Mr. Adee to Mr. Ewing.

No. 131.]

Sir: Referring to previous correspondence relative to the decree of the Belgian Government prohibiting the importation of American cattle into Belgium, and particularly to the Department’s instruction No. 111, of the 1st ultimo, to you in regard to the sanitary condition of cattle in the United States, I inclose herewith for your information a copy of a communication of the 25th instant from the Secretary of Agriculture, transmitting a copy of a letter to him from Messrs. Patterson, Ramsay & Co., steamship agents at Baltimore, Md., stating that large numbers of Canadian cattle are now imported into France from Canada and find their way into Belgium.

I will thank you to informally investigate the statements made by Messrs. Patterson, Ramsay & Co. as to the importation of Canadian cattle into France and indirectly into Belgium, and report the result of your inquiries to the Department.

You will avail yourself of every opportune occasion which may offer to recall the subject to the attention of the foreign office, with a view to obtaining a repeal or modification of the decree complained of.

I am, etc.,

Alvey A. Adee,
Acting Secretary
.
[Inclosure in No. 131.]

Mr. Morton to Mr. Gresham.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith for your consideration a letter which has just been received from Patterson, Ramsay & Co., steamship agents, Baltimore, Md., in regard to the Belgian prohibition of American cattle. If it appears possible to accomplish anything in the way of securing the removal of this prohibition I would recommend that the matter be given the early attention of your Department.

Very respectfully,

J. Sterling Morton
.
[Page 33]
[Subinclosure in No. 131.]

Messrs. Patterson, Ramsay & Co. to Mr. Morton.

Sir: Referring to the interview which we had the pleasure of having with you some little time ago, and the various conversations held on the subject of the importation of American cattle into Belgium, we understand that large shipments of cattle are being made from Canada to Havre, and these cattle, of course, are finding their way into Belgium. The present hardship which we are suffering from, owing to the prohibition of the importation of American cattle into either France or Belgium, is therefore enhanced, and the hardship is made all the more apparent by the knowledge that Canada can get her cattle into these two countries, as against the United States.

We believe very strongly that a great number of these cattle that are being brought from Canada originate in the States. We desire to ask you once more if you think there is any possibility, by making another strong effort with the Belgian Government, of overcoming the prohibition that now exists.

Trusting that we may hear from you at your earliest convenience,

Yours, very truly,

Patterson, Ramsay & Co.