The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-08-21
WITH GERMANY
BARON Won HERMAN DISCUSSES THE
MEAT INSPECTION BILL.
The Expectation of Beet Sugar from
Germany to the United States
Is Greatly Desired.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2O.-Baron Won
Herman, agricultural expert of the Ger
mar embassy, is just back from a two
months visit TO Germany. during which
period he had opportunity to observe the
progress of the meat inspection bill in the
Reichstag and to note the development of
the Agrarian movement which is having
such a marked influence on German affairs,
including the question of exporting Ger
mar beet sugar to the United States. Baron
%on Herman talked quite freely on these
non political questions to a representative
of the Associated Press. When asked as to
the status of the meat inspection bill he
said: 1.-THE bill was brought before the
Reichstag last spring, but a strong opposi-
ton developed among Agrarian members
on the ground that the government meas
ures were too friendly to the United States,
and you will remember that about that
time a provision was placed in the agri-
cultural appropriation bill passed in this
country giving the secretary Of agriculture
authority to exclude such imports as he
considered injurious to health. This pro-
vision was directed against certain German
products, such as toys, which IL was said
might be injurious to health because of the
paint on them. At all events this provision
caused a bad feeling in Germany, and made
it more difficult for the government to Sc
cure the passage Of the meat inspection
bill. 1t was referred by the Reichstag to a
committee which had full power TO de-
termine what course was TO be adopted.
The committee reported adversely, and that
was equivalent to a refusal by the RAchs-
tag to take any action. 1t may be brought
forward again, as there really ought TO be
some modifca ton of the present law. But
IL is too early TO say what the future plans
will be, as the Reichstag is adjourned until
November and everything is at a standstiD
through the summer. 1t is probable, how
ever, that the government Will consult with
the leaders and see II some understanding
can be reached on the measure"
Concerning the .Agrarian movement,
Baron Won Herman said: 1t is very strong
and is turning it's attention to the interests
OF the agricultural classes of Germany. The
one. Our sugar interests are seriously in
jured by the tax and the countervailing
duties in the American tariff law, and the
Agrarians hold that this not only p~rejudices
their industry, but that IL is a discrimina-
ton against them; they feel 1t most be-
suits OF their labor, but above this is the
consideration that the system is not right,
being a discrimination. They contend that
the question should be dealt with on broad
grounds. In the final ANALYSIS 1t comes
down 10 this simple question: Shall there
be a development of the cane industry OF
uncivilized, semi-barbarous countries, or
shall there be a continued use of the sugar
products OF civilized countries which are
able 10 buy something In return? AS the
actually required by consumers, a supply
must come from some outside source. Now,
Is IL not to the interest OF this country TO
buy of the German producers. rather than