Page:The History of the Standard Oil Company Vol 2.djvu/272

 cern, John D. Rockefeller, is more cautious in his admissions. On the witness-stand in 1888 he was forced to admit, after some skilful evasion, that the control the Standard Oil Company had of prices was such that they could raise or lower them at will. "But," added Mr. Rockefeller, "we would not do it." The whole colloquy between the examiner and Mr. Rockefeller is interesting:

There was considerable sparring, Mr. Rockefeller trying to explain away his answer.

For many of the world it is a matter of little moment, no doubt, whether oil sells for eight or twelve cents a gallon.