The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-02-19

tho country. II ia also partially due
to at least the fear that the great
packers would direct their power OF
undertaking against such enter
prises.
II proper abattoirs could be ex-
tended near the larger towns. possibly
| with municipal help and the opera
tons therein protected from illegiti-
mate competition. 4 believe they
would not only succeed. but would
x..-~ss .s-.,..~4...>A >.se s,,>,.., o1&5Hyfx.
of meat AhlmSas y. GIN. hi{ -Sos'SvoS II
I be a great sterilization OF prices by a
wider based market than that now &c
largely dependent upon a small group
of buyers.
Another phase OF the question lies
around the fact that feel the soiu-
lions propounded by the Trade Com
mission will not entirely solve the
problem of the invasion of many other
lines Of food handling besides animal
products This portion OF their bus-
ness is more largely supported by
their larger credits and their eIimina-
ton OF the wholesale grocer, rather
than upon railway privilege.
As to whether ouch goods can be
vended more economically direct than
through the wholesaler Is a matter OF
much contention. 1t seems to me.
however, that this whole phase OF
absorption of other food Industries
requires consideration.
1t appears TO me at least worth
thought as to whether these aggre-
cations should not be confined to
more narrow and limited activities,
say those involved In the slaughter OF
animals. the preparation and market
ing Of the products therefrom alone.
Such a course, might solve the
branch house problem. and IL Is not
an unknown legislative control. as
witness our banks. railways and In
surance companies
One other cause also chokes the
free marketing OF food in the United
States. which will not be reached by
the ultimate action on the above
lines, and that Is the present INSULT
cient Standardization of our food
products. and this would contribute
TO strengthen the Independent manu-
facturer.
Suggested Solution.
In summation, 7 believe that the
ultimate solution of this problem Is
to be obtained by assuring equal op-
portunity In transportation. equal OPP
portunity in the location of manufac-
turing sites and OF terminal sites, and
the limitation of the activities of these
businesses. In this situation. / be
lieve that the fifty minor meat pack
ing ESTABLISHING and the hundreds
of other food preaervsrs could sue
cessfully expand their interstate &C
! tiIitIes and the local slaughter would
( increase with economic gain to the
community, and all through con-
/ tinued competition constantly i'm
| prove our manufacturing and dis
| tributing processes to the advantage
| of both producer and consumer. The
| detailed methods. except IN the mani
/ fest case Of car and stock yard con-
troll, require much more thought
The activity of the Food Admins
I tratjnu is necessarily founded or
! securing the largest service and this
least disruption aud danger to dis
/ tribution during this period of ma
tional strain. To take such a radica
step as to seize the packers branch
houses for tho war. would effect nc
permanent values and would surely
disrupt distribution at shis time.
The packers are TO-DAY performing
their economic duties of preserving
and distributing the meat supplies ts
our own population and the allies. n,
distinguished from the sori 1 results
of their organization, and the onl,
IL
win the-war point of view Is whether
! the packers are today imposing upor
their competitors and whether theii
remuneration is exorbitant. These
are matters which can be remediet
during the war by regulation ant
taxation.
| would, in any event. separate thu
whole problem into a question as e
what should be done as a war cmer
gency and what should be done as 6
permanent solution OF the whole
question. DO not feel that the gov
eminent should undertake the solu
ton of the problem by the ternporar,
authority conferred under the wal
powers OF the Railway and Food Ad
ministr tons, which must terminate
with peace, but rather that II shoul'
be laid before congress for A search
; ing consideration, exhaustive debat
, and development of public opinion
Just as has been necessary in tho de
yelopment of the public interest IL
our banks, insurance companies ant
railways
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