Mr. Gresham to Mr. Runyon.
Washington, October 27, 1894.
German ambassador has notified me of intended prohibition of imports of American cattle and fresh meats, owing to alleged discovery of Texas fever in two recent shipments, with compulsory slaughter of cattle shipped before 28th instant. I have earnestly represented to the ambassador the injury this apparently needless and harsh measure will cause. The only cattle which communicate Texas fever are those from a well-defined district in southern part of the United States, from which district export is not permitted. Our regulations and inspection are amply sufficient to prevent such exportation. The enforcement of the German prohibition will be regarded here as unfriendly and retaliatory and be an obstacle to the repeal of the tax of one-tenth a cent a pound imposed by the present tariff law upon all sugars coming from bounty-paying countries. Since the adjournment of Congress it has been the President’s intention to advise the repeal of that tax, and it still is his intention to do so. You are enjoined to immediately and impressively urge that, in the interest of both countries, the contemplated prohibition be not enforced.