The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-02-17
DEAD MEAT TRADE DURING 1873.
ais. .15O33 59.l13 343

Totals. Oj3 69,1l3 343 $3.50 1883
In view of the Importance OF the live cattle trade
the announcement that cargo OF animals which had
arrived from Portland Me- had shown or two
cases of pleuro- pneumonia q most serious one,
as il fully verified the PHvy Council would be obliged
to act it had done toward European countries where
the disease was known to exist ana prohibit impor,
in the press as follows:-The steamship
Ontario arrived at Liverpool from Portland,
Me- January 2G, with 197 head of cattle. Upon being
inspected by Mr. Moore. the local government veter
mary inspector animal was noticed to be suffer-
ing from what was apparently plenro-pneumonia.
trails sent to Professor Brown. the Privy Council In
spector in London. Meanwhile the beasts were quar-
antined on the quay where they had been
unloaded. and on the next day. Monday.
a second animal was killed aud portions
of this one were also sent to London The result
of the Investigations made in London was that slight
SYMPTOMS of the disease were detected, but from the
subsequent action OF the Privy Council department
his been represented. Permission given to
remove the remaining animals to the abattoirs to
be slaughtered Within i've days OF the receipt OF the
order.
thorough investigation into the matter by
respondent of the New York HERALD elected much
that has never light, and the results of the
inquiry instituted show that the groundwork for the
outcry against importing American cattle rested
the siimmest possible foundation. The first step
taken was call upon the steamship agents, Messrs.
Finn, Main Montgomery, who eyinced every dis
position to give all possible Information. The mani
fest of the Ontario set forth that she
sailed Portland Me-, January IA aud arrived
days in crossing the Alantic-not by any means slow
passage considering the time of year. part of her
cargo consisted OF ~ head OF cattle. consigned by
Crawford & Co., of Toronto, to ]. lnghaIn. Gut of
that number cighty-seven were killed or died on the
voyage, and the agents claimed that this excessive
percentage of loss was due to the severity OF the
weather, a heavy beam having been encountered
from the time the Ontario left Portland until she ar
rived ON this side. They also stated that OF the
twelve men in charge of the cattle only three were
able to do thing, owing to sickness, until they
had several days at and that the beasts were
much neglected
AS soon the lacts became known meeting of
the Foreign Cattle Association was called. and the
members decided to call the best veterinary skill in
the country to examine the CATTLE and requests
made to Professors Valley and Williams. of Edin-
burgh. and MIR. Mccall. of Glasgow. to come on to
Liverpool summons which was at once responded
to. most thorough and complete examination of
the beasts was made by these gentlemen, and as Is
usually the with doctors. they disagreed. Some
of the cattle evidently had lung disease, but the
doctors disagreed regarding its exact
though Of the opinion that 1t was not OF the nfcc
Attention was drawn to the great distinction rnde
between Irish and American CATTLE II In q cargo OF
Irish cattle beast is condemned for having pleuro
pneumonia the remainder OF the herd are allowed to
40, whereas in the of American cattle beast
down with lung disease results in the quarantining
of the whole ship load ON an exposed dock in. the
depth of winter-a. proceeding only tending to ac-
ceernte lung disease. The Steamboat Association OF
Liverpool have already taken action in this matter
and will bring it before the authorities with the view
of obtaining equal privileges in all cases.
WHAT THE ooSsraSEE
Mr.. Ingham, the consignee of the cattle. stated
to the HERALD correspondent that the cattle
sisted of three car loads OF Canadian beasts and
about seventeen loads purchased in Buffalo.
They were sent from Buffalo to Portland, and owing
to q snowstorm en- route were six days the
journey. This had necessitated great expense.
Fodder alone costing $500. Undoubtedly the cattle
suffered considerably but when they arrived ut Port
land there was evidence Of any disease: indeed,
in letter announcing their despatch. Mr.. Inghans
correspondent stated that "a healthier lot OF cattle
had never been put on board vessel" With refer
ence TO the board the Ontario. Mr. Inuham
said he had no complaint to make against the men
in charge. The care of cattle was such
an unthankful occupation and the had
SO much to contend against In the way of
seasickness, wretcled accommodation and toll from
beginning to end OF the voyage that could be
got to perform the same duties second time. His
experience had boon gained in the Quebec the vessel
which preceded the Ontario from Portland, and no
fortunate enough to lose only three beasts the
voyage. Only three Of his men were able to work
for several days, but II the men were sick tile
cattle aud onethird Of the food put before them