No. 64. IN SEΝΑΤΕ, MAY 10, 1889. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GENERAL LAWS RELATIVE TO COMBINATIONS COMMONLY KNOWN AS TRUSTS. To the Senate: The Committee on General Laws, by resolution of the Senate, dated March 29, 1888, was charged with the duty of making further inquiry into certain combinations commonly known as trusts, and was directed to make report to this Senate in relation to said matters, with such recommendations as in its judgment the public interests might require. In compliance with said resolution, the committee makes the following report: Witnesses have been examined and testimony taken relative to the formation, management and effect of various trusts or combinations, prominent among which are the following: The copper trust. The sugar trust. The jute bagging trust. The milk trust. The elevator trust. The wholesale grocers' trust. These trusts or combinations were all formed for the purpose of regulating the price and production of certain commodities, or of fixing the price of certain services to be rendered the public. The copper trust increased the price of copper from twelve to seventeen cents a pound; the sugar trust advanced the price of sugar; the jute bagging trust doubled the price of that commodity. |