The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-05-22
INSPECTION OF MEATS
DIR. sALMON's REPLY TO A NEW
YORK NEWSPAPERS CHARGES.
He Says He Is Not working in the
Interest," of Packers, and Depre-
Gates Certain Criticisms.

WASHINGTON, May 2f.-Dr Salmon,
chief of the Bureau OF Animal Industry,
said to-day concerning recent charges made
by the New York World: IF I have been
working in the interest of the packers all
these years that / have been & the head
OF this bureau. these gentlemen have been
very slow to appreciate my efforts. They
opposed me when Graduating pleu-o-pneu-
monia; they tried TO prevent the adoption
OF regulations guarding against Texas fever;
they declared that tne inspection and tag
ging OF export cattle was absurd and inn
practicable; they tried 20 make ii appear
that microscopic inspection of pork was
impossible without delaying the operations
of abattoirs; they claim that the investiSa-
ton to the existence of a beef trust is
unjustifiable damage TO their business. and
they have lately complained to the Secre-
tary that L am prejudiced against them and
do not treat them fairly. II they are now
convinced that l am, after ALL their best
friend. it will be good evidence that the
millennium has at last been reached.
Statements discrcditing our inspection
may. however. cause incalculable damage
TO our foreign trade which would affect the
entire country; and they may even break
down our domestic inspection. which is yet
in its infancy and In which every consumer
is vitality interested. The microscopic in
spection Is but small part OF the inspec-
ton system. 1t was adopted for CONNER
cial reasons, has only been appheu 10 pork
designed for export 10 certain countries
which require IL, and there has never been
any pretense OF applying II TO PORK Ior nome
consumption. This inspection opened the
markets of continental Europe TO our pork;
IL is conscentiously performed, and no Of
fetal complaints have reached this depart
1.-The principal efforts of this bureau have
been directed TO the establishment or an IN
spection service which would be or SUD-
stantial benefit to our people. This is en-
tircly independent of the trichinae inspec-
ton. and 1t withdraws from consumption
as tuberculosis, blood poisoning, peritonltls,
hog cholera, etc, which are both repugnant
last last YEAR is. ses carcasses We're condeTnned
and tanked on account or such diseases
The trichinae inspection Is not part or
the domestic inspection and the carcasSeS
have not yet been condemned and tanked
because Secretary Morton has not felt Ger
tain of his authority TO do this. He mas
been considering the matter ever since he
assumed charge of the department ana ne
attempted TO get definite legislation on TINS
subject during the last session OF Congress,
but only partially succeeded, and the new
legislation does not take effect until July
]. 1885,. There Is no question tnat ne VIII
tecting the consumers of this country. II
should be remembered that his duty is con-
fined to the execution OF the law as IL
stands He cannot make new laws or cor
rect those which are defective.
las the department is scolded by the
commission men and packers for inJuring
their business with its Investigations, and
by the World on the ground that IL Is
favoring the packers. the people will prooa-
bIy conclude that Ii really occupies the con-
servative middle ground and is conducting
its business without fear or favor. IT. how
ever the Worlds publication has the erect
OF increasing the interest and knowledge of
the American people concerning meat IN
spection and of bringing them to realize
IL I,.,fr. rf G
no one will be more pleased than Secretary
Morton and myself"