The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-11-27

The big packing houses OF Armour and
Swift are said to he arranging TO establish
branches in Seattle. The work is being
conducted very quietly, but has become
known through those with whom the busi-
ness connected with the deal is being done.
A. Hirsch. representing Swift 4 Com
pany. is now guest Of the Rainier
Grand. He arrived here a few days ago,
and during the interim has talked with
several business men regarding the plans
OF his house. When seen last night and
asked regarding the matter he declined to
be interviewed. saying that within a week
or ten days he would be able to make
some definite statement. but until then
he had nothing to say either affirming or
denying the report.
Less than thirty days ago a represen-
tatiye of Armour & Company came quiet
ly into the city, and. after remaining a
few days, secured an option on a piece
of property which was satisfactory TO the
needs of the plant proposed He then LEFT
for the East and, on good authority ii is
stated. the deal has since been closed.
and all that is awaited are signatures to
the papers.
DIR. George II. Koehler. representing the
labratory department of Armour & Com
pany, Is now at the Rainier-Grand. He
states that his visit to Seattle has Moth
ing whatsoever to do with the plant to be
erected here.
Looking for Location.
Il have learned, however" he said last
night, that Armour intends putting in
some kind of a plant in Seattle. AS my
department places my work with the pro-
fession and drug stores, I know nothing
officially regarding 1t. 1t Is at least
plausible, as the business now handled
by the Coast branches is becoming very
JS he AL
here, II taken now, will prove a valuable
one in the near future, IL not already
There is no doubt but that Armour &
Company are looking toward an extern
sion OF their Coast business
Mr.. Hirsch's visit, il is stated on reli-
able authority. is to look over the field
from business point of view and de-
termine whether or not the time is ripe
for the introduction OF branch of Swift
& Company. 1t is stated that he has al
ready gained sufficient information to
cause him to report favorably on the mat
ter, and that now he is looking for a suit
able location for the plant
So far as the present plans are known
both are about similar. The purpose is to
erect large refrigerator warehouse on
the property secured, equipped In the most
thoroughly modern manner. To this from
the nearest packing plant of either con-
Germ meat will be shipped In refrigerator
cars to the capacity of the market In
other words, Seattle would become one Of
the Coast headquarters for retailers west
from Spokane and south to the Oregon
line.
Will Ship From Seattle.
The Portland and Spokane plants. after
which II is said the Seattle branches Of
both houses will be constructed, with how
ever. possibly greater capacity, have here
tofore looked after the trade OF Northern
and Northwestern Washington. The bust
ness at both these cities has grown to such
an extent that it has become necessary
either 10 increase their capacities or build
at Seattle. In view of the increasing popu-
laton and commercial Importance OF this
city. ii is said. the plants will be erected
here and when completed will eclipse any,
thing in their line on the Pacific coast
There Is another important issue in the
deals now going on, gathered from the
talks the various packing house represent
tatives have had with several business men
and which in degree VIII regulate the
capacity of the local plants. 1t is said
that both firms have In view the making
of Seattle a port for the shipment OF fresh
meat to the army in the Philippines The
meat viii he brought here. as In the case
OF that required for the trade, and shipped
over the northern route from Sc
attic, now used by the government for
animal shipments. All this trade has
heretofore gone by way of San Francisco
but In view OF the shorter distance and
cooler climate II is said when the plants
are finished they viii furnish a storehouse
for the Philippine trade of the govern
nlent.
The Seattle houses will be conducted as
all other branches OF these corporations. do
ing a wholesale business only. They will
reach out for the Grade in all cities in the
territory to be taken from the Portland and
Spokane houses. Just when the plants Will
be constructed and I'm operation viii be
known only when an official announcement
has been made.