Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)Roosevelt, Theodore
History
Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)
Roosevelt, Theodore
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919; United States -- Politics and government -- 1901-1909
Constant watchfulness is needed to secure to
Americans the chance to participate to the best advantage in foreign
trade; and we may confidently expect that the new Department will
justify the expectation of its creators by the exercise of this
watchfulness, as well as by the businesslike administration of such
laws relating to our internal affairs as are intrusted to its care.
In enacting the laws above enumerated the Congress proceeded on sane
and conservative lines. Nothing revolutionary was attempted; but
a common-sense and successful effort was made in the direction of
seeing that corporations are so handled as to subserve the public
good. The legislation was moderate. It was characterized throughout by
the idea that we were not attacking corporations, but endeavoring to
provide for doing away with any evil in them; that we drew the line
against misconduct, not against wealth; gladly recognizing the great
good done by the capitalist who alone, or in conjunction with his
fellows, does his work along proper and legitimate lines. The purpose
of the legislation, which purpose will undoubtedly be fulfilled, was
to favor such a man when he does well, and to supervise his action
only to prevent him from doing ill. Publicity can do no harm to the
honest corporation. The only corporation that has cause to dread
it is the corporation which shrinks from the light, and about the
welfare of such corporations we need not be oversensitive. The work of
the Department of Commerce and Labor has been conditioned upon this
theory, of securing fair treatment alike for labor and for capital.
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