Arizona republican., 1920-12-22
Livestock Man Says M e a t Distribution System Is Monopoly
[RepubIican A. p. Leased WIrel

~
 DENVER, Dec. 21--A suggestion that the meat packers of this country sell meat direct to the public in an effort to eliminate the middleman's profit was made by A. E. De Ricqles, president of the American Livestock and Loan com pany, in an address today to the Colo rado Stock Growers association.
 The association, which is holding its annual meeting, today sent telegrams to western congressman in Washington urging protection of farmers and stock men from competition with imported hides, pelts and frozen meats by suit able protective tariff.
 MT. De Ricqles' address followed speeches by men prominent in the stock growers organizations of Colo rado, New Mexico and Wyoming.
 The meat distribution system at present is practically a monopoly" he heclared. But if meat could be put on the table of the consumer at anything like the price the producer gets for 1t we could not raise enough stock to supply the market.
 "I suggest" he continued, that an attempt be made by this association to A"-'O eiiC B<A1htAS Scll Il6dL QlTeCIlY the public"
 De Ricqles suggested as a solution for the serious financial problem that the farmer is facing today, that the government refund Liberty bonds or transfer them into long time ogliga- tions so that the federal banks can be relieved of the burden of paying oft the interest for the present so that the money can be loosened in rural dis tricts."
 A. A. Reed, president of the Colorado Bankers association, in an address at trtbuted present conditions of financial stress to the tremendous losses both in money and in man power of the world war. He declared banking resources of state are standing firmly behind farmers and stockmen and said bet ter condition was promised in that there are more than 300 measures per- taining to farmers and stockmen before congress at this time.
 Favors "Protection" Unanimous vote faVoring protection of farmers and stock men from com petition with imported hides, pelts and frozen meats by a suitable tariff was contained in the resolution telegraphed to Washington.
 Much discussion centered around the tariff. Delegates also discussed the re- striction of immigration and longer time loang from federal re5erve banks. l The question of appointing a com- mittee to proceed to Washingto to urge action by congress on the tariff issue was put over until tomorrow. This committee also would be instructed to voice the approval of the association in favor of a bill to force dealers in all lines of merchandise to put a cost of protection tag on all articles sold
 T. E. Mitchell president of the New Mexico Cattle and Horse Growers as sociation, advocated a restrictive tariff. He attributed the present condition of depression in agricultural and stock raising business largely to a lack of cooperation.
 The present condition of depression in the cattle business he declared. "is reflected in a like condition in the sheep business and again in that of the farmer and the feeder" He advised those who come under these classifica- tions to be "indivisibie"
 Mitchell cited the conditions of drouth during the last year in some sections of the west and the calling in of money by the federal reserve banks as being largely responsible for the present 'ruinous conditions of the mar ket," which he declared, have placed many farmers and stock men on the verge of bankruptcy.
 The banks should give more gener- pus time allowance to farmers ant stock men who need money to tide them over the present period of stress. declared Mitchell. And you delegates also should add your voice anc strength to the demand for an embargo against the shipment of beef, mutton and wool from foreign markets unti the incoming administration will b, able to prepare tariff bills and mak, tl-em into laws.