Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-05-08
THE BEEF COMBINE.



pointed in May, 1885, on the transporta-
tion and sale Of meat products was pro-
sented to the Senate yesterday by the
chairman, Mr.. Vest. II is Il long docn-
ment, accompanied by a copy Of the tes-
| timony taken by the committee in prose.
cutting its inquiries at st. Louis, Chica-
go and New York, and Is signed by all
the members Of the committee, Messrs.
Vest, Coke, Plumb. Manderson and Far
we'll. The several legislative measures
proposed by the committee to remedy
the evils Of the traffic are set forth in
Mr.. Vests statement in the report Of the
Senate proceedings.
The committee says that when tho
examination Of the witnesses began in
st. Louis IL was evident that conflicting
influences we're at work and especially
in the international Cattle Range Asso-
citation, and that Industrious efforts were
being made to vent the inquiries Of
the committee affecting injnriously the
dressed beef interests OF Chicago
There was nodiyersity of opinion among
the witnesses as TO the fact that the
methods Of selling beef cattle had been
entirely revolutionized in the past ten
years. The revolution took the form Of
concentration Of the market for cattle
at few points, with the controlling
market at Chicago. This change tho
committee says, is due principally to
the fact that few enterprising
men at Chicago are able through their
enormous capital to centralize and con-
troll the business at that point. The
dressed beef and canning business Is
practically in the hands of four estab.
lishments in Chicago Il Co,
Swift & Co, Nelson, Morris a Co. and
Hammond & Co. Whatever difference
Of opinion was expressed as to the exist
ence of a com mbination between these
firms not 10 b. against each other in
the purchase of cattle there was no hes
itation on the part of witnesses, even
when obviously preiudiced in favor Of
the packers, in stating that the control
of the market was absolutely in the
grasp Of these four houses il they chose
to exercise it.
As a result Of the influence Of these
houses the committee noticed a reluct-
ance on the part OF cattle raisers and
commission men to testify to facts or
opinions which might prejudice them in
future transactions.
: TIE principal inquiry which the com
mittee was directed to make was as to
the existence OF combination "by
reason Of which the prices Of beef and
beef cattle have been SO controlled and
affected as to diminish the prices paid
!,
of meat to the consumer The facts
developed, some of which are detailed
in the report, the committee thinks,
prove overwhelmingly a combination
such as is described in the clause of the
resolution quoted above.
The committee quotes a statement
from Mr. Armour's testimony that beef
cattle had increased moro rapidly than
population during the last five years,
from which he argued that the low
prices Of beef cattle were partly due to
This argument, the
states, is not warranted by
the facts and the committee has no hes
itation in stating that a combination
exists at Chicago which controls the
market and fixes the prices Of beef
cattle in its own interest
The railroad trunk lines, SAYS the
control the meat traffic of
the country in the interest of the rail
road companies Comparing the rail
road charges on car OF wheat and
ear of dressed beef the committed
shows discrimination in favor OF
dressed beef Of about go per cent
-.
tion the committee says that Congress,
N the bin recently passed by the SEN
ate on the subject Of trusts, has gone so
lar as its power extends State lcgisla-
lion must supplement that by Congress
10 punish combines operating within
State lines, and active, intelligent Of
icials must be found TO enforce the laws
'nacted. IF the Federal and State
luthor ties il continues, "shall thus
lct in eoneert.and the other legislation
rs to unjust discrimination by railroads
n transport ing cattle, the removal OF
quarantine restrictions as 10 American
'attle shipped to Great Britain, and the
breaking up of the monopoly in the
steamship carrying trade OF cattle TO
oreign ports be enacted, we have great
confidence in obtaining relief from ex-
sting evils
In conclusion the committee says: III
he cattle raisers of the United States
re only true to themselves the imme-
late future promises deliverance from
resent influences. There is no excuse
or panic. The worst feature Of the cat
lie trade is the fact that so many cows
4 l.. D.
market, the indication being that pro
ucers are panic-stricken and anxious to
ealize now without regard TO the
uture. There were marketed at
'hicago during the past year S,023.-
ST cattle, of which from % to so
er cent. were cows and 4 per cent.
fere calves The cattle ra sers Of tho
Tnited States should be and are the
lost competent Judges as TO their own
interest, still If they will accept suU-
estion from those whose duty IL has
cen for months to examine the cattle
uestion in all its aspects, they will
ease marketing their breeding and inn
nature stock and diligently prepare for
larger supply and brighter future.
t is only question Of time and very
rief time when tho problem will be
hat Of supplying our own people with
eef without regard TO foreign markets
Emin Claims Misrepresentation.
LONDON, May A private letter from
min Pasha has been received at Cairo
living his reasons for joining the Ger
ian expedition with which he is now
eturning to the interior Of Africa.
'hough he gives a variety Of eXplana-
ons of his change OF plans, the prin-
ipal reason given for his acceptance of
he German offer was Stanley's unwar-
antahle and ineNcusable action in mix
lg his lEminsl name in the civil pro-
eedings against Tippoo Tih. an affair
18th which he had no connection what
,ever. Emin claims that he has been
he victim Of Misrepresentation al the
ands of Stanley.
The Iowss Reaoy
GUTHRIE. Ok. May 2.-The fact that
,e Cherokee Commission has been or
cred here to treat with the Iowa In
ans as to the sale Of their surplus
nds has to a great extent created the
-r,-oeafar, that s-arr- soon rhpir lands