The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1902-04-24
FOR The
PEOPLE
CongressmanMcDermott
Introduces Bill to
Break Up Beef
Combine.
ENCOURAGES
COMPETITION
Provides That Duty Shall
Be Taken Off For
eign Meets and
Poultry.
CONSTITUENTS APPROVE
Citizens From All Parts of
New Jersey Applaud
Hudson Mans
Action.
COMBINATIONS CHAMPION
Senator Aldrich, Defender of
Trusts, Blocks All Action
Against the Great
Iniquity.
COMBINATIONS CHAMPION

WASHINGTON. D. c., April "a, 1907
Unable to obtain any assurances from the
members Of the Ways and Means Commit
tee that any action would be taken on
his resolution for a free beef bill, Repre-
sentative McDermott of New Jersey yes
terday introduced a bill abolishing all
duties upon meat and poultry imported
from foreign countries.
Majority members of the committee
are not inclined to appreciate the tre-
rnendous effect and far reaching and
harmful consequences of the Beef Trust
and at present are absolutely blind TO the
demands of the people that something
be done.
Representative Richardson brought the
matter up in the committee yesterday IN
an informal manner and the only result
was immediate adjournment.
Mr.. MeDermott's bill was referred to the
committee. where an attempt will be made
to get a record vote on it.
Another move aimed at the Beef Trust
was made yesterday by Representative
Richardson, the leader of the minority,
when he introduced this resolution
"Whereas, There has been recently an
unusual increase in the price of beef,
mutton, veal and pork. which is abnormal
and due largely, if not altogether, to
trusts and other combinations alleged to
be unlawful in their organization.
Resolved, That the Ways and Means
Committee be instructed to investigate the
question of recent increase in the price of
these articles to determine the cause
thereof, and, if practicable, offer some
measure of legislation that will afford re-
lief against the evils complained of"
Mr.. McDermott decided to take immedi-
ate action, to the extent of introducing a
Dill and forcing it to the attention Of
Congress and the country on account of
the tremendous pressure that is being ex-
erted on the members of Congress by
constituents who are already feeling the
harmful effect of the rise in price of meat
and meat products. He received a letter
yesterday from citizen of Trenton,
which said:-
Il have never voted the Democratic
ticket, but If the Republican party, which
is now in power, does not remove the
tariff on Beef Trust products shall never
again vote the Republican ticket"
This" said Mr.. MeDermott. lis only
a sample of scores of letters that I have
received. not only from my own eonstitu-
ents. but from other citizens of New Jer-
sey.
.'The people Of this country feel the
effects of the Beef Trust more directly
than any other of the great combinations
that have yet been formed, and if nc
effort is made by the ruling party to cur
tail their power the voters viii wish tc
know the reason why"
Mr.. Richardson's resolution was also re.
ferred to the Ways and Means Commit
tee, where, according to the majority, II
will probably sleep until the House lead.
srs wake UP to the fact that the revela-
lions in relation to the Beef Trust may
lose them the next Congress.
The strongest individual force againsi
tariff revision, and hence against the
repeal of the duties ON meats and poultry:
is Senator Nelson w. Aldrich, Of khod,
Island. Aldrich has been for years tn.
undlsputed leader OF the Senate. Thi:
means that he has been also a mouider ol
the House, although Aldrich holds III,
House contemporary, and is accus
toned to fix things as he wants rnem il
the Senate and then force the House t
acquiesce.
4sIdrich is a master of manipulative
politics. He does things with men Hi
lays out his plan. marks out his move.