Omaha daily bee., 1889-01-22
A GREAT INTEREST IN PERIL

n bhbH IN 4 EhEDI IN FsINt
The growth OF the packing interest in
South Omaha has been one of the most
conspicuous examples of western energy
and enterprise. 1t has far exceeded the
expectations Of those who started the
industry, aud has held out the promise
that this market would within the next
two or three years lead all others in the
amount of its product. Under fair con-
ditions. free from artificial discrimina-
tions, there is every reason why South
Omaha should attain to this position.
Most favorably located us packing
ceuter, nothing is needed but proper
enterprise and just treatment from the
railroads TO place her at the front in the
great industry with which she is iden-
titled.
But the serious fact is presented that
these conditions to progress are being
denied South Omaha, and that the in
tcrcst which is the foundation OF her
prosperity, instead OF advancing, is in
danger OF decline. In order to ascer-
tain the cause of this THE BEE has in
terviewed number OF the most promi-
nent commission merchants engaged in
handling hogs and cattle, and their
statements of the situation are given
elsewhere. They merit careful perusal
by all who are interested in this mat
ter. 1t will be seen that the
majority OF these merchants allege
as one cause Of the reduction and
diversion of shipments a lack of enter
prise on the part OF the stock yards com
pany. While the commission men have
spared no effort to advertise the South
Omaha market, the company, 1T is
charged, has done almost nothing to in
vite and encourage shipments to that
market. 1t permits to go unrefuted the
false representations regarding south
Omaha that are made continually by the
agents of similar companies from Chi
cago, Kansas City and Sioux City, and
by the local agents for railroads ship
ping east. AS a notable instance of
the diversion of shipments from
South Omaha, one commission
merchant stated that he knew
of hogs being shipped to Sioux City
from within forty miles of Omaha. The
stockyard companies elsewhere keep en-
ergetic agents in the field, but the COM
pany at South Omaha makes no such ef-
fort to attract shipments to that market.
Furthermore, it is said this company
does not supply adequate facilities.
Stock is unnecessarily detained at the
yards, causing a loss to shippers. The
interests of the packers are duly cared
for by the company, while those of the
shippers and commission men are neg
lected.
A more serious drawback is the
discrimination of the railroads
against South Omaha. All roads
east of the river, it is stated, furnish
the best of accommodations and the
most satisfactory service for shipments
to Chicago and other points, while
putting every possible obstacle in the
way of shipment to South Omaha.
There is great difficulty in getting cars
for the latter market, but never any
trouble for shipment to Chicago. 1t is
alleged, also, that shipments to South
Omaha are delayed in every possible
way, sometimes being even sidetracked,
so that shipments from western Iowa
South Omaha market. The ten
dency of these and numerous
other obstructive and annoying
determinations is to discourage ship
pers, and the consequent diversion Of
business from South Omaha has been
very considerable, with the certainty
that it must become very much greater
if the situation is not materially i'm
proved. 1t is not sufficient that the
packing industry OF South Omaha be
simply maintained. 1t should realize
steady and substantial growth. This it
unquestionably can doif adequate effort
and enterprise are eXerted. 1t would
seem to be obviously to the advantage
of the stock yards company to CO.
operate with the commission men
in encouraging shipments to South
Omaha, and to insure shippers every
practicable facility for the prompt
handling of their stock, and for their
protection against loss by delays or 9TH
erwise. AS 10 the railroad discrimina-
tions, they may be more difficult OF re-
moval than the other retarding causes,
but it cannot be impossible to remove
them in part at least. At any rate, it
is apparent that something needs to he
done to infuse increased vigor and ac-
tivity into the packing interest of South
Omaha, and all concerned in the prog
ress of this important interest should
lose no time in addressing themselves
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