stock West from the narrow pastures and dairy districts of
the East. It was shown that across the ocean there was a
morbid appetite for suspicions and facts which would justify
severe restrictions and an absolute inhibition of our
products.

The Cattle Commission formed by the Treasury Department gave
decided opinions and imparted valuable information, but they
were constrained to admit that they were powerless in an
emergency to stop the spread of contagious diseases, and that
it was a vain hope that there would be an increased foreign
demand for our cattle and meat without radical Congressional
enactment.

Skilled veterinarians, fancy breeders, political economists,
and savants from the East met the alarmed ranchmen,
enterprising breeders, and delegations and officials from
many agricultural and State associations, representing
millions of cattle and hundreds of millions of dollars,
resolved that a meeting should be held at Washington, and a
committee was appointed to secure appropriate legislation.

In the discharge of duties assigned to the Secretary I at
once repaired to Washington for consultation and to gather
pertinent facts. The heads of the State Treasury and
Agricultural Departments were awake to the necessity of early
and radical legislation. President Arthur evinced great
cordiality, and gave good proof of his interest by calling
attention in the annual message to the approaching meeting in
Washington, which I have called the 10th of January.