The trusts cannot be destroyed, and they should not be destroyed.
But they can be regulated, and with proper vigilance they can be kept from commanding and controlling absolutely this nation, which sees the birth of their great development. ——
We believe that the most pressing public duty at present is the reorganization of the Senate of the United States on the basis of popular election.
It has been said truthfully: "You cannot indict an entire people," and, fortunately for us, it may truthfully be said, "You cannot PURCHASE an entire people."
The trusts of the United States base their hopes of continued and growing power upon the United States Senate.
The trusts own absolutely many United States Senators. Of those Senators whom the trusts do not own, many are deeply interested in the trusts, which is the same thing as though the trusts did own them.
Under the present system, the public elects State Legislatures, and these Legislatures choose the United States Senators.
If a trust can buy the Legislature—which, as we all know, it usually can—the trust can control the Senatorial representatives of the State.
The State of New York in the National Congress at Washington is represented by thirty-four Congressmen and two Senators. The thirty-four Congressmen are elected by the people and two Senators are chosen by the trusts. And with these two Senators the trusts can absolutely veto every bill passed by the thirty-four Representatives elected by the people.
Does anybody believe that Mr. Depew and Mr. Platt could possibly have been elected to the United States Senate by the PEOPLE of the State of New York?