent They de-
sire the advice, the definite guidance and
inflammation which ran ha sunpIiad H..