i ' ing i d (which obviously cannot be determined 
particular plants being infested ( a yon ot entry oe a 
til they are presented for inspection el 1 try 01 
tie FH. B. is exercising a control of business, not of injurious 
organisms; and that such control is outside its legitimate jurisdiction. 
If it be essential to the existence of any branch of the horticultural 
eats a America that foreign competition in certain plants be checked 
then this is a matter to be remedied by tariff means through Con- 
gressional action, not by an administrative body under a camouflage—in- 
tentional or otherwise—of protection against pests. That Qu. 37 has 
been and is being interpreted and is acting, in just such an economic, pro- 
tective way is made clear by the introductory paragraphs on a ballot sent 
out by the American Association of Nurserymen to ascertain the opinion 
of its members as to whether the quarantine should be lifted or continued. 
The statement says in part: “It may be recalled that before Qu. 37 went 
into effect, foreign growers from France, Germany, Holland and other 
countries, each Spring sent over enormous quantities of ornamental 
products, trees, Roses, etc., which were sold through department stores 
at auction, usually at prices that were far below cost of production of 
similar American grown products. On the other hand, there are many 
nurserymen who import these foreign grown products, and whose busi- 
ness has been injured by the elimination of these foreign grown products. 
“Tt is for the membership to'decide whether or not the majority fa- 
yor the lifting of Qu. 37 and wish to let this foreign grown stock 
again come in this country, or whether it would be better to let the quar- 
antine stand and keep foreign ornamental stock out, and supply the 
American market with American grown Roses, ornamentals, etc., as well 
as keep new European diseases and insects out of our country.” ' 
Without reference to the general tone of those paragraphs and 
whether or not they reflect the actual facts as to foreign vs. home grown 
stocks, to what a minor extent do they involve the question of plant pests! 
To illustrate the European trade attitude, there may be recalled a 
letter from the president of a large French horticultural organization 
to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in which it was urged that the 
United States Government be advised that the European countries are 
not “willing to be placed in a position of economic inferiority” by such 
means and methods as the F. H. B. is employing. 
Far Reaching Effects of Closed Door Policy 
6. We submit: That in view of the serious damage to the horticul- 
tural industries of foreign countries already effected by Qu. 37, and the 
still greater injury that may be expected to result if its administration 
is continued along the present, or even more stringent lines, there is a 
distinct probability of the development of a retaliatory attitude, first on 
the part of foreign trade interests and ultimately, perhaps, on the part 
of their governments. Such an attitude would, doubtless, result in the 
closing of many important markets for our grains, fruits and other agri- 
cultural products. Whether this exclusion were effected by quarantine 
regulations—based on arguments provided by the F. H. B. itself—or 
whether it took the form of tariff or other economic measures, is imma- 
terial. The important fact is that such a discord and spirit of retaliation 
in international trade relationships—unfortunate at any time—would 
be deplorable at the present stage of world chaos and insecurity. 
The F. H. B. has frequently disavowed any intention of influencing, 
controlling or hampering trade; it protests that it is working for the 
good of horticulture. Again, let us accept its statement freely and em- 
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