We may note that, according to the Report, twenty-three million
out of the total of twenty-six million barrels produced annually in the United States are controlled bir the Standard Oil Trust, and that the price of illuminating oil is two cents to five cents higher per gallon in non-competitive than in competitive fields. In view of the extremely damaging character of the Report, the general counsel of the Standard Oil Company has expressed "unbounded surprise" at what he considers its unfairness and injustice. For ourselves, we hold that the Message does the highest credit to the President's statesmanship and sense of public duty. The President is no Socialist and no enemy of property, but in reality its best friend. It is those who practise or applaud the methods of the Trusts who are the worst enemies of property.
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