The Use And Abuse Of Wealth

Iu the trial of the American Tobacco Company, betterknownas the "Tobacco Trust" tliere has beeu given some evidence as to the iinproper methods employed by the "trust" for the purpose of monopolizingthe market. Whether the evidenceissufficieut, underthe technical rules that govern in criminal trials, to sustain a conviction, it is impossible to say ; but it is known to be the general custoni of 'argecorporations.or of combinations of corporations, to take advantage of their power to oppress competitors and to drive them out of business. If the competitorsare weak, they are compelled to yield. In other words, a "trust" sufficieutly extensive and sufflciently rich can forcé competitors to go out or keep out of the business in which the "trust" is interested. When fchis power is exercised it is clearly persecution and persecution that compels men to refrain froui carrying on whatever business they may prefer is cruel and'' odious. Moreover, as it prevenís the citizen from the free einployment of his faculties, and may even so limit his activities as to decrease materially his earningcapacity- foraman prospera in proportion as he is at liberty to direct his energies in the channels of his choice- thiskind of persecution is contrary to the spirit of our institutions. Whether or no it is contrary to existing law remains to be seen. But if not, the law should be made to apply. These "trusts" or combinations of capital, are the creatures of law. It is intolerable that they should be more powerful than their creator, and that they should be permittedto dowhat the State would notdream of undertaking. There should be no one in this country possessing the power to say to another, ''Your business shall be ruined unlesa you trade with me alone." Ifthere existe Bucli a power, ita exercise should be made eriminal, if it be not criminal already.-