The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1906-02-23
Chicago, Feb. Observation-Disclosures of

for the packers during the hearing of
the immunity pleas now in progress.
Edward Morris, Edward Swift and Ar
thur Meeker, representatives respec-
lively of the packing firms Of Nelson
Morris & Co., Swift G. Co. and Armour
& Co, all testified that Commissioner
Garfield had told them that his depart
ment had the power to compel informa-
ton, If they refused TO give 1t willingly.
Mr. Garfield in the stand declared that
he had never made such statement.
He also denied that he had ever
promised immunity to the packers,
saying that the only protection that
the individual packers of their conf
dental figures. This, he said, had been
given them, and although the average
of these confidential figures had been
given in the report of the commission
er in the beef inquiry, individuals had
been respected and their names had not
been given.
He also denied positively that he
promised that all information would be
regarded as confidential. He also de-
MED that he had at any time said any
thing regarding an oath in connection
with the investigation.
Tells of Conferences.
Mr.. Garfield was the first witness for
the government, the packers having
rested their cases shortly before the
noon recess of court.
Commissioner Garfield told of his
coming to Chicago and meeting the
packers, his account of the occurrences
and conversations not differing in any
essential from those given by the wit
nesses for the packers. He declared
however, that Mr.. Krauthoff, the attor-
ney who had advised Armouv eco. to
allow the inspection of their books and
plants, told him that he would con-
slider an inspection by a federal officer
on the beef business rather an adj
vantage than otherwise to the pack
ers.
He declared that Mr.. Krautho.,
asked what would be done with the in
formation given by the packers, and
was informed by the witness that it
would be given to the president. Mr..
Krauthoff asked what the president
would do with it, and Commissioner
Garfield replied that he could not an
him that of course the president would
not make any improper use Of it,
No Protection Promised.
Did you say that the packers would
be protected ii they gave the informa-
tion?"
II did not"
Did you say that all information
would be strictly confidential?"
mo, I did not"
What did you do with the confiden-
tia, information you secured?"
1T was made into averages and given
to the president"
The witness added that no confiden-
tial information other than that aver
aged and contained in his official re-
port had been given to the president.
Did you say anything to Mr.. Krauth-
off about an oath?" asked District At
torney Morrison.
Did you say that you would let them
know about an oath?"
II did not
The witness then told of meeting Ed
ward Morris. Edward Swift and Jesse
T. Lyman and declared that his inter-
views with them were similar to the
one he had with Mr.. Krauthoff.
How did you happen to come to Chi
cago. February 1872" asked the district
II came here SO that the packers
might see had used in my report the
figures taken from their books in line
with our agreement. wanted them
to see that l did not use the individ-
ual figures or the confidential ma
terial."
Packers Approved 1t.
Inc Witness Inen SAID that he sub
mitted his report to the packers and
that they all agreed that he had made
a proper use of thesconfidential infor-
given to them.
Did you ever say to Edward Nor
ris that your bureau was entirely d.
from any other department? %
Il did not use those words. T
said the bureau reported to the presi-
dent and was not under the depart
ment of Justice
I Did you say to Edward Swift that
you had the power to compel informa-
ton. but that you hoped that you would
not be compelled to use it?"
IT did not" eFs
Was anything said about the pack.
ers having protection?"
Nothtrg, except insofar as that they
were to have protection relative to the
figures"
The witness was then taken over his
conversation with Arthur Meeker. gem
eral superintendent OF Armour i. Co.
Mr.. Meeker testified that the commits
sioner had said to him that the bureau
Of corporations had ample power to
compel informa ton. but Commissioner
Garfield said that he never made such
a statement to Mr.. Meeker.
Commissioner Garfield was on the
stand when adjournment OF court was
taken. and will testify again tomor-