The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-04
BEEF TRUST INQUIRY STILL ON
NO EVIDENCE THUS FAR or VIO-
LATION OF THE INJUNCTION.
The Charge Of the Democrats That the
Investigation Was Being Purposely
Delayed Until After Election L. DE-
clared 10 He Absolutely Unf0unded.

ciared 10 He Absolutely unfOunded
WASHINGTON, Sept. a.-No evidence has
been received at the Department Of Com
merce and Labor upholding the charge that
the beef packers have violated the injunc-
ton returned several months ago by Judge
Grosscup Of the Federal Court at Chicago.
The authority for this statement is a
prominent Administration leader, who il In
close touch with the inquiry now being on
Quoted under the direction OF james r.
Garfield. Commissioner Of Corporations.
He said, also, that there was absolutely no
ground for the insinuation OF Democrats
that the inquiry into the operations of the
eeef packers was being purposely delayed
on account Of the approaching elections.
This 1t was said, has had no influence on
those in charge Of the investigation, nor
has any hint come from higher up that
Commissioner Garfield should proceed eau
tiously, and not do anything that would
in any way have disturbing effect during
the progress Of the campaign.
The pending investiga ton, which was
undertaken in accordance with a reso-
luton passed by the House Of Representa-
tives, is being pushed with diligence. Ten
special agents are in the field, and they
have been operating in the packing CEN
tres, as well as ON the cattle ranges OF the
West. Packers, cattlemen, commission
merchants, retail butchers, independent
dealers, officers Of private car companies,
and all firms and persons supposed to have
knowledge Of the inner workings of the
industry have been and are being inter-
viewed by the agents of the Department
The data already collected are vo,Imi-
nous. and when the final report lie communi-
Gated to the House it will make several
volumes.
While ban OF secrecy has been placed
upon all officers having even remote
connection with the inquiry, it was learned
that the packers seen up to date have Wig
orously denied the existence Of a combina-
ton in restraint of trade. Such denials.
the authorities say, were expected. but.
although the probe has been run deep. no
evidence is at hand to justify the secre-
tary OF Commerce and Labor to refer the
matter to the Attorney-General with a
recommendation that action be taken in
the courts.
The cattlemen contend, without Offering
conclusive proof, 1t is understood, that the
combination is as active now as ever. that
prices for cattle on the hoof are dictated
by some central agency, and that compe-
u,
stifed. and that many of them have been
forced into bankruptcy. As proof of their
contention they submit statements showing
that during certain periods the price Of
cattle on the ranges was at a very low figure
while the selling price to the consumer
constantly advanced, the former being at
all times uniform, thus indicating, the cat
tlemen say. that the price is controlled
either through an understanding on the part
OF the packers or as the result OF tangible
The authorities admit that the task
mapped out for them in the resolution
passed by the House is difficult one, and |
that it will take several weeks to complete |
1t. II the Government should decide to
prosecute, such action will be dictated
by positive evidence OF violation OF the |
injunction, and such proceedings will be |
taken at any time in the progress of the |
inquiry that discriminating proof may be |
received, whether before or after the cleo
ton.
The packers, it is reported. are ready |
to present their appeal to the Supreme |
Court OF the United States at the October |
term for a dissolution Of the injunction |
issued by Judge Grosscup. This is &C. |
cepted as an indication that the packers |
feel that they are safe from criminal prose- |
sutton Of charge OF violating the Injunction. !
Republicans here assert that the Admins I
ration would gain in popular favor rather
han lose by prosecution OF the so-called |
beef trust. The political phase OF the ques-
lion. they say, should not be a cause Of
concern to the President and his advisers. |
! Therefore, they are at a loss to account for
he charge OF the Democrats that nothing
Will be heard from this matter until after