Chapters 26-28 Summary and Analysis

The Bureau of Corporations begins its investigation of Standard Oil. In 1905, the House or Representatives requests an investigation of the company. Standard Oil is the kind of trust that Roosevelt wants to bust. The rough shod tactics of Archbold mean that antitrust action cannot be negotiated or avoided. There are a variety of suits at the state level before the federal suit is filed. Senior remains in seclusion at Poncantico, avoiding the process servers.

In 1903, Junior begins asking his father to publish an authorized biography to repair the damage done by Tarbell. Various projects are started by not completed. John D., Cettie and other family members travel to Europe in June 1906 and his lawyers tell him to extend his stay because of the various lawsuits. They return in July. At this time, Rockefeller becomes more interested in public relations...