Ambassador Reid to
the Secretary of State.
American Embassy,
London, July 13,
1906.
No. 225.]
Sir: I have the honor to report the receipt of
a letter from the Federation of Grocers’ Associations of the United
Kingdom inclosing me a copy of a letter and resolution which they had
sent in full
[Page 799]
to the President,
and the substance of which they had previously cabled him. They
intimated to me a hope that they might receive from the President,
through me, something on the subject which would be of a reassuring
character for the trade and might promote the interests of packers of
American canned meats.
As the President was known to be at Oyster Bay and the time was short, I
finally concluded, after some hesitation, to send a careful dispatch
direct to him on the subject without making any immediate response to
the Grocers’ Associations or committing the President in any way.
On receipt of his cabled reply, however, I hastened to forward it to the
meeting of these associations at Sheffield. It was immediately read in
their convention, a resolution concerning it was passed, it was
published broadcast, and at the request of the associations I have
consented to let them make a photolithographic copy of the original
dispatch for wide distribution. It is already evident that the
impression produced has been most favorable, and it is hoped that it may
have some effect in reviving the trade which had been so materially
checked.
I beg to inclose herewith copies of the letter from the Grocers’
Associations, the President’s letter, and my letter to the secretary of
the Grocers’ Federation transmitting it, together with the response from
the Grocers’ Associations.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Giles to
Ambassador Reid.
49 Eastcheap, London, E. C., July 3, 1906.
federation of grocers’
associations of the united kingdom.
Sir: I have now the honor to inclose yon a
copy of the letter embodying the resolution which we cabled to the
President of the United States yesterday.
I have likewise the honor to inclose you a copy of the programme of
the annual conference of this federation, which will be held at
Sheffield next week. On page 53 of this programme you will see that
the subject is coming up for consideration, and if it were possible
for us to receive from the President, through you, sir, any reply to
our cable which would be of a reassuring character, I believe that
it would prove to be in the best interests of the packers of
American canned meats and of the trade in such articles in this
country.
I have, etc.,
Arthur J. Giles, Secretary.
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Giles to
President Roosevelt.
Sir: I have now the honor to inclose you a
copy of the resolution which we cabled to you briefly yesterday, and
to express the hope that we shall receive some intimation from you
that you are satisfied that such alterations have been made in the
methods of packing canned meats in the United States that we may be
assured that the Government will now give its certificate to all
such goods, so that the distributers in this country may be able to
assure the British public.
The present state of alarm is almost paralyzing the trade in American
canned meats, and we have been compelled to pass the resolution
which I have the honor to inclose, and which I cabled in brief
yesterday, in order that we may assure the public as to the care
which is being taken by the distributer to see that the food
supplied is of the best quality.
I have the honor to inclose a copy of the programme of our annual
conference, which will be held at Sheffield next week. On page 53
you will see there are
[Page 800]
resolutions which will come up for discussion on the 11th instant on
this subject. I hope that it may be possible for us to receive an
assurance, either direct or through your ambassador, which will
assist us in our deliberations.
I have, etc.,
Arthur J. Giles, Secretary.
[Inclosure 3.]
resolution.
That the Grocers’ Federation cordially supports President Roosevelt
in the action he is taking for the purpose of securing such a rigid
inspection of American preserved provisions as to provide against
the possibility of the continuance of such a shocking state of
affairs in the factories as has been exposed recently.
Unless this federation, representing 14,000 grocers, receives an
assurance that in future American preserved provisions will be
issued with a proper government certificate as to the soundness of
their condition for human food, the executive will recommend at the
annual conference on July 10 that the trade should cease to stock
such goods until these assurances have been received.
[Inclosure
4.—Cablegram.]
President Roosevelt to the American
Embassy, London.
You are at liberty to inform the Grocers’ Federation that under the
new law we can, and will, guarantee the fitness in all respects of
canned meat bearing the government stamp. If any trouble arises
therewith, protest can be made, not merely to sellers of goods, but
to the United States Government itself.
[Inclosure 5.]
Ambassador Reid
to Mr. Giles.
American Embassy,
London, July 9,
1906.
Sir: Referring to the resolution by the
Federation of Grocers’ Associations of the United Kingdom, and to
your letter to myself of 3d of July, I have the honor to transmit
herewith a copy of a cable dispatch which I have received from the
President of the United States.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 6.]
Mr. Giles to
Ambassador Reid.
Royal Victoria Hotel, July 10, 1906.
federation of grocers’
associations of the united kingdom sixteenth annual conference,
sheffield, 1906.
Sir: I have to thank you for your letter
and copy of President Roosevelt’s cable, and I have the honor
respectfully to ask you to forward the President the copy of the
resolution as given on the other side.
I have, etc.,
[Subinclosure.]
[Grocers’ Federation resolution,
July 10,
1906.]
That this conference of the Federation of Grocers’ Associations has
received with great satisfaction the cablegram from President
Roosevelt assuring us as retail distributors of food that his
Government guarantees the soundness and wholesomeness of American
packed meats; that this conference desire to tender their most
sincere and respectful thanks to President Roosevelt for his
courtesy in the matter, and also sincerely thanks the American
ambassador, the Hon. Whitelaw Reid, for his prompt action and his
courtesy.
Signed on behalf of the Grocers’
Federation.
Arthur
J. Giles
.
