Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 287, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 December 1916 — Business Men of Today Have Abandoned the Old Idea That Might Makes Right [ARTICLE]

Business Men of Today Have Abandoned the Old Idea That Might Makes Right

By ELBERT H. GARY

(T.™™... Board of Director*. Usited State* Steel Corporation

There is a principle in the subject of co-operation, private, public, national and international, which has become necessary to the highest success. The general sentiment throughout the world is opposed to the old notion that might makes right; that the stronger power is justified in crushing the weaker out of existence; that an individual or a collection of individuals, as long as the rules of law are observed, may ignore the rights of others. It is because of this fact that modern laws have been enacted to protect the weak. The old, hard business lines which were altogether selfish and arbitrary, are giving way to the later methods which are considerate and fair. As a matter of course we all realize the necessity of being practical. The ethics of business do not require us to neglect our customers or ourselves. We must get our fair share of the trade; but we are not required to misrepresent, to deceive our competitors, to go outside of our proper and natural spheres of operationsj to suddenly and unreasonably change our prices in special places and on particular occasions, or to resort to any of the old tricks of the trade which were intended to harass, demoralize and bankrupt our rivals. We can be practical and successful and at the same time fair, frank and gentlemanly toward our competitor. It is probable the federal trade commission may be of much benefit to business men, depending upon the disposition of its members. So far as we have had opportunity to observe, this commission is favorable to business success. I would like to have its authority enlarged so as to permit it to advise in advance if inquiry should be made as to a contemplated action; but even under present conditions the commission should be of real service. Ido not believe in governmental paternalism or management; but I do approve of governmental supervision, and 1 favor patriotic, intelligent, generous operations by private individuals—in cooperation between officials and private interests.