The Packers Enjoined

The great packing combine appeared in a rather sorry light in Judge Grosscup's court in Chicago a few days ago. The packing combine did not in any way controvert the charges of conspiracy made against them, but simply claimed the charges made against them did not violate any federal statutes. Thereupon the court issued an injunction restraining them from the further practicing the illegal acts charged against them. In his statement causing an injunction to issue, Judge Grosscup clearly indicated his own opinion of the plea set up by the defendants. Here are his words: 

"There can be no doubt that the agreement of the defendants to refrain from bidding against each other in the purchase of cattle is a combination in restraint of trade: so, also, their agreement to bid up prices to stimplate shipments, intending to cease from bidding when the shipments have arrived. The same result follows when we turn to the combination of defendants to fix prices upon, and restrict the quantities of meat shipped to their agents or their customers. Such agreements can be nothing less than restriction upon competition, and, therefore, combination in restraint of trade." 

This decision of the judge will bring the packers into court. They will now have to controvert the evidence brought against them or be proven guilty as charged. What the net result will be if they are proven guilty remains to be seen. There are undoubtedly difficulties in the way of the enforcement of a court decision which do not obtain in the case of an individual, but it is evident that they are before a judge who proposes to enforce the law as he understands it without reference to the standing of those concerned. Proper and adequate punishment of such powerful lawbreakers, if they are found to be such, will have a wholesome effect.