New-York tribune., 1919-08-31
Packers Coercins
Witnesses, avs
Livestock Man
Official Of Catflemen's
Association Wires Senate
Committee Reputation
of "W eak~kneed" Buyers
Ne,v York 7'ribtoso
" dShinGfnn Hnrecu

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3o.--Charges
that witnesses before the Senate Ag-
rlculture Committee, opposing regula-
ton OF the packing industry, were in
some cases coerced and improperly in
tluenced by the large packers were
filed with the committee to-day in a
telegram from \. A. Jastro. chairman
Of the markets committee of the Ameri-
can Livestock Association.
Practically all the testimony taken
by the committee during the last two
weeks has been in opposition to the
proposed licensing Of the packers. SO
strong has been the protest, particu-
iarly by livestock men, that several
members OF the committee who strong
~ favor the Legislation have said they
believed some OF the more radical
features OF the Kendrick and Kenyon
bills would have to be eliminated be-
fore the measures are considered by
the Senate.
We emphaticallr repudiate recent
unfail statements by those weak-knecd
and improperly influenced commission
men, who. although our paid agents,
have thoroughly misstated both the
character Of the proposed legislation
and the attitude Of the great body Of
islation now before you," Mr.. Jastro's
telegram stated.
The attitude of the stockyards press
has generally been equally dishonest
and manifestiy inspired We deplore
the recent action of those livestock pro-
ducers who have passed resolutions
condemning certain features of the
proposed bill instead of indorsing the
vital principles and aiding in clearing
the legislation OF that which they con-
slider Objectionable by their testimony
and recommendations
We have reason to believe that, lust
as IN hearings and Investigations con-
Quoted IN the past, in the present con-
test between this giant monopoly and
the public, witnesses are in some cases
being coerced and in other cases their
expenses are being paid to offer testi-
mony III favor Of the packers. This
procedure we denounce as intolerable.
made necessary only by an unrighteous
cause. The issue is clearly one of eco
nomic liberty.
We are aware of the desperate ef-
forts being made by the packers to
maintain their unconscionable posi-
ton. We have noted their lavish ex-
penditure in advertising that has dealt
IN evasion, Misrepresentation, and half
truths, and we ask for Legislative action
that Will publish and continue to make
public to the country the details of the
meat business upon which the life of
the country so largely depends"
Senator Kendrick, of Wyoming, au-
thor of one of the bills for the regu-
laton of the packers. is the president
of the American Livestock Association
Notwithstanding this denunciation
of livestock men who oppose the pres.
ent bill, delegation of Tennessee
livestock men took the stand this after
noon to protest against the bills, main.
tanning THAT the packers have done
much for the livestock industry by
opening up markets.
Hearings which are now being held
will come to a close on September 15
the Agriculture Committee of the Sen.
ate decided in an executive session this
afternoon. At that time there will bt
definite policy fixed for the future
consideration of the bills, which ma,
result in the large packers being de
MED an opportunity to appear in op
position to them.