Page:The Mexican Problem (1917).djvu/174

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
118
THE MEXICAN PROBLEM

COMPETITION BOYCOTTED

There is little difference in human action either side of the world. On the western side of the Pacific the Japs have attempted to dictate to unarmed China. The Chinaman does n't so much as wink. He just lays down his chopsticks and refuses to buy, serve, or eat a piece of Japanese fish, and the Japs see the point of distress and starvation before the Chinese feel it. The Japs threatening the Chinese make them a unit without other understanding than that of mutual self-interest.

Throughout the United States the oil producers and selling agencies boycott the government edict and refuse to cut each other's throats in price competition. The Standard Oil Company can laugh at all Supreme Court decrees. They continue to live under the law which by the same breath demands that they compete and destroy the small man and go to jail for doing it.

The result throughout the United States is higher prices for oil; for when the Standard Oil Company had a monopoly, it had a responsibility concerning rising prices, and would conserve supplies, pass them from surplus territories