The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-04-05

CAtblc lDtpeGiOE NlIt j nave 20 IAttn IN tneSe
promised inspections for the beoedt OF the
health of Philadelphia. Conducted in the
manner proposed in this bill, they will
be prolific In corrupt combinations against the
stock grower, the drOver, aud the bItcuer--
productive of higher prices TO the consumer OF
meats in Philadelphia. How damaging to the
trade aud commerce of philadelphia these
inspections authorized by the Leglslaturei
Why, sir, but a few days since heard my
gallant friend, the Senator from the First dis
trict thcC andless) deciaim against enlarplng
the powers OF the State Whisky inspector. ]
agreed with him. L thought then and think
now, these inspections are unnecessary restrc-
tions on trade, productive of nothing but pro it
to the individual inspector himself Sir, these
inspections are embargoes on the commerce Of
Philad lei pbia. few day s since an old merchant
of Philadelphia said to me, the oppressive
restrictions of the auction laws broke up their
best trade. Representatives of Philadelphia
continue TO support the policy this bill contem-
plates. Create monopolies like this over your
trade, aud you will drive traffic away from
your growing, beautiful city. Shippers will
seek another market for their commodities.
This corporation for the benefit of Philadelphia
No, sir; II it be benefit to make dearer meat
for the consumer then is this bill benefit. A
Senator from the Fourth district (ConnelD.
How benevolent Complaint is made that the
present cattle yards are nuisances.
If so, the courts have power to abate them. A
sanitary regulation, indeed Where are the
City Councils? D.? They are legislative body in
your mUnicipality-can OTdain municipal regu-
lations--can provide for inspections where ne
cessary for the health of the people. There are
now, | believe, market clerks. What do the
Councils say about thisY They are nearer to
the citizens OF Philadelphia than the Legisla-
tuIe. A few days since they sent here an
earnest protest against this bill, which was read
by the Clerk to the Senate. Are the petitions aud
remonstIances of the Councils and the people
not 10 be heededY If this is intended for
the benefit of the public alone, l will offer an
amendment in due time, authorizing the Mayor
of Philadelphia to name five citizens as corpo-
rators. There can be no objection 10 this, as it
will give the city government an interest and
influence in the organization. But, sir, If il is
for the protection of the health OF the city, why
make it so expensive to the stock dealer, and so
very remuneIative to the corporation? Have
you calculated the very large revenue to be
realized by the monopoly you are creating? As
] sit here have grouped a few statistics. There
are slaughtered weekly in Philadelphia not less
than three thousand head of cattle. These will
have TO be yarded and fed. Corn can be bought
for these yards at about IS cents per bushel and
can be sold to the cattle owner at about So per
bushel. Hay will be bought at about rs cents
per cwt. and will be sold at 81 so per VT Thus,
then,
5000 cattle. yardsge, q 10 cts. per
week. ....,......,.,.......,..,..... $3.50
8OCO bushels corn per week, q 81
pront... 1000
Hay profit per week Roout....,...... 500
Weighing and Inspecting cents
per cwt, which win average
about rs cents per head for 5000. $50
There are about O,OOO sheep per
week slaughtered.
Profit on the corn for these sheep,
a So per bushel, sbout............. 5000
Yardage per week, a cents..... 500
Weighing and inspecting, 3 cents
per head............... SOO
There are about 5000 hogs per
week killed.
Say 3000 consuming about 5000
bushels of corn, at profit OF 81
per pusD SouoV
Weighing and inspecting, 10 cts.
Yardage, cents per head........... $50
Total per week $3.50
Making annual revenue eof...............S475S 800
A fair calculation, think. Take one half of
this amount, and it is the most profitable sanl-
tary commission l have read Of. What this will
add per pound to meat in the market l cannot
calculate. What the Western drover will add
TO his prices L cannot say. Nor can say what
the farmer and stock owner of Montgomery, of
Chester of Bucks counties will add to his
prices for the trouble OF driving his cattle his
calves, sheep, or hogs for miles in search OF
these yards, through which he must pass them
all. How selfish, how illiberal, the policy that
would create an immense monopoly ike this!
Where is that traditional hatred of the Demo
cratic party against close corporations? If the
representatives of that party on this iloor will
but unite with q few of us on this side OF the
chamber we can defeat this monstrous measure.
Why not now show the sincerity of your boasted
love for the memory of Andrew Jackson, aud
unite with US against the eXorbitant demands of
this corporation which seeks life at your hands,
Senators, do not, in the delusive hope of pro-
tectng the health OF great community, violate
that wise policy which keeps free our internal
trade. Defeat this measure, and some respect
VIII still be given our proceedings; pass II,
and this Legislature will justly forfeit the con-
idence OF the people of PENNSYLVANIA.