, 1925-01-26
Standardizipg Prices

Z The mystery which surrounds the objects and purposes of
The bill in the Wyoming senate, introduced by Mr.. Merchant,
"A Democratic member from Goshen county, remains deem. dark
and upenetrable. The bill provides for "the standardizing of
prices OF commodities at the place of manufacture or prpduc-
ton or sale and providing a penalty for the failure to comply
with the provisions of the actn
In Wyoming such an act would apply to coal, sugar and
oil and its various byproducts. There may be other commod-
tiles that the bill would affect, but they need not be recalled
when the three most important products of the state are thus
sought to be regulated.
Most people of the state are of the opinion that the oil
industry is plentifully regulated as il is. without piling on
more rules. regulations and hampering legal provisions and
conaitlons' 10 snub TINS great industry up close and leave less
discretion to carry on its business. No doubt the coal industry
and the sugar industry both feel that they too, are sufficiently
regulated and oppressed.
In proposing laws, there are those who forget that it has
been the corporations that have developed the state of Wyo-
ming, provided employment for labor. built the towns and cit.
les, built the roads, indirectly, and brought prosperity TO the
state. 1t is through them that we have population growth,
after remaining at a standstil almost since statehood.
It Is no untruthful statement to say that corporations have
made the state of Wyoming what it is today. There is a class of
people TO whom the word corporation carries a meaning of
al that is dangerous, corrupt and vile. 1t is, of course, wrong.
The fault lies with those who hold this view. A lack of under
standing. This class would not today, be present in Wyoming.
enjoying health and prosperity were it not for corporations.
There are those too, who regard corporations as fine game
for exploitation, for punishment. 1t is the wrong attitude for
progress and upbuilding. There was "A day when this sort of
thing was fashionable. 1t simply set the country back twenty
years in time. The error was finally discovered. and the atti.
tude changed Now such tactics are sought TO be practiced only
ny nose IN power VINO lack broad and comprehensive under
standing. \ corporation is nothing more than a group of in.
dlliduals. 1t is no more to be feared than a single individual.
me group Is seeking To- do a Job too big for the individual
and it is actuated by the same motives that govern the single
person. Then why fear or attempt TO punish the group?
The component parts of the CORPORATION + ali men like
yourself, frequently your friends and neighbors if YOU let then.
VINO are fair square and lawabiding. They would be your bet
ter friends, If you would show other inclination than TO fight
them and force them to a defense.
The Merchant bill for standardizing prices, is wholly i'm.
practical from an economic standpoint. If it were passed, it
Introduced from an Interior motive. To accomplish Il wholly
different purpose from the one named in the bill.
The producing interests of the state have a Just right to
be heard upon this measure before the committee 10 which it
was referred, takes action upon il.