New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1921-10-07
BRIEF REVIEW OF ACT TO
REGULATE PACKING AND
STOCKYARD INDUSTRIES

Washington, Oct. 2.-The so-called
l"Packers' Bill" is a law. II is Of
ficially known as THE Packers and
Stock Yards Act" 1t regulates the
buying, selling and handling Of all
live stock, live stock products, dairy
products, poultry products and eggs,
which are handled in interstate or
foreign commerce.
Under the provisions of this act it
is unlawful for any one in the pack
ing business TO engage,in or use. eth
e- directly or in agreement with or
combination with anv other person,
any unfair, unjust, discriminatory or
deceptive practices: to make or give
any person or locality anv preference
or advantage, or subject them to any
prejudice or Disadvantage: to engage
in any act apportioning the supply
of any product, manipulating or con-
trolling prices, restraining commerce
o. creating 4 monopoly.
The administration of the law de-
welcomes upon the u. 6. Secretary of
Agriculture. He NAV bring action up
on his own initiative whenever he
has reason to believe that there is any
violation of the law. In such cases
he must make written charges and
'~:1h 'h~r1 to the accused. who is
entitled to a copy of all evidence
against him and the right TO a hear
ing. In the event the defendant is
guilty, in the opinion of the Secre-
tarv Of agriculture, after hearings
have been given. the defendant NAV
within 30 days appeal to the Circuit
court Of Appeals asking that the Sec
r%etary's findings be set aside or mo-
dified. The Circuit Court of Appeals
has exclusive jurisdiction and its de-
cisions are final. subject TO review bv
the Supreme Court of the United
States.
Stock Yards Under Control
The act also provides that stock
yards and agencies handling live stock,
etc, in interstate commerce, must fur
nish service without discrimination ;
schedules of rates, regulations and
charges must be printed and kept
for public inspection at the stock
these schedules must be in the
form and matter determined by che
Secretary Of Agriculture; no changes
shall be permitted in the published
rates, charges or regulations OF any
stock yards, except after ten days
to the Secretary and TO the
which notice shall state the
proposed changes. II shall be un-
for any stock yards or agency
TO engage in any unfair discrimina-
tory practices in connection with the
receiving, marketing, feeding, weigh
ing or otherwise handling live stock
in interstate commerce.
Upon his own initiative, or upon
complaint of shippers, or upon COM
plant Of any board OF agriculture, or
i've stock association, or state agency,
The Secretary of Agriculture may, at
any time, institute an inquiry regard
ng the observance OF this. act by stock
or regarding the rates, charges
Or regulations in effect or proposed
be put into effect at any stock
Yards. Pending his decision upon the
the Secretary may suspend for
70 days the operation Of any such
ate or regulation and shall file a
statement Of his reasons for
,uch suspension Hearings upon the
suspension must be held and the de-
endant given an opportunity of de-
ense.
Violators Liable for Damages
After the hearing the Secretary may
determine what is just and reason
in the case and issue orders &C
ordingly and the stock yards must
.bide by the order. Any stock yard
II other agency handling live stock
interstate m which violates
ny OF the provisions of the act or
ny order of the Secretary, shall be
able TO the person or persons injured
in the full moun Of DAM |
ges sustained in consequence of such ,
collation., and such liability may be
nforced by the damaged party filing A.,
omplaint with the Secretary or by
nit in any District Court of the Unit
d States of competent jurisdiction. i
Every packer, stock yard, market, /