The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-11-22
MONOPOLY.
The Senate Committee Taking
Evidence Concerning the
Beef Monopoly.
Testimony of a Catrleman from
Georgetown, Tex, and What
He Thinks.


ate committee to investigate the dressed
beef monopoly held preliminary meet
ing at the Southern hotel this morning
for the purpose of agreeing upon place
of procedure. All the senators com
posing the committee are now here: Vest,
of Missouri chairman; Henderson, of
Nebraska; Plumb, of Kansas; Cullom, of
Illinois, and Coke, of Texas.
At 2 p. m. the committee announced
itself in readiness to begin the work,
Senator Vest explained in the opening
that the impression had been created
that this committee had some con-
neotion with the convention of
the Range association and Butchers.
This was not the case further than it was
thought good opportunity to secure tes-
timony of 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 committee had been ap-
pointed, in substance, to make an investi-
CATION as to the transportation of beef
cattle ard whether any combination ex-
listed on the part of the Trunk Line asso-
citation, Central Traffic association, or other
agencies of transportation, or among those
engaged in buying and shipping meat
products, whereby prices of beef and beef
cattle had been so controlled as to diminish
prices paid producers without lessening
the cost to the consumers.
The only witness examined to-day was
Mr.. D. N. Snyder, rsngeman, residing in
Georgetown, Tex. Mr.. Snyder stated he
was buyer, raiser, seller and producer of
cattle. The prices of cattle were low in
1876, but advanced up in 1880, although
he had known of instances where cattle
worth fully $40 per head had been cold at
500. The prospects of the cat
in 1885. Witness believed this
was due to our production of beef animals.
Prices were also affected by the fact that
the ranges we're pastured down until the
grass was not so good, and as result
cattle were light and not so fat. When
witness first went to Texas all the country
northwest of Williamson county was open.
1t is now settled and yet has more cat
tie than when a grazing country.
Senator Vest-"What market do you
ship your cattle tor"
Witness-"Chicago is about the only
market we have got"
Senator Vest-"Do you know of any
combination of buyers at Chicago for the
purpose of lowering the market?"
Witness-"I have heard of such COM
bination, but do not know of it,"
Senator Vest-"What effect would such
combination have upon the cattle inter
est?"
Witness-"It would have wonderful
power, and could itself control prices"
Senator Plumb-"Is the market en-
tirely affected by the supply?'
Witness-"That is my opinion; not
the total supply of the country, but the
arrivals at Chicago"
The witness gave as territory tributary
possessions.
Senator Plumb-"Is the New York mar
ket controlled by Chicago9"
Witness-"I cannot say as to that"
Mr.. Snyder then stated that Kansas
City and Omaha were the other markets
that bought Texas and Wyoming cattle.
A great many cattle we're sold in st. Louis,
while many were brought here, but for
lack of a market were taken on to
Chicago. He did not know that Chicago
controlled the st. Louis market
Senator Plumb-"Do you know of any
combination in ChicagoF"
Witness-I do not know of any through
personal knowledge; it is understood there
is a combination"
Senator Cullom-"Have you ever seen
any evidence of combination or collision
in Chicago by which you have been COM
PEELED to take Chicago prices?"
Witness-"No."
Senator Plumb-"Then you have no
reason to believe there is combination ?'
Witness-"No."
Senator Plumb-"Do you know of any
discrimination by the railroadsH"
Witness-"I do not"
Senator Vest-"You have heard of the
big four combination at Chicago-Ar-
mour, Swift Brothers, Nelson Morris and
Hammond. Don't you know they control
the market.~
Witness-"I think they bought the bulk
of cattle, yes"
After stating that the meat canning in
dustry was growing wonderfully and an
swering some general questions by Sen
ator Henderson, witness was excused.
The committee then adjourned.