The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-03
ONLY BRITAIN LEFT.
Packer Nelson Morris Explains tn
Eject of the Embargo.

Packer Nelson Morris Explains ths
Effect of the Embargo.
CHICAGO. Jan. 2.-Nelson Morris. the
Tribune says, received one New Years gift
that he would prefer to be without. II
came in the shape of cablegram from his
agent at Antwerp and conveyed the unwel-
come news that the Belgian government has
prohibited the importation Of live cattla
from the United States on the ground thar
pleuro-pneumonia is prevalent in this coun-
try. This closes all the ports of continental
Europe against American cattle and beef
products and leaves the exporter only the
British market which, in its present condi-
ton. is not desirable one.
An embargo on dressed beef and packed
goods has been in force in most of the Euro
pean countries for some time, and its effect
has been to seriously cripple our foreign
trade. but now it has been extended to the
prohibition of live cattle the export business
will be completely paralyzed. At least this
is the conclusion of Mr. Morris, and he
should be good judge, as he is the largest
exporter of cattle and beef in the
United States. Mr.. Morris was in some-
what unsettled frame of mind when re-
porter called on him at his Office IN tha
stock yards yesterday morning. The anti
werp cablegram lay spread open before him
and he was tearing up scraps of waste paper
as sort of safety valve for his feelings
When he spoke it was in his usual deliber-
ate way but it was plain to see he was
greatly disturbed by the news.
Few people," said Mr.. Morris. realize
the Importance of this action by the Bel
CLAN government. am not Frustrated by
it, but / must confess that 1t is a most
serious thing, and fear the result will be
disastrous to the trade
'But the export business to Belgium could
not have been a large one?"
Not in itself. 1t is the animus OF the
order that / am concerned about The
Belgians base their action on the danger
of pleuro-pneumonia infection. This
satisfied, is only an excuse. Cattlemen
know there is no pleuro-pneumonia To-
speak of in this country. Belgium is mere
ly following the lead of Austria, Germany,
France and other European nations in taxi
ing retaliatory measures against the United
States for the abolition of the reciprocity
treaty under which their sugar industry
has prospered Where it will end I don't
know. But, for the time being. 1t has
killed the export of cattle. had q steam
er-load of beeves all ready to sail from
New York to-day for Antwerp. but the re-
cept of this telegram compelled me TO wire
the captain to wait for orders
CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY FRANCE.
.'Why Mr.. Morris, should you think that
this prohibition of American cattle and
beef is retaliatory act?'
well, look at the facts. There was
trouble to speak of until the new tariff law
was passed Then the beet-sugar industry
of German, France and Belgium
riously affected, and it is these countries
that have interiicted cattle and beef.
or these, Germany and Belgium say openly
that they won't admit them. France Is =
little more polite, but Its conditions are
in reality just as hard. Here is notice T
received from Secretary Morton this morn
ing stating the terms upon which our live
stock can be shipped into France. All cattle.
sheep and hogs must be accompanied with
a certificate from federal veterinary in
spector located in the State from which the
animals shipped stating that they ara
in good health and for three months prior
to shipment had not been exposed to any
contagious disease. and In addsioh to this
we must furnish similar certificate from
an inspector at the port of export. Illinois
and Indiana are. believe, the only States
In which federal veterinarians are sta
toned, YOU can see how hard 1t would
be to comply with this requirement.
There is provision that In the ahSenee
of federal inspectors state veterinarians
may act. but what individual can accurate
of cattle for three months unless they have
been In his charge for that length of time1
1t is nearly a. impossible TO ship cattle r.