The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-01-23
Governor i'm Direct Endorse
ment of MOntee-Barrier Bills.
Urges Speedy Passage of Meas
ureS in Both Houses.
ASKS DRASTIC LEGISLATION
Action Followed Conferences
With Atty GenI Hopkins.
Declares Price Fixing Has Be.
come Menace to State.

Governor Allen today sent a special
message to the Kansas legislature
urging that il enact the most stringent
laws. against profiteering in all forms
The message was direct and uncom-
promising endorsement of the
Montee- Barrier bills giving to the at
torney general power of inquisition In
all manner of trust and combination
agreements and price fixing methods.
Speedy action of both houses in
passing the bills now before house
and senate committees was urged by
The governor. In the last several days
Governor Allen has repeatedly dis
cussed the question of profiteering
with Richard j. Hopkins, attorney
general. As a result of these confer
ences the state departments will stand
firmly behind the pending bills. Most
drastic and far-reaching legislation IL
asked that the state may break down
systems of price fixing which the gov
ernor declares have become a menace
to the state.
Governor Aliens Message.
The message was sent to the house
and senate shortly after the opening
of the morning session. In his ap-
| peal to the law makers, Governor
Allen said:
TO the Members of the Legislature:
Senate bill No II by Senator Montee
and house bill No. 81 by Representative
| barrier have been called TO my attention.
These are bills providing for the investiga-
tion of trusts. monopoiies ana unlawful
combinations. and the legal machinery to
make such inv cstigations practicable and
efficient
As early as 1887 the legislature sought
to curb and break down the growing power
| Of hurtfu business combinations which
even then had become menace to the
| free development of trade. Succeeding
! legislatures nave from time to time. at
! tempted to strengthen the law IN Its
| operation. These efforts have not been sue
| cessful because OF lack of efficient power
| to discover the facts The present methods
! are Indirect and cumbersome. The sdoipg
tof business by corporations is so intricate
! and involved and sometimes so hidden. as
| to preclude uneovering 1T by any means
which can be pursued successfully under
] existing laws. This is largely because Of
| the requirement of court action and the
| constitutional provision that no person
shall he compelled TO give evidence which
! may incfimlnate himself.
| corporation does its business through
| agents. and they come within the laws
prohibiting their criminal acts. but these
fusine 10 give evidence. unless at the same
| time they are protected from punishment
for these criminal acts
The attorney general approves the form
OF this bill.
Because OF the repeated Manifestations
OF profiteering in commodities necessn ry
! to the welfare of the state. such as building
and rond materials, food and feed stuffs.
and the desirability for action that prom
ises some relief, / recommend the speedy
! passage Of the act involving the principles
and the purpose Of this bill. The neces-
sity for It seems imperative II we are to
4 have efficient means Of enforcing the In VS.
I now existing prohibiting combinations in
restraint of trade and commerce
Respectfully submitted.
HENRY J. ALLEN.
Governor.