Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1888-11-21


nois, and Coke Of Texas. At2p. m.ithe
committee announced itself in readiness
to begin work. Senator Vest explained
in opening that tie impression had been
created that this committee had some
connection with the convention of the
range. association and butchers. This
WAS not the case further than II was
thought good opportunity to secure the
testimony of q number OF delegates 20
that convention and facilitate the work
of the committee. The committee wasnot
here to defend or attack any interest.
Senator Vest then read the resolution,
under which the committee hsd been sp-
pointed, in substance to make an investi-
CATION IS to the transportation OF beef
cattle, and whether any combination ex-
listed on the part of the Trunk Line Asso-
citation, the Central TT, ffic Association, or
other agencies OF TRANSFORMATION, or
ping meat products, whereby prices of
trolled as 10 diminish prices paid pro
ducers without lessening the cost to CON
sumere.
The only witness examined to.dny WIS
D 81. Snyder, q rsnchman residing at
he wSs Q buyer, seller, producer and
raiser OF beef cattle. Tne prices OF cattle
were low in 1876, but advanced up to
1880, although he had known of instances
where cattle worth fully $40 per head
had been sold at $40 The prosperous
cattle business went to pieces 10 1885.
The witness believed this was due to
over production Of beef animals. Prices
no
ranges were psstured down until grass
WAS not so good, AMI IS q result cattle
were light and not so fist.
When witness first went to
T. Xas all the country northwest OF
Williamson county Wss open. 1t is
now settled and yes has more cattle than
when grazing country.
Senator Vest-'Wlst market do you
ship your cattle to?"
Wiiness-"Cnicsgo is about the only
market we have got"
Senator Vest-"Do you know OF any
combination Of buyers at Ch'csgo for the
purpose Of lowering the m.rket?r
Witness-"I have heard OF such COM
bipstiop, but 90 Tot know # it,"
Senator Vest-rWhlt effect would such
q combination have upon the cattle irS
terests2'
Witnessing would have a wonderful
power and cjul6, l believe, control
prices"
Senator Plumb-"Is the market en-
tirelY affected by supply?"
Witness-"Fba. Is my opinion. Not
the total supply OF the country, but ar
rivsls at Chicago"
Witness give as the territory tributary
to Chicago from the gulf to the British
possessions
Senator Plumb-"Is the New York
market controlled by Chicsgo."
Witness-"I cannot say as to that"
Snyder then stated that Kansas City
End Omaha were other markets thst
bought Texas and Wyoming cst.ie. A
great many cattle were sold in St. Louis,
while many were brought here, but for
lack Of q market were taken on to Chi
cago. He did not know that Chicago
controlled the St. Louis market.
Senator Plumb-"Do you know Of any
in Chicsgof"
Witness-iI do not know Of any
through personal knowledge. 1t is IN
derstood there Is com binssion."
Senator Cullom-"Haye you ever seen
any evidence of q com oinstion or collu-
sion in Chicago by which you nsve been
to take Chicago prices?"
Witness-"No.n
Senator Plumb-"Then you have no
reason to believe there Isl combinatton?"
Witness-"No
Senator P.unb-"Do yoa know Of any
by railroads?"
Witness--"I do not"
Senator Vest-"You have heard of the