Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-01-20
FISHER ATTACKS
PACKERS METHODS
Ex. Secretary Of Interior Says
Business Not Based on
Sound Principles.
U. s. MUST HAVE AUTHORITY

Cheyenne, Wyo., Jan. l9.-'Thc
most amazing situation in the civil
lied world is the utter ignorance Of
the iitads BY inheritance 81 iive Of The
nations greatcss packing concerns Of
the economic principles underlying
the industries they direct said
Walter L. Fisher, former secretary Of
the interior, counsel for the market
committee of the American Live
Stock association, commenting on the
report of that committee to the as
sociation here. Mr.. Fisher was ad-
dressing the annual convention Of the
association.
Speaking as counsel for the COM
mittee, Mr.. Fisher told the conven-
ton the packers are spending "hun-
dreds of thousands of dollars in ad-
vertising in an attempt to convince
the public their business is based on
sound ethical principles"
mo convincing investigation of the
nations meat problem is possible"
he continued, until the Department
Of Agriculture is clothed with au-
thority to administer oaths and COM
pei the attendance Of witnesses with
their records"
Packers Agree to Inquiry.
The report of the market commit
tee was read today by A. E. Deric-
qules Of Denver, secretary of the COM
mittcc, who said the report definitely
recommended full investigation by
the Federal Trade commission Of
market and food problems"
The market committee, appointed a
year ago at El Paso, Tex, has been
engaged in conducting a campaign
for federal investigation &C the live
stock industry, relating to production
and distribution.
1--WE have convinced the packing in
terests that at last the producers are
a factor to be reckoned WITH" says
the report, that they can organize
and stick together for the accom-
plishment of an end in which they
are vitality interested, namely, the es-
tablishment of fair, open and COM
petitive markets.
I'VE have convinced them that we
are not to be turned from our main
purpose. AS result, we have met
them both individually and as COM
mittee, and they have finally agreed
under certain conditions to withdraw
their opposition to an investigation
by the Federal Trade commission"
After emphasizing the magnitude OF
the task which the committee under
took and detailing the methods by
which an agreement was finally
reached with the packers, the report
refers to what is termed the more
fundamental features of questions
pertaining to the marketing of live
stock and meats. These are:
Control at central markets by the
packers, which it is declared is as
great as ever, but temporarily OBJ
scured by the unprecedented demand
caused by the war; difficulty in max
ing the public understand that by lay.
ing foundations for increased produc.
tion and more economical distribution
the committee will aid in lowering the
cost of living; cooperation with
packers, commission men, stock yard
companies and federal bureaus.
Secretary Houston Talks.
David F. Houston, secretary of ag-
riculture, who followed Mr.. Fisher
said .y s.-.-.
/ "I don't think any honest business
has anything to fear from the Ameri-
can people if they are given the facts.
I cannot understand any objection to
giving facts, except fear Of them
/ The secretary, in his address, fav-
orcd authorization of an investigation
of the meat industry.