Evening star., 1938-08-05

pSI u WIN II z ~
may present monographs dealing with
interpretations of the data collected.
On the basis of these studies there
might naturally be hearings at which
business men would be interrogated
and. presumably, if the studies drew
conclusions with which business men
disagreed, they would have an oppor-
tunity to state their side of the case.
The hearings doubtless will run on
with subcommittee taking up partlc-
ular phases. There may be as many
as six different groups taking testi-
mony, but it is believed these subcom-
mittees will meet consecutively rather
than simultaneously, so that commit
tee members will have an opportunity
to become familiar with all phases Of
the inquiry.
To Probe Economic Power.
Some of the studies are expected to
cover these phases:
l. A comprehensive inquiry into the
concentration of economic or financial
power by large banks, insurance COM
DdnleS dIlQ lIlNcolAlSAC ~ Aoeo' AN
Securities and Exchange Commission
personnel is relied on mostly to gather
this data and interpret it.
2. An analysis of the operations OF
the antitrust laws and the economic
results which arise under modern eco
nomic practices, but which are not
reachable under existing statutes. The
Department of Justice personnel is ex-
pected to take charge Of this phase.
3. A study of the relationship OF
Government spending to business ana
particularly the revelation OF business
practices which Government buying
discloses. The theory is to see what
power can be exerted through Govern
ment's buying or spending power to
effect reforms in economic practices.
The Treasury Department and Her
man Oliphant, Assistant Secretary OF
the Treasury, is to have charge OF
this division of the work.
4. A study of the alleged abuse OF
the patent privilege by industry, in
cluding the pooling Of patents and
practices with reference to the buying
up of patents by competitors. with the
idea of making changes in the patent
laws.
Trade Groups to Be Studied.
5. A study of trade associations and
of the integration OF enterprises
through such associations. This study
probably will be directed by Willard
lirontnr nf tho niVi.
sion of Foreign and Domestic Com
merce in the Department of Com
merce, with the cooperation OF Rich
ard Patterson, jr., Assistant Secretary
OF Commerce.
6. Monopolistic practices on the part
of labor unions. This aspect has
been urged but the way the subject
is to be handled is still only vaguely
discussed hereabouts as it is ticklish
matter for the committee to touch.
One thing seems certain, and that
Is the effort to avoid duplicating pre-
vious committees is to be made. Thus
various reports already issued by the
Federal Trade Commission, for ex-
ample, and by university professors
who have specialized in the study of
certain fields Of monopolistic practice
will be re-examined with view to
interrogating witnesses about them
The object would be, in a nutshell,
to carry forward from existing find
ings. The committee will probably
not issue one report, but interim re-
ports from time to time covering spe-
cial phases. very much as did the
Pujo Committee and the famous Ma
tional Monetary Commission of a
quarter of century ago.
All the plans are necessarily tenta-
tive, because at the moment the con.
gressional members of the commit
tee are absent and the personnel from
the executive departments and agen-
cies naturally do not wish to seem to
be making decisions till the Senators
and Representatives get back here next
September. On the other hand, when
the latter get back, they will find
that the executive agency members
and their stats have been busy max
ing up tentative outlines of what in
formation may be sought in order tc
enlighten the country on how the
American economic system operates.
(copyright. 1889