@atyh
It wouldn't surprise us if this were true, but we will boost for a potential #historian to see.

We understand that back in the 1800s it was the #railwayBarons, and to a growing extent at the time, #BigOil merchants, who had been the monopolists, and the reason for antitrust #legislation in the first place.

In fact it make have been the antitrust legislation that enabled the #chainStore. Ie. there was a supposed checkAndBalance, thus 'knock yourselves out', etc?