State Ex Rel. Hamilton v. Standard Oil Co. of California

This is an action in the nature of quo warranto, brought by the state on the relation of the attorney general. The respondents were eighteen corporations authorized to do business in this state. The complaint charges conspiracy, in violation of Rem. Rev. Stat., § 2382 [P. C. § 8783], in that respondents had unlawfully conspired to fix prices, prevent competition, and drive independent dealers out of the gasoline business. The prayer of the complaint asked that the respondents be ousted of their franchises and authority to do business in this state; that a receiver be appointed, and their…