The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-11-21
THE BEEF TRADE.
Beginning Of the Senatorial Inquiry in Re-
latiOn to an Alleged Combination.

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 2o-A preliminary meeting
dressed-besf monopoly was held at The Southern
Hotel to-day for the purpose OF agreeing upon a
plan OF procedure. Senator Vest explained, in
opening, that the impression had been created
that this committee had some connection with
the convention of the range association and
butchers. This wss not the case, further
than that it was thought a good op-
portunity to secure the testimony OF a
number Of delegates TO that convention and
facilitate the work Of the committee. The
committee was not here to defend or attack any
Interest. Senator Vest then read the resolution
under which the committed had been appointed,
in substance, to make al Investigation as to the
transportation OF beef cattle, aud whether any
combination existed on the part OF the Trunk
line Association, Central Traffic Association, or
other agencies Of transportation. or among
those engaged in buying and shipping meat prod
ucss. whereby the price Of beef and beet cattle
have been so controlled as TO diminish the prices
paid producers without lesssning the cost 10
consumers. The only witness examined to-day
was D.. Il Snyder, a ranchman residing at
Georgetown. Williamson county, Texas. Mr..
Snyder stated he was q buyer. seller, producer
and raiser OF beef cattle. He commenced bust
ness in Wyoming In ls66. and enlarged
by establishing ranches in Texas. Prices
Of cattle were low in 1866. hut advanced
up to lsS0. although he had Known of instances
where cattle worth fully $40 per head had been
sold at $50. The prosperous cattlemen went to
pieces in 1855. The witness believed this was
due TO overproductIon OF beef animals. Prices
were also affected by the fact that ranges were
pastured down until the grass was not so good,
and as a result cattle were lighter and not so
fat. The witness first went TO Texas when aIl
the country northwest of Williamson county was
open. It is now settled. and vet has moro cat
tie than when a grazing country.
Senator Vest-What market do you ship your
cattle tot
The Witness-Chicago Is about the only market
we have got.
Senator Vsst-Do you know OF any eombina-
fion OF buyers at Chicago for the purchase OF
Cattle or lowering the market!
The Witness--I have heard OF such a combina-
son, bot 90 not know OF Il
Senator Vest-What effect would such a COM
binstion have upon the cattle intsrestsl
The wisness-It would have wonderful pow
or, and could. believe, control prices.
Senator Plnmb-ls the market entirely affect
ed By SUPPLY
The Witness-Ths. is my opinion; not the
total supply Of the country. but the arrivals at
Chicago.
The witness gave is tho territory tributary TO
chicago from the Cuff 20 the British possessions,
and from the Atlantic TO the Pacific oceans. He
afterwards modified this sweeping statement by
looping of the East, which turned to New York
to- q market.
Senator Plumb-Is the New York market con-
trollsd by Chieagal
The WitnesS-I cannot say as to that
Mr. Snyder then stated that Kansas CITY and
Omaha were other markets that bought Texas
And wyoming cattle. A great mary cattle
wers sold IN ST Louis. while many were brought
here. and for lack OF a market taken on 10 Chi
csgo. He did not know that Chicago controlled
the s. Louis market
Serator Piumb-Do you know of anv conn
binstion in Chicagol
The Wituess-rhere may be. but l dom.
know OF any through personal knowledge. IL Is
generally understood there is a combination.
Senator Culiom-Have you ever seen any
evidence OF combination or collision in Chicago
by which you nave been compelled to take Chi
cago pricesi
The Witness-No.
Senator Plumb-Then you have no reason to
believe there IS a combined
The WItness-No.
Senator Plumb-Do you know Of any discrimi.
Ration by railroads.
The Nitness-I do not.
Senator Vest-You have heard OF the Big
-Four combination At Chicago-Armour. Swift
Bros, Nels Morris aud Don't you
snow they control the markell
ihe Witness-I think they buv the bulk OF
tns cattle; yes. After stating that the meat
canning industry was growing wonderfully. and
answering some general questions propounded
oy senator Asnderson. the witness was ex-
sused. The then adjourned to meet
tomorrow AZ 10 A. NJ