DEBATE OF APRIL 10, 1889.Question: "Resolved, that legislation against trusts and combinations is called for.

Brief for the Affirmative.F. Green and T. Woodbury.

Best general references. Andover Review vol 10, pp. 109-126; North Am. Rev. vol 144, pp. 277-290.

I. Trusts and combinations are an economic evil. (a) They destroy competition, as in the case of the Standard Oil Company. (b) They often limit and suppress production. (c) By control of the market they can raise prices the Copper Syndicate. (d) They tend to build up monopolies and drive small capitalists out of business.- Quarterly Journal of Economics. Jan. 1889. New York State Leg. Report 1888.

II. They render trade and employment unsteady. Sat. Rev. 66, p. 109; 67, p. 88.

III. Capital invested in them is in danger. Nation. 44, p. 381.

IV. They are an evil to the community because of their irresponsibility and secrecy. Andover Rev. pp. 118-119. House Report, 1888, p. 47, 297.

V. They tend to build up an oligarchy which controls legislation and the courst against the interests of the community. North Am. Rev. 146, p. 511.

VI. Trusts have reached an immense development and are on the increase. Spectator, 61, 1253. Qr. Jl. of Ec. Jan. '89, p. 121.

Brief for the Negative.G. H. Black and F. W. Thayer.

Best general reference. Political Science Quarterly vol. III. pp. 385,592.

I. The supposed dangers arising from trusts are greatly exaggerated. Popular Science Monthly vol. 33, p. 42.

II. Trusts are an economic advantage. (a) by limiting production to demand. Quar. Jour. of Economics Jan. 1889, p. 136. (b) by improving the processes of production. N. Am. Review vol. 136, p. 181. (c) by preventing excessive competition. Age of Steel, Jan. 5, 1889. p. 14 (d) by lessening the fluctuations in prices. Pol. Sci. Quarterly, vol. III. p. 385.