Los Angeles herald., 1905-10-22
SAYS CONSUMER
PAYS THE FINE
CONGRESSMAN MARTIN TALKS
OF BEEF TRUST
South Dakota Statesman Sees Brighter
Outlook for Cattle Raisers-Thinks
Garfield Investigation Helps
the Situation

e. w. Martin, of beef trust fame,
member of congress from South Da-
kota. and noted lawyer of that state,
stopped off in Los Angeles yesterday
for a twenty-four hour visit while ell
route to his home at Deadwood. He
has been attending the Portland expo
sition.
Congressman Martin is the father Of
the beef trust investigation. 1t was he,
who, two years ago, introduced into
congress the resolution calling for an
inquiry into the business methods of
the men who control the meat industry
of the United States, which resulted
in stirring up the country from one end
to the other.
At a casual glance Congressman
Martin would not be suspected as be-
ing the man who threw the bomb of
investigation into such an august body
of men as the beef trust magnates.
He is rather below the average in
stature, of unassuming mien and not
at all the kind of man a person woultl
be likely to associate with the inaugu-
ration of such a tremendous move
ment. A few minutes conversation
with him, however, dispels any doubts.
He has first hand information on the
subject, he believes he knows what
the hest interests of the country are
in the matter, does not believe in
having those interests trampled on by
any beef trust magnate, and he is
not afraid to say so.
Public Pays the Fine
ALREADY the cattle interests through
out the country are in a rejuvenated
condition as a result of the investiga-
ton in the beef trust said Mr.. Mar
tin. "Mr. Garfield began the invesdga-
tion of trust methods early in 1903.
The next year showed perceptible inn
provement and the status of the stock
raisers and independent packers has
gradually been bettered. 1 think the
results have been very salutary.
have looked into the matter quite re-
Gently and l ain convinced that the
competition among the producers now
is great deal freer than it was when
the investigation began. The sitting
of free competition was one of the
biggest evils perpetrated by the trust.
Those who have had anything to 90
with the cattle business will say that
the industry is in a better condition
now than it has been in a long time -
The query was put as to whether the
congressman considered the punish
ment meted out to four of the indicted
packers as adequate and commensu-
rate with the injury done.
We'll fine of $25,0O0 means very lit
tie to the heads of the beef trust. But
those who pleaded guilty got the maxi
mum penalty provided by the law. I
think the desired effect will be ac-
complished by the law. A sign ! saw
displayed in front of Portland meat
shop expresses the popular sentiment
in the matter. On a big placard the
humorous proprietor had printed these
words, addressed to the public: Have
you paid your share of the beef trust S
fine yet. If not come in and do it now.
L believe the public feels that that
will be the case"
Congressman Martin is accompanied
on his journey to the coast by his
wife, and they will spend today sight
seeing about Los Angeles, leaving for
the east this evening. He expressed
himself as delighted with the coast
country especially Southern California
and voiced wish that he might spend
more time here.