I’m not reading all of that. Obviously, somebody hates Standard Oil.
It means that the newspapers were paid by Standard Oil (and numerous other enterprises) to sway public opinion in its favor. Not just newspapers were paid, but judges, Senators, Congressmen, etc. Only communications pertaining to Standard Oil were publicized.
In short, the press were prostitutes and when the public found out that Standard Oil was a whoremonger, they were shocked and outraged.
We have the same situation right now, pretty much. Judges, Congressmen, state officials, the MSM - incestuous whoredom, at the cost of our Constitutionally protected rights.
Would you say I got it right, progressing america?