The operations of the conspiracy are divided into three periods: one extending from 1870 to 1882 ;another from 1882 to 1899; and the last from 1899 to the present time. The characteristic ascribed to the first period is the purchase and acquisition of interests in concerns engaged in different branches of the oil business for the purpose of fixing the price of crude and refined oil, limiting their production, and controlling their transportation. The characteristic ascribed to the second period is the formation of what is known as "The Standard Oil Trust", by which various independent firms, corporations, limited partnerships and individuals engaged in the oil business turned over the management of their businesses to nine trustees. The characteristic ascribed to the third period is the vesting of this control and management in the Standard Oil Company (of New Jersey) as a holding company. The bill then proceeds to treat each of these periods in detail.<br><br>First Period, 1870 to 1882.