New-York tribune., 1910-01-24
PACKING INQUIRY
PREDICT LONG FIGHT.
Forces Gather for Coming
Chicago Investigation.
IBy Telegraph to The Tribune. ]


Chicago, Jan. 2s:-With the heads OF all
the big packing houses gathered here and
attorneys arrayed on each side, the gov
ernments investigation of the dressed meat
industry is expected TO be ready for action
when the federal grand jury convenes to-
morrow. The hearing into the high price
of meats may last for weeks.
Subpenas have been prepared to bring
before the jury witnesses from all depart
ments of the packing house business 1t is
promised that this inquiry will surpass all
former Investigations for thoroughness.
The packers are ready for combat. "All
] have to say" said J. Ogden Armour, lis
that such cooperation as may exist among
the packers is benefit to the public
rather than the reverse"
Three lines of action have been outlined.
These are: Criminal prosecution for al
legged violation OF the antitrust law; civil
action for the dissolution of the National
Packing Company, and contempt proceed
ings for alleged violation of Judge Gross
cups injunction restraining the packers
from fixing prices in restraint of trade.
Practically all of the evidence gathered
by the government in a previous investi-
cation. 1t is said. has been abandoned and
entirely new data obtained in the last few
months will be utilized
Much interest has been taken here in the
appointment of Charles b. Morrison, spe-
cial assistant to the Attorney General, to
the post of federal master in chancery.
Mr.. Morrison has been made thoroughly
familiar with the beef situation.
A master in chancery will be selected by
the court to take evidence if District At
torney Sims files civil proceedings against
the packers. 1t is said the packers would
oppose Mr.. Morrison in this capacity on
the ground that his previous experience has
disqualified him.
Mr.. Sims discussed the inquiry to-day
with his chief assistant, James H. Wilker-
son; Robert w. Childs, the grand jury ex-
pert of the District Attorneys office, and
with William R. Medaris. specially de-
tailed on the inquiry by the Department
of Justice at Washington.
Most Of the subpHnas which were pre-
pared this morning are for employees of
the National Packing Company, which IS
aimed at in particular by the government,
and those Of prime Importance will be
served Tomorrow morning by deputies in
the office of United States Marshal Luman
T. Hoy.
There are three forms of indictment
which may be used by the government
The packers may be indicted as indi-
Elduals, they may be indicted collectively
on charge of conspiracy TO violate the
Sherman antitrust law, or the National
Packing Company may be indicted as
corporation, as well one or all of the
three corporations-Armour, Swift and
Morris-Oficers and directors Of which are
the official and financial sponsors for the
business operated by the National.
Indictment under the first of these three
forms is considered the least likely to be
attempted, because of the difficulty in
showing a court and jury the actual in
dividual intent of one packer to violate the
law. The conspiracy charge and charge
against the packing companies themselves
are held to be most logical.