The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-05-25
Packers Considering Posi-
bility of Embargo if Hold
Up of Neutral Cargoes
BY THAT COUNTRY
ISN'T STOPPED
'"Big Four Packing Houses
in the Fight-Representa-
tives in Washington

Washington, May 25.--A new phase o
the struggle in which Great Britain is en-
gagged may be meat war waged agans
her by the big American packinghouses
The millions of the packers pittet
against the resources OF the British gov
eminent is the situation which is threat
ened as result of the complications ovel
the holding up by Great Britain of tbs
cargo of meat and meat products con
rope which are in close proximity to Ger
many.
To declare and put into effect an EN-
barge on all meats and meat products to
the British Isles is the plan which the
four great packinghouses Of this country
have in mind unless they can force con,
cessions such as they demand from the
British government.
The packinghouses concerned are Ar
mour g. Co., Nelson Morris g. Co.. and
Sulzberger & Co., whose principal plants
lishments in numerous other great cities.
Representatives of these companies are
In Washington to-day and this morning
laid their grievances before the state de-
partment. They expected to see Secre-
tary Bryan and other high officials OF
the department to-day. They also ex-
pected to see President Wilson before
they depart from the capital.
The object of their visit is to discuss
with government officials the question OF
how to obtain relief at the hands of the
British government, which is holding up
about 30 shipments with about s25,000,-
900 worth of meat and meat products
which the packers have sent to neutral
ports of Europe. The ships laden with
these enormously valua BILE foodstuffs have
been besieged by British warships and
taken into British ports.
How the government would look at
such a course is not yet revealed. 1t was
declared yesterday, however, by high
official that the government would prob
ably consider IL a private question wheth-
err the packers should stop shipments of
meats to England.
going to neutral countries are largely
for reshipment to Germany. The packers
contend they have the right to ship neu-
trail countries regardless of reshipment or
destinations.
The airing of the troubles of the pack.
srs with England at this time commands
he more notice because of the demands
n Germany that England cease her block
de Of foodstuffs; because of the cutlery
II the cotton shippers, and because of
he fact that this government intends at !
he proper time to send another note TO
Great Britain protesting against her
treatment of neutral cargoes.
The politicsi influence OF the packers |
n this country Is not TO be overlooked. |
Z they should start commercial war
N England, il is presumed they would
Mist the sympathy of the stoekmen OF
he west and southwest.
Four vessels containing meat cargoes
ave been held up by the British since
asst October. They were seized before
he policy now adopted by the British
government was announced.
The British government IL willing, !, il
Understood, to pay for the cargoes, but
much Of the goods is Of quality and
hsracter such rs the English viii not
sc, except at low prices, whereas the
ontinental countries viii pay more. For
lstanee. thick, fat bacon is worth little
, England. II commands a good price
neutral countries contiguous 10 Ger.
,any. The packers do not want 10 set
e with the English government on =
asis which viii mean losses Of millions
Dr. them.