Sacramento daily record-union., 1889-09-05
DRESSED BEEF.
The Senatorial Committee Snubbed by
Chicago Packers.

The Senatorial Committee snubbed by
Chicago Packers.
CHICAGO, September 4th.-The Senate
Committee on Dressed Beef resumed its
session this morning. 1t has become
evident that large packers like Armour,
Swift and others are trying to avoid testify
ing. Chairman Vest seems to be de-
termined that they shall be made to testify.
Several witnesses were examined as to the
charges on live stock at the stock yards
and the committee adjourned until P. NJ
AT the afternoon meeting Chairman Vest,
in discussing the absence of Mr. Armour
and other gentlemen, said he was sorry
these gentlemen had refused their attend
ance, but, although they could compel
their attendance, they could not compel un-
willing witnesses to testify to all they
knew. Il have here telegram" continued
Senator Vest, about which have desired
to personally ask Mr.. Armour, but as he
refused to appear, will read it anyway.
1t was sent me by gentleman about whose
responsibility there can be no question.
The message is as follows:
"FREELAND, (Pa.) December 1SSS-Can't al
low Schawb TO continue killing live stock If
he will not stop make other arrangements and
make the price so we can get his trade.
ARMOUR & Co."
lOllOMluS Was lltu
passed after which committee adjourned:
WHEREAS. Phillip Armour, Nelson Morris,
Louis F. Swift, Frank Z, Vogel, J. s. Newman
and Jacob Meyer, having been duly and law
fully summoned to appear as witnesses before
this committee, have repeatedly refused to obey
the same, ii is ordered that the facts be reported
to the Chairman OF the Senate of the United
States at its next session.
THE WHY AND WHEREFORE.
A reporter for the Associated Press called
on Mr.. Armour and asked for an inter
view. Mr.. Armour made the following
statement: The reason we did not appear
before the Senatorial Committee was that
we knew we could not expect fair treat
ment from the hands of Senator Vest, who
is notoriously on record as opposed to the
dressed beef business. He is the champion
and advocate of the st. Louis deserted
cattle market and is opposed to Chicago in
terests. He has been friendly to all hostile
beef inspection bills that have been intro.
duced in the various State Legislatures
against Chicago dressed beef, which, if
passed, would have destroyed this business.
I'VE are perfectly willing to appear be-
fore an impartial committee and give any
information pertaining TO our business
which is not of strictly private nature.
We have never exerted any influence to
depress the price of cattle or increase the
price of dressed beef. On the other hand
il is a well-known fact that cattle are 800
per hundred higher than they would be ifit
was not for the dressed beef industry, and
we can get great deal more out of the bull
lock then the butcher or man who kills in
small quantities. We have never had any
association with Swift, Hammond or Nor
ris, directly or indirectly, in the purchase
of cattle. The telegram Mr.. Vest read this
afternoon, for the purpose of getting it on
record, was directed to our own agent, who
we had perfect right to tell that be should
not kill cattle if he sold our dressed beef
and it is entirely stripped of its force wnen
the fact is understood that the man was our
own representative
VEST REPLIES.
Senator Vest was shown Mr.. Armour's
statement tonight. He said "Mr. Ar
mour must know that, as Chairman of this
committee, have no more power than any
other member. Again, if have any SYM
pathy at ali with the Missouri cattle trade,
it would not be with st. Louis. have re-
sided in Kansas City for seven years, and
believe it is generally conceded that the
cattle trade of that city is in sympathy
with that of Chicago. AS to ar. Armour's
telegram, it was directed to his agent, but
instructed him to compel Schwab, who is
not his agent, to quit killing cattle.