Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-06-10
THE EXPORT CATTLE TRADE.
An Effort to BE Made to Break Down
European discrimination Against
American Meats.

Washington, June 9.-The administration
has outlined an important policy to end.
if possible, the controversies between this
government and Great Britain. Germany,
France and Belgium regarding the exclu-
sion of American cattle and dressed beef.
This policy cOntemplates the submission
of an earnest joint protest by the diplo-
matte representatives of the United states
at London, Berlin, Paris and Brussels.
aiming at the revocation of the discrim-
inatory regulations which these nations
have imposed upon American cattle and
beef.
Before their departure for their respect
i've posts, Ambassadors Hay, Porter and
White received instructions to confer with
each other and with Bethany Storer, the
new minister in Brussels. for the purpose
of taking action in the matter. Mr.. Storer
was at the state department to-day re-
ceiving his final instructions before he
sails on Wednesday next for his post In
Belgium. Mr.. Storers instructions con-
template the commencement of negotia-
lions with the Belgium government with a
view to securing a removal OF restrictions
now imposed upon American cattle and
beef.
The exclusion of American cattle and
beef by the European government Is, they
claim, not based on any intention to dis
cr.minate against the United States. but Is
due to the presence of disease in the ami
mails. This claim has been ridiculed again
and again by the department OF agricult-
ure, and finally, in the case of France,
Mr.. Cleveland directed retaliation.
lie dbIICultul d utRdA AdS
numerous complaints from cattle exporters
in regard to the discrimination exercised
against them. Mr.. Ewing, at present min
lister of the United States in Brussels. in
a note to the Belgian minister for foreign
affairs. stated that my government is
very reluctantly forced to the conclusion
that an unfavorable discrimination has
been created against American products,
in contravention of the spirit and letter of
the commercial treaty. of 1879
A French expert who examined Ameri-
can cattle shiDDed into Belgium declared
that he never had the slightest doubt of
their freedom from diseases of a conta-
gious character. Notwithstanding these
representations. Belgium declined to re-
move the prohibition upon American cat
tie and beef. Mr.. Storer, under his in
structions. will endeavor to secure a re-
consideration of this decision.
Ambassador Hays efforts will be exert
ed in the direction of securing the repeal
of the law on the English statute books
| recurring the slaughter at the port of de-
United States. 1t will be the duty of the
ambassador at Berlin to obtain a revoca-
ton of the decree issued by the German
government forbiddlng the Importation of
live cattle and dressed beef into Germany.
If France will repeal her discriminatory
decree, Ambassador Porter has been in
structed to inform her that the restriction
imposed by the United States upon French
cattle will be removed.
The packers and dressed beef men here
will receive this news with much satisfac-
ton. At present American cattle and fresh
| meats are shut out of both Germany and
France upon the preteXt of disease. More
or less American meat now finds its way
ported as English meat. but this is not
like letting the bars down and admitting
importations direct. If the above policy
can be carried to a successful issue It will
greatly stimulate the market for heavy
cattle and give new life TO the export BUSH
ness.