Mr. Hay to Mr.
White.
Department of State,
Washington, March 8,
1900.
No. 1017.]
Sir: I inclose for your information and
consideration copy of a letter from the Secretary of Agriculture
inviting attention to the changes in the German meat inspection bill
which, according to press reports, are likely to be adopted, and which,
according to Mr. Wilson’s views, would lead to the prohibition of
certain American meat products, especially canned goods and
sausages.
In regard to the Secretary’s suggestion as to the propriety of making
representations to the German Government on the subject in its unsettled
condition, the Department leaves the matter to you for the exercise of
your tact and discretion.
It is presumed that this instruction will cross a report from you on the
subject of the amendments made in the pending meat inspection bill. Such
further views as may be suggested by the letter of the Secretary of
Agriculture are awaited.
I am, etc.,
[Page 500]
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Wilson to
Mr. Hay.
Department of Agriculture,
Washington, February 27,
1900.
Sir: I have the honor to invite your
attention to the changes in the German meat inspection bill which,
according to press reports, are likely to be adopted, and which
would lead to the prohibition of certain American meat products,
especially canned goods and sausages.
If it appears to you that any representations on the part of this
Government can be properly made at this time, I would respectfully
suggest that the unfavorable effect of such measures upon American
trade be pointed out to the German Government, and that the harmful
effects of such prohibitions upon the trade of the two countries be
properly emphasized.
There have already been some precedents made by Germany in the
exclusion of American meats which, in my opinion, are not warranted
by sanitary considerations. The proposed prohibition of canned goods
and sausages is plainly not a sanitary measure, but a compliance
with the demands of the Agrarians for lessened competition in the
meat trade. If this principle of excluding certain products of other
countries upon such grounds is established by the German Government,
we shall soon have similar demands from all classes in various
countries who find the importation of foreign-made articles
injurious to home production. Such injurious trade has heretofore
been regulated sufficiently, I believe, by revenue taxation bearing
alike upon the same products from all countries. It would seem that
the selection of certain articles and their absolute prohibition,
unless for clear sanitary reasons, is likely to be a very
troublesome policy, and one which may bring unexpected results.
American wine growers may ask for a prohibition of German wines;
American brewers may ask for a prohibition of German malt liquors;
American mill operators may ask for the prohibition of German
woolens and silks, and so on.
It is difficult to say what such a course might lead to, and I
sincerely hope that the German Government will give due
consideration to any representations which you may decide proper to
make.
I have, etc.,
