Speech #620079992

The said commissioner was empowered and directed to makea diligent investigation into the organization. conduct. and management of the business of any corporation. jointstock company. or corporate combination engaged in commerce among the several States * * * and to gather such Information and data as will enable the President of the United States to make recommendations to Congress for legislation for the regulation of such commerce. etc. In order to enable the commissioner to exercise this power and authority the said commissioner was given the right to have and exercise the same power and authority in respect to corporations that had been conferred upon the Interstate Commerce Commission in the act approved February 4. 1887. entitled "An act to regulate commerce." including the right to subpoena and compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence and to administer oaths. There was also transferred to the Department of Commerce and Labor jurisdiction over the furseal. salmon. and other fisheries of Alaska. and over the immigration of aliens into the United States. The commissioner was also required to "make special investigations and reports as he may be required to do by the President. or by either House of Congress. or which he himself may deem necessary and urgent." He was given the further right and power to make other appointments and to bring to his department other assistants who may be found necessary. I simply refer to that to show that we have not been backward in creating departments and bureaus in Washington.