Mr. Hengelmüller to Mr. Olney.
Washington, October 6, 1896.
Mr. Secretary of State: In the month of May last 10 kilos of pork of American origin were declared in the slaughterhouse at Teplitz, Bohemia, to contain trichinae. The investigation showed that the pork in question was covered by a certificate issued in Chicago, April 3, 1896, sub Z, 44, apparently on the ground of a microscopical examination concerning the unquestioned healthy condition of the meat.
In view of the fact that the importation of hog products from the United States into Austria is by no means inconsiderable, and that the certificates from the original place of shipment must absolutely provide a guaranty of safety, which was made a condition in 1891 for the repeal of the prohibition of the importation of pork coming from the United [Page 9] States (Reichsgesetz Blatt, No. 168, ex 1891), I have the honor to address to your excellency the request to bring this case to the knowledge of the proper authorities of the Federal Government, to the end that it may take such measures as to bring about a reliable examination and a trustworthy certification with respect to these exportations of hog products.
Accept, etc.,