The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-12-06
STAYING STEERS.
Opening of the Abattoirs
at Baden.
How the Beeves Are Slaughtered and
rlade Ready for Consumption.
An Unfortunate Accident.

Ii is just about seven or eight months ago
that the work Of erecting the buildings for
the abattoir at Baden commenced
The work was pushed on with vigor, AMI
three months ago r. K. Patched, thor
ough expert in the business, arrived from
Chicago 10 supervise the interior arrange
ments.
Notwithstanding the fact that all these
preparations were being made many people
did not hesitate to express the opinion that
the works would never be started.
If these doubling Thomases had taken
the trouble to visit the works yesterday
they would have been considerably sur
prlsed at what was to be seen.
1t was the first day fixed for the begin
ming of operations, and punctually at 4
o'clock in the morning tue work OF slaugh-
tering was begun under Mr.. PatchelPs
supervision.
1t was at once seen that everything had
been in a state of complete preparation,
and the machinery worked like a charm,
thanks 10 the skill of Marx Fosch, the chief
engineer
The Strengthening department is on the
top floor. and the animals are brought I'D Ia
II by means OF large yiaduct aud chute
The Cattle are slaughtered at one end Of
and the sheep az the other end, each being
separate in their workings.
As soon as steer makes its entrance
from the chute IL is driven into, what is
termed, the knocking pen, where man
stands with heavy hammer in his hand.
There is dull blow. and the steer is life
less. Immediately a dozen practiced hands
are busily at work SHINING the carcass and
splitting IL down the back. Then IL is
washed and properly trimmed up ready for
"a
Yesterday los cattle and sixtv sheen
were slaughtered and the carcasses treated
In this manner.
The operations were watched by large
number OF visitors from San Francisco and
other points. who displayed the keenest
interest in everything that came under their
notice.
1t was not deemed advisable to hurry
things. as what was done was in the nature
Of a test. Therefore the number slauph-
tered is no criterion Of the capacity OF the
works.
When In full swing the Strengthening cana
city will reach 600 cattle. 1000 sheep ana 500
hogs per day.
An unfortunate accident occurred about
10 o'clock. BY An oversight the door of the
knocking pen had not been closed down
properly after steer had been put in. The
animal got its horns under the door and
forced IL IN.
1t rushed out and charged at the men
way except middle-aged man named Con-
vess. The steer TANNED It's horns into Con-
vess' side, breaking two of his ribs and
leaving an ugly cash.
de was pulled out of harms way. and
afterward had his injuries properly at
tended TO.
Meantime the steer was monarch OF all il
surveyed. and pranced around in lively
style. Finally one Of the men managed to
slip up behind and plunged a long sharp
knife into its heart putting sudden end TO
lis pranks. After the days work was over
Mr.. Patchell said: II am more than salts
he'd. The machinery and everything worked
better than usual for a slaughter-house and
abattoir."
The directors of the company have ar.
ranged for an excursion from the city 10
the works next Thursday, when everything
will be in full blast. 4 lunch will be pre
vided and all other arrangements made
Tor the comfort and entertainment of the
Invited guests.
IL is expected that by Thursday the new
railroad will be completed into the center
OF the town and ready for being operated.
The material for the construction of the
depot Is also on the ground, and its ron
struction VIII be commenced forthwith.