The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-14
AN ANTITRUST CONVENTION
The Bill Passed by the Texas legislature
Recommended for General Adoption.
ASpirited Discussion Over Measure Providing
for Inspection of Live Cattle Termi-
mates in Favor Of Such Action.

il.
vention reassembled this morning and prac-
tically finished its preliminary work. A
considerable number of resolutions bearing
on trusts, local inspection and other mat
tiers connected with the work of the con-
vention were introduced and referred to
the committee on resolutions, and what is
known as the trust bill now before the
Texas Legislature and copies of the inspec-
ton bills pending it the Legislatures of
Missouri, Kansas, Indiana. and other States.
were submitted and referred to the COM
mittee on needed legislation. The conven-
ton then adjourned till p. NJ. to give the
latter committee time to draft bill which
shall represent the sense of the convention
on the whole subject and serve as uniform
measure to be adopted by all the States.
1t was nearly 4:30 P. NJ. when the conven-
ton reassembled. The chair announced
the legislative committee was not ready to
report, and another recess was taken. At
few minutes before o'clock the conven-
ton was again called to- order and the COM
mittee on resolutions submitted its report
recommending that all resolutions referred
TO it yesterday be laid on the table, which
was done. The committee also begged leave
to suggest that, as this conference was
called In reference to the beef and pork
combine, or trust, as designated in the
Kansas resolution, that is all there is for
opinion of the committee the only effective
way to reach it is by legislation. If the
same can be done without encroaching up
on the organic law of our land.
Senator McGinness. of Missouri, asked
for a second reading of the report, and the
chairman explained that the committee
would swamp the convention with irrele-
want resolutions were it to refer them back
to the convention. The report of the COM
mittee was adopted without further discus
sion.
The committee on needed legislation pre-
sented, as a desirable measure, the bill sub
mitted by the Texas delegation. This bill
deals with the definition of trusts and pen
alties to be inflicted for violations of the
act. The bill has passed the Texas House
by vote of Soto nothing and will probably
become law. The section defining trusts
is as follows:
orr agreement OF any kind or description by
which they shall bind or have bound themselves
not to sell, dispose OF or 10 transport any article
or commodity or article OF trade, use, merchan-
dise commerce or consumption below a common
standard figure, or by which they shall agree in
any manner to keep the price OF said article,
commodity or transportation at a fixed or gradu-
ated figure, or by which they shall in any man.
ner establish settle the price OF any article
themselves or others, to preclude a free and un-
restricted competition among themselves or
Others, or by which they shall agree to pool COM
bine or unite any interest they may have in con-
nection with the sales or transportation of any
such article commodity, that its price might
In any manner be affected.
The clause concerning the infection of
punishment provides that any corporation
violating any of the provisions of thus act
shall forfeit its charter and franchise, and
its corporate existence shall cease. Any
foreign corporation. under similar c0ndi-
lions, shall be denied the right to do bust
ness in the State. Any violation is also de-
clared conspiracy against trade. and upon
conviction carries fine and imprisonment,
the maximum being 5000 and ten years.
Chairman Moses, of the Texas delegation,
and its recommendation by the delegates
present to their various legislatures.
Senator Head. of Iowa, favored careful
consideration of the measure. He ques-
Senator Rentfro, of Texas, assured Mr..
Head there was no room for any such fear.
After q few slight changes. the bill was
adopted by the following vote:
Yeas-Colorado, 8; Iowa, 8; Illinois. 8; Indiana,
8; Kansas, 8; Minnesota, 8; Missouri. 6 2-5; Ne
Nays-Missouri. s-5; Nebraska, 4.
The various delegations were pledged to
recommend the bill to their legislatures.
The adoption of the Texas bill was highly
satisfactory to the gentlemen from that
State, but also appeared to greatly please
the Big Four lobby, and its utility is ques-
toned on that account.
TIE second bill introduced by the COM
mittee on needed legislation, practically
the Nebraska bill, for the inspection of cat
tie on the hoof. seemed to fill the lobby with
excitement, which communicated to the
floor of the convention, and warm debate
ensued, resulting in an adjournment to s p.
M, in order that bill No. 2 might be print
ed The Texas men claim that the adoption
OF the preamble to the bill would be fatal
mistake, as, II this convention should an
nOunce to the world the necessity of legis-
1ating to protect home consumers against
the sale of diseased meat, it would result in
shutting American meats out of all foreign
markets and be severe blow to producers.
The night session was devoted to discus
sion of the following bill, providing for the
inspection of cattle on the hoof:
Whereas, In order to preserve the health of the
people 1t is important that they should be pro-
vided with wholesome food, and inasmuch as I'M
market at points where large quantities are of
fered for SALE therefore be it enacted by the Leg
Section L. The sale of fresh beef mutton,
lamb or pork In the State, exceptsas hereinafter.
provided, Is hereby prohibited in any county in
this State having therein an Incorporated city,
town or village containing two thousand or more
inhabitants.
Sec. ?. It shall be the duty of the proper au-
thorities charged with the preservation Of the
public health in the cities and counties of the
State TO appoint one OF more inspectors of CATTLE
sheep and swine for said counties. who shall
hold their offices for one year, and until their sue
cessors are appointed and qualified, and whose
authority and Jurisdiction shall be territorially
co-extensive with the board so appointing them,
and said several boards shallregulate the form of
certificate to be issued by such inspectors and
the fees to be paid them by the person applying
for such inspection
Sec 3. 1t shall be the duty of the inspectors ap-
pointed hereunder TO inspect all cattle, sheep and
swine 10 be slaughtered for human food within
their respective jurisdictions, within twenty-four
hours before the slaughter of the same and If
found healthy and in suitable condition to be
slaughtered for human food, to give to the ap-
pllcant a certificate In writing 20 that effect
Seed Any person who shall SELL expose offer
Tor sale Tor human food IN this State, any fresh
beef. mutton, veal, lamb or pork whatsoever
which has tbeen taken from an animal inspected
and certified before slaughter by the proper local
inspectors appointed hereunder, shall be deemed
guilty or m1sdemeanOr and, upon conviction
thereof, shall be punished by fine of not moro
than 800, or by Imprisonment not exceeding
three months, for each offense.
Sec. D. Nothing in this act shall he construed
10 apply 10 or pro bit the sale, without inspec-
ton, of canned, smoked, cured or salt meats
This act shall take effect and be in force from
and after its passage.
There was a warm discussion of the bill
by sections. The debate was opened by a
member of the Illinois delegation.
General Pope. of Minnesota. sought to
cut off the debate by moving the previous
question. which was lost.
Senator Finn, of Iowa, offered local.
option substitute.
Representative Shaw. of Missouri, thought
this convention had assembled to afford
some relief TO the producer from the oppres-