Evening star., 1920-03-07
THE STORY THE WEEK HAS TOLD

1t has been held, since the enactment Of the
Sherman antitrust law. that the measure Is as as
chameleon, continually changing its color win the
shifts of public sentiment the Interpretation OF
political lawyers. Many have claimed that. under
what the law permits and what it forbids.
The majority decision in this most most recent m
precise. Reduced to simple terms, it was ruled that
trust" shall be judged by its activities: that
such malefcent activities pricefxing, monopoly
or restricting of trade shall be severely punished
where practiced by trusts. but that the unused
not be sufficient to condemn a law abiding cor
poration. Furthermore. the decision indicates that
timabe value to Jim and Jane and must be ac-
corded the popular judicial assistance its services
deserve.
The American people woke up upon Monday to
find the roads of the country restored to private
ownership after twenty-sx months of government
control and operation. There seems to be no doubt
that the roads went back with public sentiment
favorable to them at any time in their history.
Mr. Hines. director general in reporting upon
his stewardship for the roads during government
control. assures the country that this deficit OF
$715.500,000 was. at that, better than private
porations could have done under the circumstances.
The loss averages about s1.00O,O00 day.
Apparently of the outcomes of government
control is, however that all serious talk of gov
at least been silenced. There is no doubt in any
body's mind but that the roads face very diff
Used them from the Interstate Commerce Com
mission. but the public seems to be confident that
troll will not work. under existing conditions, to
the detriment of the latter.
X X X X
Samuel Gompers says that the action Of the
President in signing the railroad bill is regretted
by the Federation of Labor. The moderateness
Of the statement gives reason for believing that
organized labor while it may possibly oppose the
bill in court. will follow its original program Of a
political drive in the coming campaign as its main
form Of offense. There still suggestions of a
strike. but Mr.. Gompers and his confreres are suf-
fcenty versed in American public opinion to real
ize beyond peradventure Of doubt that any strike
would menace labors plan Of political offensive
with utter defeat The game cannot be played
both ways and it is generally believed that labor
has made its choice and will appeal to the cleo
torate in the guise of group which has born its
hardships patiently in the hope of political retri-
button. rather than fighting claimant for in
dustrial supremacy
President Wilson took action during the week
to guide and put into motion the machinery pro-
controversies. Employers and employees have been
asked to name members of the bipartisan wage
board. The President makes Il clear that he wishes
the board to begin work soon possible.
The agitation for bonus for American soldiers
who served during the recent war took on national
importance during the week as a result Of the
hearing being conducted in the House of Repre-
sentatives on the matter Feeling high The
American Legion has come out fatty in favor of
some such concession. Certain financial experts
have asserted that bond iasue of $4,000 000 900.
which they claim would be Necessary to grant
the bonus. would throw the country into q de-
plorable financial condition at this time, II not
communism bolshevism.