DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

S. W. STRATTON ^ DIRECTOR

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS—No. 43

Weights and Measures

Thirteenth Annual Conference

OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS STATES

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C. MAY 24. 25, 26, AND 27, 1920

PRICE, 20 CENTS

Sold only by the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1921

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

S. W. STRATTON ^ Director

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS—No. 43

Weights and Measures

Thirteenth Annual Conference

OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS STATES

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C, MAY 24, 25, 26, AND 27, 1920

PRICE, 20 CENTS

Sold only by the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1921
ADDITIONAL COPIES

OF THIS PUBLICATION MAT BE PEOCUEED FEOM

THE SUPEKES"TE>rDEXT OF DOCUMENTS

GOVEENilEXT PP.INTING OFFICE WASHINGION, D. C. AT

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V
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES.

OFFICERS.

President, S. W. Stkatton, Director. Bureau of Standards, Wasliingtoii, D. C. First Vice President, Chas. G. .Iohnson, State Sujieriiitendent of Weights and

Measures, Sacramento, Calif. Second Vice President, Charles C. Neale, Commissioner of Weiglits and Measures, Old Capitol, St. Paul, Minn.

Secretary, Louis A. Fischek, Cluef, Division of Weights and Measures, Bureau

of Standards, Washington. D. C. Treasurer, Fkank Wanser, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures,

Trenton, N. J. COMMITTEES.

EXECUTIVE OOMillTTEE.

S. W. Stkatton,

Chas. G. Johnson,

Charles C. Neale, )Ex officio. Louis A. Fischer,

Frank Wanser,

F. G. Barnard, Sealer of AVeights and Measures. Battle Creek, Mich.

A. F. BovE, Sealer of AVeights and Measures, Portland, Me. W. F. Cluett, Chief Deputy Inspector of AVeights and Measures, City Hall,

Chicago, 111. S. C. Dinsmore, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures, Reno, Nev.

T. F. Egan, State Superintendent of AVeights and Measures, Hartford, Conn.

G. G. Feary, State Inspector and Sealer of Weights and Measures, Vermiiicn; S. Dak.

C. M. Fuller, County Sealer of AVeights and i\Ieasures,'Los Angeles, Calif. D. A. Gregg, Deputy State Superintendent of AVeights and Measures, Austin, Tex.

J. J. HoLWELL, Conunissioner, Mayor's Bureau of AVeights and Measures, Municipal Building, New York City. T. L. Irvine, Superintendent of AVeights and Pleasures and Oil Inspection, Salt Lake City, Utah.

T. F. Mahoney, Chief Inspector of AVeights and Measures. Chattanooga, Tenn. Francis Meredith, State Director of Standards, the State House, Boston, Mass.

J. M. Mote, Assistant Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, State House Annex, Columbus, Ohio.

J. W. Richardson, State Superintendent of AVeights and Measures, Richmond,

Va.

R. AV. Smith, Chief State Inspector of AVeights and Measures, Madison, Wis.

W. F. Steinel, Sealer of AVeights and Measures, Milwaukee, AVis. G. B. Stewart, State Inspector of AVeights and Measures, 194 Charles Avenue,

Morgantown, W. Va. Leo Stuhr, Secretary of Agriculture, Lincoln, Nebr. James Sweeney, Cliief, State Bureau of Standards, Harrisburg, Pa. H. A. Webster, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures, the State House,

Concord, N. H. W. T. White, Director, State Bureau of AVeights and Measures, Albany, N. Y. COMMITTEE ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES.

F. S. HoLBRooK, Inspector of Weights and Measures, Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D. C. Charles G. Johnson, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Sacra- mento, Calif. W. F. Cluett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weights and Measures, City Hall,

Chicago, 111. 3
4 BUREAU or STANDAEDS.

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.

D. A. Gkegg, Deputy State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Austin, Tex.

J. J. HoLWELL, Conunissioner Mayor's Bureau of Weights and Measures, Municipal Building, New York City.

I. M. Howell, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Olympia, Wash.

R'. W. Smith, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Madison, Wis.

E. F. Stimpson, Deputy State Sealer of Weights and Measures, Lawrence, Kans. COMMITTEE ON WEIGHT STANDARDIZATION OF BREAD.

C. C. Neale, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures, Old Capitol, St. Paul, Minn.

D. A. Gregg, Deputy State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Austin, Tex. Guy G. Fraky, State Inspector and Sealer of Weights and Measures, Vermilion,

S. Dak.

A. W. Schwartz, Assistant State Superintendent of Weights and Measures,

Trenton, N. J. F. G. Barnard, Sealer of Weights and Measures, Battle Creek, Mich.

C. M. Fuller, County Sealer of Weights and Measures, Los Angeles, Calif. L. S. ScHOENTHAL, Chief Inspector of Weights, Measures, and Markets, District Building, Washington, D. C. ACTING COMMITTEES FOR THIS CONFERENCE.

COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS.

J. M. MOTE.

S. C. DiNSMORE.

Francis Meredith.

R. W. Smith.

W. T. White.

• committee on nominations.

William F. Cluett. Charles M. Fuller.

T. L. Irvine. John W. Richardson.

W. T. White.

committee on publicity.

Leo S. Schoenthax.

W. T. White.

Benjamin M. Shaep.

committee on entertainment.

A. W. Schwartz.

F. G. Baenaed.

C. A. Beiggs.

IN CHAEGE OF EXHIBITS.

H. H. DUTTON.
LIST OF PERSONS WHO ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE.

STATE DELEGATES.

California Ch-veles G. Johxson, State Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Forum Building, Sacramento.

Connecticut Thomas F. Egax, State Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Hartford.

District of Columbia Geoege M. Roberts, Superintendent of Weights, Measures, and Markets, Washington.

Illinois WiLLiAji F. Cll-ett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weights

and Measures, City Hall, Chicago.

Massachusetts Francis Meredith, State Director of Standards, the

State House, Boston. John J. Cumiiings. State Inspector of Standards, the

State House, Boston. Michigan .A. A. Geeee, Chief State Inspector of Weights and

Measures, Lansing.

Minnesota Chaeles C. Neale, State Commissioner of Weights

and Measures, Old Capitol, St. Paul.

J. R. Methven, Inspector, State Scale DepartmentMinneapolis.

Nebraska Leo Sttjhe, Secretary of Agriculture, Lincoln. New Hampshire Haeold A. Webstee, State Commissioner of Weights

and Measures, the State House, Concord. New Jersey Feank Wanser, State Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Trenton.

A. W. Schwaetz, Assistant State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Trenton. Feank Fowlee, Assistant State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Trenton. Elliott B. Holton. Assistant State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Newark.

Nevada S. C. Dixssioee, State Commissioner of Weights and

Measures, Reno. New York W. T. White, Director, State Bureau of Weights and

Measures, Albany.

F. Reichmann, Foi-mer State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Webster Groves, Mo.

Ohio .ToHN M. Mote, Assistant Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, State House Annex, Columbus.

Pennsylvania .Iames Sweeney, Chief. State Bureau of Standards,

Harrisburg.

William B. McGeadt, Deputy State Inspector of Weights and Measures, 3227 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh.

Rhode Island William F. Goodwin, State Sealer of Weights and

Measures, the State House, Providence. South Carolina H. S. Kenneely, State Inspector of Weights and

Measures, Department of Agriculture, Columbia.

South Dakota Guy G. Feaey, State Inspector and Sealer of Weights

and Measures, Vermilion. Anton Runbeck, Inspector. Mobridge. Tennessee H. M. Robeetson, State Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Nashville.

T. F. Mahoney, Chief Inspector of Weights and

Measures, Chattanooga.

Vermont H. N. DAAns, Deputj' State Commissioner of Weights

and Measures, Montpelier. 5
6 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Utah T. L. lEviNE, Superintendent of Weights and Measures and Oil Inspection, Salt Lake City.

Virginia John W. Richaedson, State Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Richmond.

West Virginia G. B. Stewaet, State Inspector of Weights and Measures, 194 Charles Avenue, Morgantown.

Wisconsin Ralph W. Smith, Chief State Inspector of Weights

and Measures, Madison.

CITY AND COUNTY DELEGATES.

California

Los Angeles County__CHAELES M. Fullee, County Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Los Angeles.

Connecticut

Fairfield County Wh-liam H. Beown, County Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Bridgeport.

Hartford County Milo C. Geifein, County Sealer of Weights and Measures, Hartford. New Britain Cael A. Caelson, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Waterbury Philip T. Pllon, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

District of Columbia

Washington Leo S. Schoenthal, Chief Inspector of Weights, Measures, and Markets. W. C. DiLLEE, Inspector of Weights, Measures, and

Markets. Geoege a. Howe, Inspector of Weights, Measures, and

Markets. James T. Townsend, Inspector of Weights, Measures,

and Markets. Geoege C. Weight, Inspector of Weights, Measures,

and Markets.

Illinois

Chicago William F. Clxjett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weights

and Measures, City Hall. Morgan County G. L. Riggs, County . Sealer of Weights and Measures,

Jacksonville. Indiana

Indianapolis Edwaed McGuff, Sealer of Weights and Measures,

City Hall. Maine

Portland Augustus F. Bove, Sealer of Weights and Measures,

City Building.

Maryland

Baltimore Chaeles A. Lutz, Chief Inspector, Bureau of Weights

and Measures, City Hall. James T. Everett, Inspector at Large, City Hall. Massachusetts

Beverly Robeet J. Raffeett, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Cambridge Felix C. McBeide, Sealer of Weights and Measures,

City Building.

Lowell Waeeen P. Rioedan, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Newton Andeew Peioe, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Quincy James M. Cantfill, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Salem Geoege R. Day, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Waltham F. ]M.,Haggeety, Sealer of- Weights and Measures. Michigan

Battle Creek Feed G. Baenaed, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Detroit Geoege F. Austin, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Flint ,Howaed R. Estes, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Highland Park John AV. Woeden, Captain of Police. Missouri

Kansas City ...John V. Ceowe, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Montana

Silverbow County—_,Nellie Sxjllivan, County Sealer of Weights and Measures, Butte. New Hampshire

Manchester: .Edwaed F. Kean, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
THIKTEENTH CONFERES'CE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASUEES. 7

New Jersey

Atlantic County Edwaed W. Strickland, County Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Hammonton.

Bayonne Waltee J. Flynn, Superintendent of Weights and

Measures. Camden Haeey F. Redding, Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, 613 Mount Vernon St. Cape May County Paul E. Caeboll, County Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Dennisville. Elizabeth .William J. Bendee, Superintendent of Weights and

Measures.

Gloucester County William P. Audill, County Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Woodbui-yHudson County Thomas J. Wai.deon, County Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Courthouse, Jersey City.

Jersey City John S. Burke, Superintendent of Weights and Measures. Kearny (Newark

P. O.) John D. Castles, Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Town Hall. Mercer County Stea'en Plant, County Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Trenton. Monmouth County G. L. Beeey, County Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, 52 Slocum Place, Long Branch.

Morris County H. S. Woeman, County Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Boonton. Middlesex County .Nathan Robins, County Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Metuchen.

Newark .John H. Sulltv'an, Superintendent of Weights and

Measures. Waltee C. Feanz, Assistant Superintendent of Weights

and Measures. Trenton ,__.James E. O'Donotan, Superintendent of Weights and

Measures. Union County Isaac Seeley, County Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Elizabeth. New York

Chautauqua County-.A. W. Foed, County Sealer of Weights and Measures,

Westfleld. Greene County Archie D. Clow, Sealer of Weights and Measures, 251

Main Street, Catskill. Monroe County W. A. Payne, County Sealer of Weights and Measures,

City Hall Annex, Rochester. New York City Joseph J. Holwell, Commissioner, Mayor's Bureau of Weights and Measures, Municipal Building.

Rochester H. W. Sheeman, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Ohio:

Sandusky County F. E. Siegenthaler, County Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Fremont.

Pennsylvania

Allegheny County Geoege B. Mooee, Chief County Inspector of Weights

and Measures, Courthouse, Pittsburgh.

Allentown ^.B. Frank Rinn, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Bethlehem Edwin H. Seifeet, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Dauphin County .John T. Beetz, County Inspector of Weights and Measures, Harrisburg.

Harrisburg George B. Nebingee, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Lehigh County __.Haeey E. Bieery, Inspector of Weights and Measures,

Allentown. McKean County R. P. Yeedon, Inspector of Weights and Me.n>i;;es, Smethport.

Montf ur County Charles P. Hardee, Inspector of Weights and Measures, Danville. Philadelphia Benjamin M. Shaep. Chief Clerk, Burea j of Weights

and Measures, 2017 Arch Street. Theo. a. Seeaphin, Special Inspector of Weights and

Measures, 2017 Arch Street.
8 BUREAU OF STAifDARDS.

Utali:

Salt Lake City T. L. Irvine, Superintendent of Weights and Measures and Oil Inspection.

Virginia

Petersburg A. S. Johnson, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Richmond T. W. Joseph, Chief, Bureau of Weights and Measures. Laweence Paul, Deputy Inspector of Weights and

Measures.

J. F. Seat, Deputy Inspector of Weights and Measures and Clerk. Roanoke C. R. Taughan. Sealer of Weights and Measures. Tennessee

Chattanooga and

Hamilton County T. F. Mahoney, Chief Inspector of Weights and

Measures. Texas

Dallas D. C. Hill, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Wisconsin

Milwaukee William F. Steinel, Sealer of Weights and Measures. DELEGATES FROM STATE ASSOCIATIONS OF WEIGHTS AND

MEASURES.

Massachusetts IMassachusetts Association of Sealers: Chaeles p. Mtiebay, President, Lynn, Mass. VISITORS REPRESENTING MANUFACTURERS.

American Kron Scale Co.

F. V. Atlee, District Manager, 746 Reservoir Street, Baltimore, Md.

John Hellstkom, Mechanical Engineer, 430 East Fifty-third Street, New

York City.

John Holm, Inspector.. 430 East Fifty-third Street, New York City.

Anthony Liquid Vending Machine Co.

Geoege a. Beown, President, St. Paul, Minn.

Ayers, Charles S. : • Chaeles S. Aters, Bos 149, Riverton, N. J. Bardin, J. C, & Co. :

• A. G. Zeibel, Manager, Dallas, Tex. Bowser, S. F. & Co.

D. A. CoEEY, Vice President and Factory Manager, Fort Wayne, Ind.

L. F. Johnson, Manager, Experimental Department, Fort Wayne, Ind. D. G. MiLLiGAN, Assistant Treasurer, Fort Wayni\ Ind. E. B. French, Disti'ict Manager, 207 Evans Building, Washington, D. C.

J. T. Gibbons,' 206 Evans Building, Washington, D. C. Chatillon, John & Sons

E. C. Smith, Sales Manager, 8.5 to 93 Cliff Street, New York City.

J. G. HrGEL, 85 to 93 ClifE Street, New York City. Christian Becker:

A. T. MiLLROY, 92 Reade Street, New York City. Clear Vision Pump Co.

J. J. Stephens, Special Representative, Wichita, Kans. Computing Scale Co. : Jos. HoPKiNsoN, Works Manager, Dayton, Ohio. Dayton Moneyweight Scale Co.

D. J. MoYNiHAN, General Manager, Boston, Mass. Dayton Pump and Manufacturing Co.

A. J. PococK, Vice President and Mechanical Engineer. Dayton, Ohio. Detroit Automatic Scale Co.

W. J. Barnes, Special Representaive, Detroit. Mich.

A. P. Wells, District Manager, 30 Antietam Street, Detroit, Mich. Dover Stamping and Manufacturing Co.

E. S. Rice, 385 Putnam Avenue. Cambridge, Mass.

Fairbanks, E. «& T., & Co.

Morton H. Starr, Experimental Engineer, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

11. Y. Feenee, Washington Representative, 1410 H Street, Washington, D. C.
THIRTEENTH CONFEKEIsrCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 9

Fairbanks, Morse & Co.

L. R. BoYEK, Sales Engineer, Cliicago, 111. Farr Hydraulic Systems (Inc.) : Chaeles F. Beckwith, Eastern Manager, 405 Lexington Avenue, New York

City.

Edwaed Fabek, Engineer, 405 Lexington Avenue, New York City. Fleckenstein Visible Gasometer Co.

J. Fleckenstein, Executive Engineer, Grand Rapids, Mich. General Automatic Scale Co.

W. F. SiEGMUND, General Superintendent and General Sales Manager, St. Louis, Mo.

H. W. Nolker, Superintendent of Sales Agencies, 310 South First Street,

St. Louis, Mo.

H. D. Ridge, Machinery Department, Bourse Building, Philadelphia, Pa.

Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co.

C. C. Ramsdell, Vice President, SpringHeld, Mass.

E. S. CusHMAN, Assistant for General Manager, Springfield, Mass.

A. D. Dickinson, Salesman, % Standard Oil Co., Baltimore, Md.

Guarantee Liquid Measure Co.

G. W. Mackenzie, Chief Engineer, Rochester, Pa. Guarantee Visible Measure Sales Co.

Lanseoed Fostek, Washington, D. C. W. S. Townsend, Vice President and General Manager, 559 Munsey Building, Washington, D. C.

L. Livingston, Secretary and Treasurer, 557 Munsey Building, Washington, D. C. Gurley, W. & L. E.

H. M. DiBEET, Sales Manager, Troy, N. Y. W. L. Egy, Assistant Engineer, Troy, N. Y. Waltee G. Cobb, Salesman, Troy, N. Y. Howe Scale Co.

C. A. Lindsay, District Manager, New York City.

Howe Scale Co. of New York

John J. McEleoy, President, 341 Broadway, New York City.

The Measuregraph Co.

F. Reichmann, St. Louis, Mo. Meyer Scale & Hardware Co.

E. Meyee, President, 293 Seymour Avenue, Newark, N. J. Milwaukee Tank Works

Raymond Wilson, Eastern Manager, Marbridge Building, Broadway and

Thirty-fourth Street,, New York City.

National Meter Co. of New York

John H. Nokeis, Chief Engineer, 299 Broadway, New York City.

Pittsburgh Meter Co.

Horace Ceisman, Chief Engineer, East Pittsburgh, Pa.

A. G. Holmes, Manager, Pittsburgh, Pa. Pure Oil Co.

John Hancock, Vice President, Minneapolis, Minn.

Seraphin Manufacturing Co.

I. U. Seeaphin, Secretary and Treasurer, 1321 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Simplex Computing Measure Co.

H. B. Paeeish, Sales Manager, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Standard Computing Scale Co.

M. D. RiBBLE, Special Representative, Detroit, Mich.

Standard Scale & Supply Co.

A. H. Chesley, Special Representative, Box 443, Philadelphia, Pa. Nathan Haxjse, Manager, 409 North Gay Street, Baltimore, Md.

H. D. Pearson, 409 North Gay Street, Baltimore, Md.

H. H. Scott, Superintendent Repair Shop, Baltimore, Md.

Stimpson Computing Scale Co.

W. F. Stimpson, Vice President, Louisville, Ky.

Streeter-Amet Weighing & Recording Co.

H. F. Reck, President, Chicago, 111. Tagliabue Manufacturing Co., C. J.

R. Y. Feenee, Washington Representative, 1410 H Street, Washington, D. C.
10 BUEEAU OP STANDARDS.

Tokheim Oil Tank & Pump Co. : M. B. MusEN, Vice President, Fort Wayne, Ind. Toledo Scale Co.

C. H. Hapgood,- Engineering Department, Toledo, Ohio. H. O. Hem, Toledo, Ohio. H. A. McGeegoe, Sales Promoter, Toledo, Ohio. John L. Theobald, Eastern Representative, Philadelphia, Pa. M. J. Burke, 810 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. C. Torsion Balance Co.

A. T. Mtllroy, 92 Reade Street, New York City.

Troemner, Henry

Samuel B. Peterman, 911 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Wayne Oil Tank & Pump Co.

P. A. Bean, Consulting Engineer, Fort Wayne, Ind. Edgae a. Bennett, Sale&man, 534 Southei'n Building, Washington, D. C. Yard-O-Meter Corporation

A. L. Levi, President, 41.5 Locust Street, St. Louis, Mo. James W. Geiffin, 415 Locust Street, St. Louis, Mo. RAILROADS AND WEIGHING DEPARTMENTS.

Easton, G. a.. General Scale Inspector, Southern Pacific R. R., Oakland, Calif. Epright, a. W., Supervisor of Scales and Weighing, Pennsylvania R. R., Altoona, Pa,

GoE, R. B., Supervisor of Weighing, Illinois Central R. R., Chicago, 111. Gordon, B. B., Scale Inspector, Pennsylvania R. R., 1530 Broadway, Logansport, Ind. HosFORD, Chas. C, Scale Inspector, Pennsylvania R. R., 2520 Derry Street, Harrisburg, Pa. Kahler, a. E., Chief Weigher, Baltimore Chamber of Commerce, Baltimore, Md.

Ladd, M. H., Chief Weigher. Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee, Wis.

King, C. A., Chief Scale Inspector, Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau,

Chicago, 111. Pherigo, J. L., Chief Scale Inspector, Southern Ry., 3644 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, D. C. RiGGS, J. T., T. I. A. Weighing Department, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe R. R., Los Angeles, Calif. Schlinkeet, F. H., Superintendent of Scales, Missouri Pacific R. R., 1085 Rail- way Exchange Building, St. Louis, Mo. ScHMiTz, J. A., Assistant Weighmaster, Chicago Board of Trade, 99 Board of Trade Building, Chicago, 111. GUESTS.

Atwood, Joseph, Randolph, Vt. Gast, Feed W., Engineer in Charge of Scales, Treasury Department, Washington, D. C. Reel, II. D., Former Inspector of Weights and Measures, 347 Crescent Street, Harrisburg, Pa. Small, A. B., Vice President, Underwriters' Laboratories, 207 East Ohio Street, Chicago, 111. Wardwell, H. H., Automatic Scale Expert, 6123 Musgrave Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
CONTENTS.

First Session (JIokning of Mo^-DAY, May 24, 1920).

Page. Address of welcome by tlie president. Dr. S. "W. Stratton 13 Report of the secretary, L. A. Fischer 18 Reports of State delegates

California. Charles G. Johnson 21

Connecticut, Thomas Egan 23

Secoxd Session (Ajteenoon or Monday, May 24, 1920).

Reports of State delegates (continued) : District of Columbia, George M. Roberts 27

lUinois, William F. Cluett 29

Massachusetts, Francis Meredith 31 Michigan, A. A. Greer 34

Minnesota, Charles C. Neale 35 Nebraska, Leo Stuhr 35 New Hampshire, H. A. Webster 36

New Jersey, Frank Wanser 38 Nevada, S. C. Dinsmore 39 New York, W. T. White 39

Ohio, .Tohn M. Mote 41 Pennsylvania, James Sweeney 42 Rhode Island, William F. Goodwin 43 South Carolina, H. S. Kennerly 44 South Dakota, Anton Runbeck 44

Tennessee, T. F. Mahoney 46

Utah, T. L. Irvine 47 Vermont, H. N. Davis 48

Virginia, Jno. W. Richardson 49 Wisconsin, Ralph AV. Smith . 51 Reports of other delegates 52 Thied Session (Mobning or Tuesdat, Mat 25, 1920).

Address by Hon. Joshua W. Alexander, Secretary of Commerce 57

Gasoline pumps from the standpoint of safety, by A. R. Small, vice

president. Underwriters' Laboratories 59 Report of committee on specifications and tolerances, presented by

F. S. Holbrook. chairman 64

Discussion of specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring devices 67 Appointment of committees 81 FouETH Session (Aiteknoon of Tuesday, May 25, 1920).

Discussion of specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring devices (continued) 83

Presentation of gavel to the president of the conference 111 Fifth Session (Moening of Wednesday, May 26, 1920).

Weight standardization of bread, by Charles C. Neale, commissioner of weights and measures, State of Minnesota 115

11
12 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

Page. Appointment of committee on weight standardization of bread 117 Net weight, by Cliarles G. Johnson, superintendent of weights and measures, State of California 118 The standardization of containers for foodstuffs and the marking of the weight of commodities in paclcage form, by A. W. Schwartz, assist- ant superintendent of weights and measures. State of New Jersey 122 Discussion of specifications and tolerances for l.quid-measuriug devices (continued) 127 Sixth Session (Morning of Thtjbsday, May 27, 1920).

Discussion of questions concerning practical side of work 139

Discussion of specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring devices (continued) 142

Discussion of conditions and remedial laws 163

Consideration and adoption of special resolution 164 Weights and measures education in the schools, by Joseph J. Holwell,

commissioner of weights and measures of New York City 167 Machine measurements in retail dry goods stores, by F. Reichmann,

former superintendent of weights and measures, State of New Y9rk 169 Seventh Session (Afternoon of Thursday, May 27, 1920).

Consideration of special resolutions 171 Resolution in re time of application of specifications for liquidmeasuring devices 172

Resolution in re designation of departments 172

Resolution in re sealing of new liquid-measuring devices 172 Report of committee on resolutions

Resolution in re standardization of bread 174

Resolution in re certain work of the Bureau of Standards 175

Resolution of tlianks to editor of Scale Journal 175

Resolution of appreciation to various members of the Bureau of Standards 175

Resolution in re standardization of packages 175

Resolution in re Federal serialization of type of apparatus - 177

Resolution in re sale of dry commodities by weight 177 Proposed new specification for liquid-measuring devices 178

Consideration of additional resolutions

Resolution in re deceptive food packages 178

Resolution in re interpretation of word " tentative " 178 Report of committee on nominations and tlie election of officers 179 Report of the treasurer, Frank AVanser 181 Answers to general questions

Mine scale and railroad track scale investigations of the Bureau

of Standards and the weight of coal 182

Sales of dry commodities by weight 185 Standardization of bread 188

Standardization of packages 189 Proposed legislation in relation to liquid-measuring devices 189 Attendance of delegates from South 190 APPENDIX.

Specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring devices 193
REPORT OF THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS

AND MEASURES OF THE UNITED STATES.

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS, WASHINGTON, D. C, MAY 24-27, 1920.

FIRST SESSION (MORNING OF MONDAY, MAY 24, 1920).

The conference was called to order at 11 o'clock a. m. by Dr. S. W.

Stratton, president of the conference and Director of the Bureau of

Standards.

ADDRESS or WELCOME BY THE PRESIDENT, DR. S. W. STRATTON.

Gentlemen of the conference, it gives me very great pleasure to welcome you to the Bureau of Standards this morning. We are always pleased to see the return of the members who were with us

in the beginning, and I note with great pleasure many familiar faces. We are also pleased to see that we have many new delegates from the

old States, some new States represented, and many representatives of

manufacturers.

It has been our experience in the past that once a State sends a dele- gate it gets inoculated with these weights and measures matters, and

the interest keeps up. AVe have not a single case on record where a State has gone backward and consequently the conference in recent years has taken on more of the character of what it was intended to

be. I am going to say just a few words about its history and its obiects for the benefit of the new men who are with us. The bureau has realized from the beginning that most of the matters pertaining to weights and measures should continue to be local. There are certain proper functions for the General Government,

along weights and measures lines, but the general administration of

weights and measures laws is provided for in our system of Government as a local matter. Now, when the bureau first called together

this conference it was for several very distinct purposes. We recog- nized that the whole question of weights and measures was in a very

chaotic state. We had gathered together and compiled the laws of

the different States. Nearly every State had a law, but only three

or four States had paid any attention whatever to these laws. The

standards, which had been furnished to the States by the Federal

Government, had not been taken care of in many cases and in some

cases they had disappeared. In some States they were treated as

relics—that is, as historical objects to be carefully guarded. Now, a standard is of no use as a relic. It must be made available to the

public, and that process of making it available to the public is, of

course, one of your greatest duties. We think that the first step to be taken in the inauguration of a weights and measures inspection

13
14 BTJKEAU OF STANDAKDS,

service is to make provision for the individual who wishes to do the

right thing, and, consequent!}^, that no State should appoint a weights and measures official and start to detect the men who violate

the law and to punish them until the State itself has provided standards and made them available to the people. In providing standards the State should be always in touch with the standards of the

Federal Government, since one of the first and primary functions of

this Government is the fixing of the standards of weights and measures throughout the country, and in connection with this it should

designate a central place where the States can come for comparison

of their standards with those of the Government. A second function

is that it shall serve as a clearing house for all matters pertaining to weights and measures.

It was extremely interesting in the early days of the conferences,

when three or four men who had given attention to these matters

got together, to note how differently they handled the same things.

Later, from year to year, as new men came and joined the conference,

the knowledge that was gained from these older representatives was

of great value. It is possible now for a State to start in weights and

measures matters with the assistance of the Bureau of Standards and

with the assistance of the conference, and the work can be put on a good sound basis much more quickly than was formerly the case. There are many new things coming up from time to time; many

new devices; many new possibilities. Therefore we have always

welcomed as guests of this conference the men who are making

weights and measures as well as the men who are testing them and

using them. It is a fundamental principle of the Bureau of Standards, where we are engaged in standardizing a great man}^ things

it may be a specification of a material or the specification of an in- strument, and so on—that in preparing specifications the need for

them usually comes from the manufacturer or from the user rather

than from the official. There are three parties involved; first, the

Government, State, or local official ; second, the person concerned in

its making; and third, the user of the device. If we are going to

issue rules or specifications or set out standards it is nothing more

than fair that all of these three parties be represented. We have

seen so many cases in the Government where a bureau would arbitrarily write specifications for material and then say to the manufacturers, " That is what we want ; you produce it." The man who produces that may believe that he could produce better material. Something may have been specified that was not really a practical thing to make, and consequently the expense of making that material or device was considerably increased. So it is always fair that the manufacturer should have an opportunity to say what can or can not be done.

He should be invited to jDresent his side. This conference from the beginning has welcomed the presentation

of new devices, of new things, just as much as it has welcomed the

presentation of new methods of doing things on the part of officials from the various States. We have always taken pains to see that the three factors mentioned

heretofore were represented at this conference so that it would be a fair conference with not the slightest domination on the part of the

Government. Therefore it is with considerable irritation that I read
THIRTEENTH CONFEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 15

lately a pamphlet issued by the American Institute of Weights and

Measures, and headed, " Bureaucratic Control of Weighing and

Measuring Devices." If there is any man in this whole conference

who believes, or has even the slightest suspicion, that there has been

anything in the nature of bureaucratic control from the beginning

to the present, I wish he would say so. This above-mentioned organization, I presume, is established for the purpose of fighting the adoption of the metric system, but when they assail this conference in that manner it seems to me they are making statements and representations which are absolutely false and which ought to call from every one of you the severest criticism. There is nothing to their charges.

I have never in all my experience in connection with the industries or the people of the country seen anything in the same class as this as a misrepresentation. The metric system is a keen, live question, and

one which you should all think about. I am pleased to state that the

members in the past have given it serious consideration on their own

initiative, and we have considered it just one of the many questions

which must come up for consideration. There has been no effort whatever to use this conference along any line of promotion of this

system. In fact, we have been criticized for not doing so. I wish I could read you some of the letters that have come in criticizing us for

not promoting it. You know, of course, in our form of government the principal demands for legislation usually arise with the people. Congress consists of representatives of the people. About the time the bureau was first established we found pending in Congress several bills with

reference to the metric system, and from time to time individuals

have been called upon to testify, and as such they are free to testify

as to what they believe, but we have felt from the beginning that the

question of a change in the system of weights and measures is one which should come from the people. When the people of the country

say to their Representatives in Congress that they want the decimal

system of weights and measures, it will be established. That is the

principle upon which our Government is founded. The Constitution gives to Congress the right to. fix the standard of weights and

measures. We have the two systems, equally legal, in this country.

The use of the metric system is growing by leaps and bounds. We

must sooner or later unify our weights and measures, just as every

country has been obliged to take this step. The world must sooner

or later unify its weights and measures. We may just as well face

that. It is a matter that will not be downed. It is a thing that

every citizen of the United States has a right to think about and to express his opinion upon ; so let us be decent about it. There is no

reason in the world why the propaganda against it should descend to the low scale of that attack. I have no words sufficient to express my

contempt for that manner of carrying on propaganda.

There are some instances, especially when legislation is needed re- garding laws or regulations, when organized effort by those ac- quainted with the needs is entirely proper. For example, there is one piece of legislation pending which gives to the Department of

Commerce the power to regulate and pass upon the types of weighing and measuring devices. It seems to me that this is a very important function and one that should be exercised by the General
16 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS.

Government. I never could understand why any maker of the apparatus or any inspector of the apparatus or any user of the apparatus

could object to legislation of that kind. It would result in great good

in eliminating from the market many poor devices, and, what is far

better, it would create a tremendous incentive to improve apparatus

and to put better apparatus on the market. Too often people only

see the preventive side, but that is insignificant when compared with

the progressive side—^the impetus that it would give to the production of good weighing and measuring devices. That is the way we

ought to look at it. This is a case where special legislation is required, and the principle involved is such that if you believe in it 3^ou ought to combine

and go to Congress and ask its passage.

There are other matters of the same Irind. When they are such as

to require national legislation there is not onl}^ not the slightest objection, but, in fact, it is very desirable that this conference go on record

in regard to it and take means to assist in its passage. For instance,

consider the question of the sale of commodities by weight rather

than by capacity. You are the people who are best posted in regard

to that. You have studied it. Your daily work brings you in contact with it. If sales by weight are best, if that is one of the needed

steps toward uniformity, you have a right to express yourselves in

any way that you please, not only to your representatives but to the

chairmen and members of committees and the people whose business

it is to find out about these things.

There are two or three points about Avliich I would like to speak

in regard to the provisions for the bureau's work. We are now

facing a very serious situation in the form of an enormous public

debt, and Congress feels that it must cut down expenditures of the

Government in every way possible. It must be decided what shall be done and Avhat must be left vmdone. But there are always some

things which it is inefficient to leave undone whether in Government

work or in other lines of endeavor. As an example let us consider

the farmer. He should not neglect to provide fertilizer for his soil. He may be very badly in debt ; but the worse he is in debt, the more

important it is that he increase his output. So with the Government.

We are going to see in the next 10 years, perhaps, a period of very

serious competition in all lines of industry. You would be surprised

at the recent change in our imports. Even those countries recently

devastated by war which must depend upon foreign trade to a very

great extent have their agents all over the world now with a rehabilitation of their trade in view. So not only must we stimulate our whole production and increase our efficiency, but we must also look

after our foreign trade.

Now, to my mind, the proper support of the work of the Bureau

of Standards is perhaps as important a provision as Congress is called upon to make, and there are many Members of Congress who

do fully realize the bureau's usefulness. The bureau has a splendid

reputation with Congress. But there are many new Members of Congress to-day who do not really understand the nature of the bureau's

work and its importance in the developing of our industries. To

acquaint them with it is a process of education. The representatives

of the people should satisfy themselves that the thing is needed, that
THIRTEENTH GONFEREiSfCE OH WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 1?

it is a good thing, before they appropriate money for it. I think our

people too often forget in their criticisms of our legislative bodies the

i-eal nature of our Government and its institutions.

In regard to our own facilities for the coming year I regret to say

that they will not be sufficient. We not only face the desire on the

part of the representatives to economize, but we face another situation which, in this particular case, is harmful. The desire of the

leaders in Congress, as far as possible, is to revert to the pre-war

conditions. Now, there are some things that can go back to a pre-war

basis ; there are many other things that because of the war ought to be doubled or quadrupled. The war has brought about such conditions that there are reasons why the work of the bureau should be

increased many-fold instead of cut down. So far as your particular

branch is concerned, Aveights and measures, we will have just as much as we had last year. But in this work we should be building

up. The whole question of weights and measures is growing at a tremendous rate. It is spreading all over the country. This is going

to call for doubling the work by this department if we do what we

ought to do by you.

Again, if we are going to take our proper place in the development of new materials and the building up and holding in this countr}' of those industries whicli were established during the Avar, this

calls for, and urgently calls for, a quadrupling of various facilities that we now have. If we can not afford it, it is well and good ; but I

tell you the time has come Avhen Congress Avill have to consider what

Ave are going to spend our money for and place it where it Avill do the

most good. I think most of the members realize it at the present

time. I think this country has the grandest opportunity that it ever had for establishing foreign trade. No country can exist as a great

nation without foreign trade, because we must buy certain things

from foreign countries. So, if we are going to buy things from

South America, such as rubber, coffee, cocoa, etc., we must also provide for our sales to that country, since otherAvise money will all pass

in one direction.

Many of you are concerned in the manufacture of weighing and

measuring devices. Many of you export or plan to export part of

A'our product. The Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce in

the Department of Commerce is a bureau established especially to

assist you along those lines. It maintains in the principal countries

commercial attaches. Those commercial attaches are available to any

industry that wishes to get into the foreign trade market. Several

questions asked this morning suggested to me that the manufacturers

of weights and measures are not familiar with this other agency of

the Department of Commerce that can be used to great advantage.

The bureau will take great pleasure in putting those of you who are concerned in the manufacturing of devices in touch with the officers of that department.

Now, I want to say again that we expect to learn from this con- ference as well as to teach. We learn quite as much from your ex- perience as we can give to you. We can give you many scientific facts about Aveights and measures. You can give to us immense in- formation in regard to your conceptions of the duties of weights and

10789—21 2
18 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

measures inspectors and along other lines, so the benefits derived are mutual.

We are glad the delegates have the opportunity of getting to the

bureau. While you are here we will ask you to go and see the laboratories and to inspect the exhibits. Above all, establish personal

connections with Mr. Fischer and his staff and with others in the

bureau, and see what is going on. We try to maintain here the latest and best devices of all kinds, and Ave also try to keep up to date with

the laAvs and regulations. It is not an unusual thing for weights and

measures officials to come to the bureau and to spend some time here,

and every day brings us letters from State and city officials asking

for suggestions along various lines. This morning one State official, recently appointed, stepped up to me and acknowledged the great assistance that he has received in the

past year through the weights and measures division. That is precisely the kind of thing we Avant to do. I Avish to emphasize the fact

that the bureau is here for your benefit and its usefulness Avill depend

very largely upon hoAv extensiA^ely you use its facilities. I Avould like especially to have you look into the track scale work.

We have certain equipments AA'hich are going about over the country.

AVe need more legislation in regard to our poAvers in that case. Above

all Ave need certain additional facilities. I Avill especially ask you

to look into that Avork because it is one in Avhich Ave feel that the

bureau ought to be doing much more than is at present the case. Its

A-ery nature is such that we have to go to the public rather than to have the public come here. The officials in charge of that whole subject Avill be very glad to have you go into that as thoroughly as you

like. We would like your cooperation in increasing that work and

making it more useful. In conclusion, I may say that Congress Avants to feel that we are not providing for work that the States can properly do. You can

see hoAV important it is that Ave should agree on the functions of the

State and of the Federal Government. If Ave pull together it is going

to make the problem of getting adequate funds for the maintenance

of Aveights and measures Avork a far simpler one. Mr. Irvine. Mr. Chairman, in vieAv of the attack on this department by this so-called institute—I am not familiar with the powers

behind that throne—it seems to me that it would be only proper for us to extend to Dr. Strafton and the members of the bureau a vote of

confidence.

The Chairman. The end of the meeting, I think, is tlie usual time

for matters of that kind to be considered, and if it be taken up then

it would be better. Mr. Irvine. If it is taken up that Avay it will be all right.

The Chairman. I think tlie members ought to have a little more

time to think about it. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY, L. A. FISCHER, CHIEF, DIVISION OF

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Chairman, members of the conference, and guests, nothing

serves to indicate the progress of the annual conference more than the

lack of importance that the office of secretary of the organization

has gradually assumed. At the early conferences all the arrangements for the conference, as well as the conduct of the conference,
THIRTEENTH CONFEEElSrCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 19

fell upon the shoulders of the secretary and a few assistants. Now

all the secretary has to do when the conference meets is to make a few remarks which serve to introduce him to the new members, and

then fold his hands and let the meeting run itself. Even the work

of preparing the program is much less laborious. In the early days

the subjects that could be discussed were limited. Many of the

delegates were new and unfamiliar with the problems with which

they had to contend. The elementary features of the subject were what the}^ needed and got at these conferences. Then, as soon as ihej got their States organized they promptly had a conference or annual meeting of their own.

Conditions are entirely different now. We now have a large

number of men who can discuss any phase of the subject of weights

and measures. The consideration of intricate technical questions no longer bothers this or any State conference, and, to take care of

the legal side, Ave have developed the finest lot of lawyers outside of

the legal profession. And throughout our whole movement, the

spirit of cooperation has been predominant. Without that these

conferences would not have been possible. Your attendance here is entirely voluntary; no State or national law requires you'to come, nor do jonr regular duties require 3^our attendance. Your object

in coming is not a selfish one, but it is due to a desire to meet with

men engaged in the same important public service with the expectation that you will be better fitted for the performance of your duties

when you go back.

May I be permitted to claim the same thing for the Bureau of

Standards. The work in connection with the conference and our

cooperative work with the States are carried on with funds which

can ill be spared from other projects. The Bureau has not acquired

a single dollar nor added one iota to its authority by reason of this

phase of its activity.

When the Bureau of Standards was established, it was confronted

with the situation of a country which provided little or no protection

to its citizens from the practice of false weights and measures, certain

to.exist if systematic inspection by the Government is not carried on. The Constitution of the United States gives Congress the authority

to fix the standard of weights and measures, and under this provision the Bureau might easil}^ have attempted to build up a vast Federal organization to handle the situation. The fact that we pre- ferred to build up State organizations should free the Bureau from

any charge of selfishness or effort to dominate the situation. Except

for the supreme satisfaction that one derives from Avorking for the

IDublic welfare, no member of the Bureau has been the gainer for the

15 years of effort put on this work. There were and are many fields of work which promise better rewards. If it were not for this great

satisfaction, which I believe we all feel, A^ery few of you gentlemen

wolild be coming here year after year. It is the feeling that we are performing a useful public service that keeps us at it. As usual, eA-ery effort was made by your chairman and secretary

to arouse interest and secure the attendance of delegates to this conference. Early in April letters urging that delegates be sent to the

conference were sent to the gOA'^ernors of the States, to the State

Aveights and measures officials, to the city and county sealers, and to the proper authorities of all such cities and counties as well as to
20 BUKEAU or STANDARDS.

the authorities of cities and counties which are permitted or re- quired by law to have sealers, but which have not acted under this

authority. In addition to these letters of invitation, a great many

follow-up letters were written, and acknowledgments made of communications from persons signifying their intention to be present;

hotel rates were gathered and forwarded to the delegates for their

convenience in selecting hotel accommodations; the advance report

of the Committee on Specifications and Tolerances was sent out and

later the final report ; and manufacturers were invited to be present,

and considerable correspondence was had in connection with the

exhibits. A fair estimate of the number of letters of all kinds sent out would be about 4,500.

A word now as to the Avork of the bureau in the field of weights

and measures during the past yeAV.

During the past year a great deal of time has been devoted to the

subject of specifications for liquid-measuring devices by Mr. Holbrook, who, as chairman of the Committee on Specifications and Tolerances of the conference, will bring up the subject for general dis- cussion at the proper time. This is one of the most important questions now before Aveights and measures officials owing to the new

types of measuring devices now being put upon the market. It is highly important that this conference agree on tolerances and specifications before Ave adjourn. There are many questions involved in

the subject; but, if the conference goes about it in the right way,

Ave should come to an agreement. We have with us the members of

the committee who have given this matter a great deal of thought, the

manufacturers who know the subject thoroughly from their angle,

and the weights and measures officials Avho are thoroughly familiar

Avith the performance of the various devices in the field. This combination should certainly be able to come to a conclusion.

Satisfactory progress has been made in bringing up to date the

compilation of State and National laws on weights and measures

published about eight years ago. Mr. Parry has devoted a large

amount of time to the searching. In view of the large number of

changes and additions which have been made since the last edition was issued, a revision Avould have been justified some two or three

years ago, but on account of our entrance into the war it was not expedient to undertake the preparation of such a publication, nor

Avas opportunity found to do so until last summer. The compilation

will include the session laws of 1919, Avhich. of course, will not be

available for a few months for all the States having sessions. It is hoped that no serious delay will be encountered in getting the volume

published so that it may be aA'ailable for distribution as early as

possible.

The mine and track scale Avork has been continued along the same

lines followed in former years, except that due to the increased cost of material and labor our funds proved to be insufficient, and it was

necessary to suspend operations in both fields part of the time.

This is a very inefficient method of carrying on the work, and in

order to avoid its recurrence and to increase the quantity and effi- ciency of the work an increase in these funds for next year will be

asked for. That, gentlemen, is all that I have to say.
THlRTPiENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGtlTS AND MEASURES. 21

REPORTS or STATE DELEGATES.i

CALIFORNIA.

By Charles G. Johnson, State Supcriiitendoit of Wciglits and Pleasures.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, the service in tlie State of California

to-da}' is better perhaps than it has ever been. That is entirely due

to the interest Avhich the county and city sealers take in their work. I aim to make them just as important in tlieir activities as is possible

to depend upon them entirely for tlie efficient and proper enforcement of all the laws. I feel and place that confidence in the sealers because I find a great many- of them are just as Avell informed upon

tlie weights and measures problems as I am myself and, in many cases, perhaps, much better. In that manner we have a uniform condition

of general efficiency throughout the State. As an illustration of

the interest shown by the officials in their work, I might mention

a man who devoted all of 17 days to studying the hxAvs and regulations. In accomplishing tlie enactment of such regulations and amendments as we deem advisable we cli;u'ge each one of the sealers in the

counties with the duty of bringing to the attention of the person

elected to the legislature the Avork of the department, and of familiarizing him with it, so that when he goes to Sacramento as a legislator

he will have an understanding of the purpose of the department and

know something of the importance and the value of the service ren- dered by it. We find in California that while they elect good men

to the legislature many of them know nothing, or perhaps next to nothing, about weights and measures. Therefore the necessity for

the employment of means to educate them is great. In that Avay Ave have had the cooperation of the legislature and have obtained the

necessary powers with Avhicli to accomplish the things which we think

ought to be done.

I may say a few words about some of our testing equipment. We

realized some time ago the fallacy of endeavoring to make an inspection of a 10, 15, or 20 ton scale with a small amount of test weights.

We therefore deA^eloped Avhat is known as the automobile testing- truck. Each of these motor trucks carries 4 tons of test weights,

Avhich are moved by convenient apparatus Avhich does not necessitate the handling by the sealer of each individual piece.

We also have a State truck similarly equipped and we use about

4 tons of standards and also the heavy truck itself in the added

load tests. In that manner we are able to determine the accuracy

and the correctness of the many large wagon scales that are constantly employed in the Aveighing of bulky and heavy commodities.

We have 1,700 public weighmasters, all bonded, throughout the

State. We give their scales particular attention Avith the heaA^y

apparatus. In that manner we can weigh with a greater degree of accuracy. We have relegated from use in California the old system of dry

measure. We do not have that at all any more. We find that the

system undoubtedly originated in some pioneer period before the

For convenience of reference these reports have been arranged in alphabetical orde

throughout.
22 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

modern came in. It was easy for a farmer or merchant to build a peck or bushel measure. We believe in California that the emploj'-

ment of weights obviates the employment of that system entirely.

There is nothing measured by the dr)^ measurement in the State. We find it so much more convenient; we find it so much more practical. I find that oftentimes commodities are shipped into the State

marked on the containers as being " One bushel." We will have to go back to the records of the State from which that commodity came

to be sure to know what the bushel meant. As you know, the bushel

is different in different States. A bushel of rye or a bushel of oats has a different weight equivalent in the scA^eral States. As I said

before, we confine ourselves entirely to the determination of quantity

in net avoirdupois weight in the sale of di'y commodities in the

State. We do not recognize the gross weight. We do not know

what the gross weight is there any more. There is a great deal to be said on Avhat we are doing. I do not

want to take up a lot of unnecessarj^ time, but, on the other hand,

I want to avail myself of this opportunity^ to say that the California

department reflects the knowledge and the wisdom that we obtained

by attending these conferences and our constant association with

the Bureau of Standards. It was through the activities of the

bureau that the depai'tment was established, and we have always felt that the bureau was largely responsible for the progress of the

department. There are comparatively few problems which we meet

which are not taken up with the bureau for solution. I find that it is a most wonderful safeguard against the commitment of error. We have a file of clippings in our office covering a period of about

seven years, and I believe there are something like 18 very voluminous

volumes. In the entire collection there is not one article which

criticizes the department or reflects on its usefulness. I credit a great deal of the success of the department to my close association

with the Bureau of Standards.

The Chairman. At the bureau we are particularly interested in

California, because it is one of the States that started out with a clean slate, as it were, and the relations between that State and

others, with the bureau, is just about what was planned in the first place; that is to say, the State was not hampered by obsolete laws

and so could start fresh, and they- have cooperated with the bureau

in every way possible. I note with interest that Mr. Johnson's problems are not greatly

different from our own. His statements in regard to the legislators

apply equally well to our legislators. In other words, there is always a large amount of educational work to be done. The whole

subject is a new subject, and the education of those who have such

matters in charge as to the particular reason for or need of legislation and the kind of legislation required is very important.

You Avould be surprised as to the extent of the service which the

Bureau of Standards renders Congress in an advisory capacity.

There is hardly a law passed that does not involve some kind of

measurement or some kind of standard. Often these are well known,

but, again, very often (pestions concerning them are presented to the bureau. State laws, as well as natioiial laAvs, are fidl of definj-
THIKTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 23

tions and regulations which are leased on unscientific principles.

They really can not be carried out in many cases as a result. However, there is more and more tendency on the part of the legislators,

both in the States and the General Government, to get the advice

of experts when framing laws or regulations.

CONNECTICUT.

By Thomas Egan, fftate Stiperiniendcnt of ^Veights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman and fellow delegates, first, I want to say that I

feel obliged to acknowledge the value to our weights and measures

officials iji Connecticut of these annual conferences and of the Bureau

of Standards. We feel that the Bureau of Standards and the annual

conferences are the rocks upon which are founded our activities in weights and measures work. I have prepared a report which in- cludes a mention of some of our activities. I do not care about re- citing them for the purpose of parading our work, but it occurred

to me that it would be well to make known to the members of the

conference what we were doing—what activities we are engaged

in—since, possibly, some ideas of value may thus originate. Inas- much as I come to learn and find out things of value in our Avork,

possibly it might be at least interesting to other delegates to hear

what I have to say. The problems of sealers of weights and measures in Connecticut

are somewhat ditierent from those encountered by sealers in other

States that have the so-called " model law " as the basis of their

powers and duties.

We in Connecticut have gone through all of the primary work

with a fair degree of success and have relegated to the scrap heap

a great quantity of defective instruments; have made the sale of

heavy wooden containers and wrappers at food prices unpopular;

have converted tht" manufacturers of print butter to the proposition

of 16 ounces to the pound; and have given the gasoline and coal

dealers such attention that it has made many of them sit down and

figure out as to whether or not it paid to be crooked or negligent in

the conduct of their business.

The credit for such corrections as we have been able to make by

authority of the weights and measures law does not belong entirely

to our department, as we liave had assistance and support from the

prosecuting officials and the courts. The work of county, city, and

town sealers has also been of benefit to the consumers. There is, I believe, some difference between our service and methods

and that of weights and measures officials in other States, in this

that with us weights and measures work is a branch of the State Police Department's activities. This department was established to en- gage in the investigation of crime and to assist the prosecuting authorities in the enforcement of criminal laws, so our inspectors are

selected from members of our force who have been engaged in in- vestigating other criminal matters—their duties being in the weights

and measures Avork to detect violators of the law, secure evidence, and

have the same presented to the prosecutor with a view to bringing

about the correction of all such offenses in the courts.
24 BUBEAU OF STANDARDS.

Merchants vising -weighing and measuring instruments have certain

specific duties to the public at large, one of Avhich is to conduct their

weighing and measuring in a careful manner and with care as to the

instruments used or the persons employed. If through his negligence the people with whom he deals are deprived of value, he ought

to be dealt with b}" the local court in such a manner as will correct

his attitude toward the public.

The matter of gasoline pumps has taken up considerable time in

prior conferences and is in line for further attention at this session. We have in our State about all of the kinds that are common anywhere and we find them, particularly the later models, of good

design and capable of giving good service. The difference in their

performance is largely due to the manner in which they are maintained and kept. They have the common fault of eventually getting

out of proper adjustment or in need of new parts.

Our courts have held, in cases tried before a judge and jury, that

a man selling gasoline short measure from a defective pump is liable to prosecution regardless as to whether or not he knew the pump

was defective or that it gave short measure—that a man using a con- cealed measui'e in selling his commodity must exercise caution in

keeping such concealed measure accurate. In one case we had re- ceived numerous complaints of short measure, and I desire to bring

this case to the attention of this conference because of the attitude

of certain representatives of pump companies.

^lny 2, 1916, a dealer in gasoline, using an automatic measuring

pump, sold to State inspectors 5 gallons of gasoline, Avhich was re- measured and found to be in fact only 4 gallons and 2 quarts The

insiDectors thereupon tested the pump and found on two separate

tests that the pump delivered only gallons where it should have

delivered 5 gallons. The man was brought before the local court and

found guilty for selling short measure and thereupon took an appeal

to the higher court, and on May 8 and 9, 1918, the case was tried by a judge and jury. The defendant in this case introduced pump experts, so called, who claimed that this shortage might have come

about without any knowledge on the part of the defendant—that all pumps were subject to wear, particularly the leather used on the

pistons, and also that if a grain of sand lodged in the foot valve it would cause a leakage. The defense, however, neglected to shoAV

that the defendant had taken any action to verify the accuracy of

this pump, and the judge, in charging the jury, commented upon this

fact and pointed out that, inasmuch as the clefendaiit was selling

gasoline by a process of measurement that did not permit the purchaser to see for himself as to whether or not the measuring device was in good order, the defendant should have taken special pre- caution to test his measuring device and insure its being acciirate at

all times. A verdict of guilty was returned by the jury in that case and also in another case where a similar defense was made.

In June, 1919, we equipped an automobile with an auxiliary gasoline tank for the purpose of making inspections of quantities of

gasoline sold through the use of pumps. The inspectors usually

ordered and paid for 5 gallons delivered into this gas tank, which was at the rear of the car. In all cases the operator of the pump

was given an opportunity to deliver the gasoline in the ordinary
THIRTEENTH CONFEREK"CE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 25

manner, and in each case after the sale and delivery our inspectors

made a personal test of the measuring qualities of the pump in use. During the summer 156 purchases of 5 gallons each were made in

this manner with the following results

In 80 purchases the quantities received Avere found to be within

the limits of the established tolerance.

In 50 purchases the quantities received were short bej^ond the

tolerance, but less than 1 quart short. In 22 of the purchases the quantity was short by more than 1 quart.

These last 22 cases were taken up with the local prosecutor, with

the result that 20 dealers were convicted of violation of the weights

and measures law. Of the 156 inspections made, only 4 were found

where the j)umps gave overmeasure. With regard to the sale of coal, our inspectors made inspections in one cit}^ in April, 1920 ; loads of coal in the process of delivery wex-e stopped and reweighed, with the following results

Cases referred to the prosecutor, 5. In those five loads of coal there Avas a shortage of 575 pounds.

In looking forward there are several matters of importance to which this organization can alford to gi^-e time and thought. One

that appeals to me strong!}^ is the further standardization of containers of all classes. The article submitted at the last session by Mr.

Downing, of the Bureau of Markets, shows a move in the right direction which should be encouraged by all sealers. Why not go e\ en further and perfect the standardization of canned <roods? Why

have several sizes of cans of tomatoes, etc.? First find out what are the best sizes for economical production and consumption and make

them the units of trade ; have these units fixed as to quantity and let the trade adjustments of quality and conditions of sale be cared for

in the making of the price.

The Chairman. We will later be given an opportunity for discussion of these points, and especially we hope to hear from city and

county delegates. The representative from Connecticut has mentioned one A'ery important point at the beginning of his talk, and

that is the laAv under which he must operate. It seems to me that one

of the best things that can come from this conference is the discussion of points of that kind. If the representative from Connecticut

finds it desirable to initiate new legislation in the State, it is not at

all unlikely that his recommendations will have far greater weight

if he can go to his State legislature with the statement that this conference recommends certain ]irocedure, or that other States have

certain laws, or that such and such a practice is no longer being continued. As I mentioned before in regard to our own affairs. Congress is very apt to consider the thing as a personal matter; that is, Avhen a small committee deals Avith one representative of the particular bureau concerned, they think it is more or less a personal

matter. The same is true in your State legislature. If you can go

Number of inspections, 12 Correct Aveight, -3 Overweight, 2 Short Aveight, less than 2i per cent, 2_. Short weight, more than 2J per cent, 5.

100

25161

161

41§
26 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

to the proper authorities armed with the recommendations of this

conference and the practice of other States, whicli you can find out about here, it is going to put the thing on an entirely different basis. The time for our luncheon has now arrived. This afternoon we

will continue with these reports of State delegates. If there are no announcements that should be made at this time, the meeting Avill stand adjourned until the time scheduled for the session this after- noon. (Thereupon, at 12.35 o'clock p. m., the conference took a recess

until 2 o'clock p. m.)
SECOND SESSION (AFTERNOON OF MONDAY, MAY 24,

1920).

The conference reassembled at 2.30 o'clock p. m., Dr. S. W. Stratton, chairman, presiding.

The Chairman. The meeting will please come to order.

Just before lunch we listened to ver}^ good reports from the representatives from California and Connecticut. There are several others here from those States and I think that some time during the

meeting we can provide time for the discussion of those matters

Avhich particularly pertain to the city and county officials. At this time we will expect to hear reports from the delegates from

the various States. In case no official representative from a State is present, then we Avould like to have some one from the State delegation report.

REPORTS OF STATE DELEGATES—Continued.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.-

By George M. Roberts, Superintendent of Weights, Measures, and Markets. Mr. Chairman, the District of Columbia, like some of the States,

has a weights and measures law that is not adequate for the protection of the public in some respects, and on that account it has not

been possible for me to do here what I should have been pleased to have done. I have been endeavoring for two or three years to procure

the passage of an entirely new weights and measures law for the

District of Columbia, but as is well known, Ave have no local legislative bod3\ and all the laws for the District of Columbia have to be

passed hy Congress. As Congress usually has so many matters of

large importance before it, there is often some difficulty in getting

prompt action on purely local measures. I am pleased to state, however, that a bill prepared by myself has now passed the House

of Eepresentatives, and I have just learned, since coming out here

this morning, that the District Committee of the Senate has decided

upon a favorable report on the bill. I hope that the Senate will take

it up in a short time and push it to final passage. I feel that it will

do so as early as possible.

Some of the provisions of this bill, which are not now covered by

statute, are as follows

1. Prohibits short numerical count where commodities are sold

by count.

2. Provides specifically that commodities sold by weight shall be

sold by net weight.

3. Establishes a standard loaf of bread in the District of Columbia.

4. Provides for the sale of ice by weight only.

2 This report was given later ia the session when Mr. Charles G. Johnson, vice presi- dent, was in the chair. 27
28 BUE15AU OF STANDARDS.

5. Establishes standard containers for fruits and vegetables, and

provides that when such commodities are sold otherwise than in

standard containers they shall be sold hy weight or count.

6. Eegulates the sale of coal in small as well as large quantities.

7. Regulates and safeguards the use of gasoline-measuring pumps

more rigidly than at present.

8. Kegulates the use of coin-in-the-slot machines and other similar

automatic vending and weighing devices.

y. Requires the dealer to deliver a sales ticket when demanded by

the purchaser of a conmiodit}', and provides that such sales ticket

shall state the name and address of the dealer, and the correct weight,

measure, or count of the commodity sold.

10. Prohibits taking of ov erweight hj a purchaser when permitted

by the seller to ascertain the weight of the commodity being sold.

11. Abolishes the indefensible system of collecting fees for testing

weighing or measuring devices in the District of Columbia.

12. Provides for the establishment of specifications for weighing

and measuring devices that may be used in the District of Columbia.

In preparing this. bill, I considted the statutes of many States and

the ordinances of man}' cities, as well as the model law " prepared

b\' the Bureau of Standards, all of which I found of much value, as

it is not such an eas\' matter as one might think to sit down and

write a complete bill of this kind Avithout profiting by the experience

and wisdom of others. When the bill is finally passed, I believe that

the District of Columbia Avill have as good a weights and measures law as can be found almost anywhere.

The Acting Ciiaiusian. Mr. Roberts, I believe the conference has

the privilege of expecting from you the best weights and measures law in the United States. It ought to be done here in this model

district of yours. Mr. Roberts. I will ss\j this, Mr. Chairman, that, of course, i do

not claim that this bill that is now pending in Congress can not be

improved. I feel sure that some of the gentlemen might get hold of

the bill and improve it very much, but I conferred freely with the

committee in preparing the bill, I consulted the State statutes of

nearly every State in the Union, including California, I consulted

also the weights and measures ordinances of most of the large cities in the Union, and I also consulted the model law prepared by the

Bureau of Standards. In assisting the committee in working out the

bill we tried to take the best features that we found in all of those

laws.

The Acting Chairman. The construction and the operation of

your law in this particular district should be one of the exhibits for

the benefit of the rest of the members,

A Delegate. Do you permit the use of dry measure in the District

of Columbia?

Mr. Roberts. Yes; we are obliged to permit them under the law.

I may say further about the law that we have in the District of Columbia—a dry measure has been prescribed by the act of Congress

that does not conform with the dry measure i-ecommended by the

Bureau of Standards. The result is that when persons buy in dry measures authorized by law in the District of Columbia they often

receive a smaller amount than they would receive if we Were using
THIRTEENTH COIsTFEEElirCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 29

the measure recommended by the Bureau of Standards. I am sorry

to say that, but I am powerless to help it because Congress fixed

the law.

A Delegate. Get Congress to change the law.

Mr. Roberts. However, I am not censuring Congress for what it did. That law was passed many years ago, and at that time it was

considered a good law.

ILLINOIS. By William F. Clxjett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weif/Jits and Measures of Chicago.

Mr. President, delegates, and guests, last year, when I had the

honor to report for the State of Illinois, I said that I^was glad to be

able to say that the State of Illinois was about to take her proper

place with her sister States who had good and comprehensive State

weights and measures laws, and departments properly equipped and

manned to enforce those laws and protect their citizens. These

remarks were based upon the fact that a State weights and measures law had been drafted at the request of Mr. James F. Baldwin, the

assistant director of the department of trade and commerce, under

whose immediate supervision the superintendent of standards came;

that this law was patterned after the provisions contained in the

model law passed and indorsed by these conferences, and because of

the backing the bill had it stood a very good chance of being passed.

This bill passed the senate without amendment and was reported

by the committee in the house with a recommendation to the house

that it do pass, also without amendment, and we began to feel easy

about it. I regret to report that after getting to the house the packing interests had five amendments introduced to the bill. Two of these were

of no moment, but the other three we strenuously objected to. One of these amendments deleted from the section defining articles in " package form " the words " or in paper wrappers or coverings

of any kind," and the same words were deleted in the penalty section.

The last amendment, however, was the one we feared the most. Had

the}^ succeeded in having this included it would have permitted any

dealer to sell by gross weight by putting up articles in advance of sale and simply printing on his bill heads or cash sale slips the information that articles put up in this manner were so sold. Thus the public

would have been mulcted out of hundreds of thousands of dollars

annually. As we were not informed of these amendments until the

last day of the session, when the bill was up for passage, and we had

had no opportunity to talk to any of the representatives against

them, we did the only thing left, which was to have the entire bill killed. This leaves the State of Illinois in exactly the same position

as before the introduction of the bill. The present State law provides for a superintendent of standards

in the department of trade and commerce who shall have the cus- tody of the standards of the State. It specifies what the standards

of length, surface, weight, and capacity shall be. It fixes a statu- tory weight per bushel for about 76 fruits and vegetables; provides
30 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

a penalty for taking any greater number of pounds when buying

or giving a less number of pounds when selling any of the enumerated

articles ; provides a section relating to the sale of firewood, and specifies 128 cubic feet as a cord of wood. It provides that the State

sealer shall try and prove the standards of weights and measures

belonging to any city, county, or other municipal corporation at

least once in each five years, where the provisions of the act require

that a sealer shall be appointed. It provides that the State standards shall be kept in good order and in a safe and suitable place

and that they shall be submitted at least once in 10 j^ears to the

National Bureau of Standards for certification. It provides that

the county clerk of each county shall be the sealer of weights and

measures, and that he shall procure, at the expense of the county,

a full set of standard weights, measures, etc., which shall be tried

and proved by the department of trade and commerce. It provides

a schediile of fees that may be charged for inspections. It provides

that the sealer shall have the authorit}^ to seize and hold for use as evidence in any suit brought under the statutes of the State or any

ordinance or by-law of a municipal corporation any short weight

or measure, or faulty or incorrect weight, scale, or weighing or measuring device, or any commodity or article of merchandise sold,

ofi'ered, or exposed for sale which is of less weight or measure than

it is represented to be. It further provides that any such sealer or inspector of weights and measures shall not be liable to the owner

of the property seized for 'damages caused by such seizure in any

case where in fact any such measure is short, or any weight, scale, or weighing or measuring device is faulty or incorrect, or any com- modity or article of merchandise is of less weight or measure than

it is represented, or reasonable grounds exist for believing it or them so to be. It provides further that the department of trade and commerce

shall inspect and test at least once annually all of the Aveights, scales,

and measures in use in every institution under State control and authorizes the department of trade and commerce to inspect all auto- matic or mechanical pumps or devices used for the purpose of measuring liquids to be sold or offered for sale in places where there is no

local inspector.

The superintendent of standards, Mi\ Eobert F. Adams, reports

that, under the provisions of the act, he has inspected the scales and

measures at each of the 24 State institutions, and five normal schools

and the State university, and submitted detailed reports of the re- sults of these tests to the directors in charge of such institutions.

Accompanied by an inspector of weights and measures he has visited

117 towns and cities and tested 432 gasoline pumps—condemning but

two of the entire number. He foimd that the inaccuracies of the

pumps tested were largely due to carelessness of the operators rather

than intent to defraud. He called the specific provision requiring

the owner or user of each pump to test it each day, before using it, to their attention.

Mr. Adams reports that during the past year more complaints than

usual have come to his office regarding unsatisfactory conditions of

weights and measures in certain localities of the State. The attention

of the complainants has been invariably called to the inadequacy of
THIRTEENTH CONFEKEITCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 31

the present law and, with the present high cost of living bearing

down upon the citizens, the officers of the department of trade and commerce are more than ever convinced there is necessity for a complete revision of the present law.

It is confidently believed that the experiences of the State during

the interim between the last session and the next one, will fully

justify the presentation to the next legislature of a bill similar to Senate bill 383, which was defeated, and it is expected that there will

be such a demand from localities all over the State for the enactment

of such a bill into law as to make its passage irresistible, and thereupon, in this respect, Illinois will take its projoer place among the

States. I thank you.

The Chairman. Mr. Cluett has given us another very useful illus- tration of the value that can come from this conference. The report

of such facts as these will not only serve to warn other people in the

different States, but it will also serve to educate the people. I am

inclined to think that many of these amendments ancl much of the

opposition that we find to the weights and measures movement, come

through too great conservatism. When the pure-food law was put

through we had all sorts of opposition that now appears to have been

ridiculous, and to many they appeared to be ridiculous at the time.

When the net-weight amendment was put through the same thing

occurred, and you are going to have the same thing to contend with

in cases of this kind. It is not necessarily true that these people are

willfully and maliciously doing this to defraud the public, but you

are breaking down a custom, and that always meets opposition. If we can educate the other side, and if we can show that it is a right

thing, the opposition is sure to break down. I do not know whether

it is wise for us to try to help. We do not Avant to meddle in local

affairs but if Mr. Cluett and his associates could go to the governor

and the officials and state that it is the opinion of this conference that

certain matters ought to be handled in certain ways, then the case would be strengthened.

MASSACHUSETTS.

By Fkancis Meeedith, Director, Dimsion of Standards.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of tlie conference, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shortty after the last meeting of this conference, in the interest of greater efficiency and economy, consolidated and' coordinated some 118 dejDartments into 20, of which the

department of labor and industries is one ; and in that department of

labor and industries is the division of standards. The chief of that

department was termed a director, and about four months ago I was

appointed to that position, so that you may readily see that this is not only mj first appearance at these conferences but that I also appear

absolutely as a novice. My vocation of the past has not been in the

line of weights and measures or standards. I think the State is fairly

well represented here to-day, however, because there are a large number of local sealers present.

The following summary of legislation enacted at the present ses- sion of the Massachusetts Legislature may be of interest to members

of this conference
32 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Chapter 45. Relative to Sealing of Milk Bottles or Jars. The former statute authorized the sealing as measures of milk bottles or jars having capacities (within certain tolerances) of one-half

pint, 1 pint, 1 quart, 3 pints, or 2 quarts. The amended law extends

this provision to bottles or jars having a capacity of 1 gill and permits

the marking of a definite filling point other than the level of the bottom of the cap or stopple. The latter provision is designed to facili- tate the delivery of full measure when milk is pasteurized in the bottle in which it is delivered.

Chapter 259. Regulating the Use of Containers for the Sale of Ice Cream. This act provides that all cans, molds, or other containers used in

the sale of ice cream shall be of the capacity of standard liquid measures, and that they shall be sealed by a sealer of weights and measures,

or by the manufacturer imder authoritj^ granted him by the director

of standards. When a container has once been sealed it shall not be

necessary to have it sealed again as long as it remains in its original

condition but sealers are required to make semiannual inspection of

such containers. Paper or fiber cartons, or other similar containers

used in the sale of ice cream by measure must contain, and be sold as containing, 1 quart, 1 pint, one-half pint, or 1 gill. The shape and

dimensions of these containers must be appro^'ed by the director of

standards, avIio may authorize the manufacturer to print thereon a statement of capacit}' with the words "Approved by the Dii-ector of

Standards for Massachusetts." The director may at any time, for

due cause, revoke the authority granted by him and a fine not exceeding $60 is the penalty provided for violating any provision of the act or for marking any container without authority.

Chapter 325. Providing for the Appoval of the Director of Standards of Types of Slot Machines and Other Automatic Devices.

This act authorizes the director of standards to approve types of

slot weighing machines or other automatic devices which, upon deposit therein of a coin or other article of value, furnishes music or

other entertainment, exhibits pictures or supplies any merchandise

or other thing. Whoever installs or maintains such a machine or

device of a type which has not been so approved shall be subject to a fine of not more than $25 if siich machine or device fails to respond

.to the insertion of a coin therein.

Chapter 350. An Act Relating to the Survey of Lumber.

In the recent consolidation of departments the duties of the former

surveyor general of lumber were assigned to the director of standards. Under the old law the surveyor general and his deputies were compensated by fees collected from the persons for whom surveys were made. Under the new law surveyors shall be paid by the Commonwealth and all fees collected shall revert to the treasury. The

director of standards, with the approval of the commissioner of labor

and industries, is empowered to establish and define grades and kinds

of lumber and to establish fees for the survey and measurement
THIRTEENTH CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 33

thereof. As the manufacturers of red cedar shingles have recently

established the " square " unit of measurements for the sale of their

products, the existing law penalizing the sale of shingles in other

than the " thousand " unit is repealed and the director of standards,

with the approval of the commissioner, is authorized to establish

units of measurement to be observed in the sale of wooden shingles.

Chaptee 369. An Act Relative to the Testing of Certain Weights, Measures,

Instruments, and Mechanical Devices.

This act authorizes the director of standards to assist manufacturers in establishing and maintaining the quality of their products

by determining the accuracy of their weights, measures, or other in- struments or mechanical devices of any kind used in standardizing

the production of manufactured articles, in determining wages or compensation for labor performed, in determining the dimensions of

any tank, can, or other container, or in determining the accuracy of

any automatic weighing or measuring device. Nothing in this act is to be construed to give the director or his inspectors the power to

seal any of the devices which are now required by law to be sealed

by the local sealers of weights and measures. Any device tested and

found correct by the director may be sealed by him. If he finds it inaccurate, he may, in his discretion, either condemn it or he may

furnish the owner or user with a certificate indicating the amount and

direction of any errors found by him.

Chapter 418. An Act to Regulate Bakeries and Bakery Products.

This act relates principally to the sanitary condition of bakeries

and of containers and vehicles used in the distribution of bakery

products. The sanitary provisions follow closely those of a similar

statute enacted in Indiana last year. In addition, it repeals the law

relative to weight of loaves which has been in effect since 1859 and

which has been practically impossible of enforcement under present

conditions. The new law establishes the standard weight of loaves of

bread in units of 16 or 24 ounces or multiples of 1 pound. These

weights are to be construed to mean net weight 12 hours after baking,

to be determined by the average weight of at least 12 loaves. Loaves,

other than the standard weights specified, must be plainly marked

Avith the weight of the loaf and the name of the manufacturer. If

wrapped, the information must appear on the wrapper; if un- wrapped, it must be stated by means of a pan impression or by means

of a label affixed to the loaf. The director of standards is required

to prescribe rules and regulations, including tolerances within which

the weight of loaves shall be kept.

This occasion, Mr. Chairman, is one from which I hope to derive

much benefit. I expect and hope that it will be my privilege to be

here again when I shall be more conversant with the doings of this

conference.

The Chairman. Massachusetts has always taken the lead in

weights and measures. When we started out I think there were two

weights and measures officials at the conference, and one of them was

from Massachusetts.

10789—21 3
34 BUKEAU OF STAI^^DAEDS.

MICHIGAN.

By A. A. Gbeee, Cliief Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Prior to the year 1913 such weights and measures legislation as existed in the State of Michigan was crude, inoperative, and in no way enforced. In that year the legislature gave us the first real

weights and measures laws that the State has had. The act made the

then State dairy and food commissioner, State superintendent of

weights and measures, his deputy, deputy superintendent, and all of

his inspectors became ex olRcio State inspectors and sealers of weights

and measures. The law, being the first attempt at remedying conditions which had

become deplorable in the State, was by no means perfect, and it yet

remains for the legislature to here and there amend it so as to make

it what it shoidd be. One serious defect was the entire absence of

any specific appropriation for enforcement. The State superintendent of weights and measures had, and still has, his regular appropriation for the enforcement of food laws, the enforcement of the State's prohibitory law, and other laws the enforcement of which is charged

to him, and on this appropriation he must draw for such amount as he expends in weights and measures inspection. With the advent of

the State prohibitory law its enforcement was from the beginning a vast undertaking, and this necessarily impaired, for the time being,

the efficiency of weights and measures inspection.

We have, however, devoted a large amount of time and given care- ful consideration to the inspection of Aveights of food in package

form. Michigan's law, as well as the national law, rec^uires that all food in package form shall have the, net contents of the container

stamped thereon. The department has managed to take care of this

feature of weights in no uncertain manner. It is the duty of every

inspector connected with the department to be on the alert for possible shortages, and when such shortages are found, samples are taken

and sent to our laboratories and the matter taken up with the manufacturers. I can safely say that in none ox our States has this work

received more careful or accurate attention than it has in Michigan.

It is incumbent upon the department to test the weights and measures of the various State institutions at certain intervals and tliis work has received our attention. We are further required by laAv during the fruit season to enforce the provisions of the fruit laws in

so far as they are affected by weights or measures, and for this purpose, an inspector is, during the fruit season, ke^Dt continuously busy

in that line of work.

We are charged with the examination of all milk test bottles and

seeing to it that same are kept fully up to standard. That the intent

and purpose of this act may be carried into effect, each bottle must be

examined, and since Michigan ranks well as a dairy State and has

a great manj^ creameries, cheese factories, condenseries, milk stations,

etc., using these bottles, one person is kept continuously busy in such,

examination.

The work that the dej^artment feels that it could well enlarge upon,

and intends to enlarge upon in the future, is the phj'sical examination in the field of large scales, wagon scales, and scales used in the
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 35

transaction of business. Also more attention than we have been able

to give should be given to the various kinds of measures used in commerce. The law provides, it is true, and it seemed to have been the intent

of the legislature when the law was passed, that every county and

municipality in the State, or a county with a city therein, or a county

joining with a city therein, should appoint a local sealer of weights

and measures who would act in cooperation with and under the supervision of the State department. The law is advisory instead of

mandatory in nature, and unfortunately a number of our boards of

supervisors whose duty it would be to make such appointment, have

failed to appoint. In counties and cities where the spirit and evi- dent intent of the law is carried into effect and a live, up-to-date man

appointed, the remedial effect has become at once apparent.

The department will suggest and endeavor to bring about at the

next session of the legislature an amendment to the act, making it compulsory on appointing boards to provide local sealers. We have

to-day 39 local sealers when we should have at least 83, and which we

will have if we can have the law amended so as to make these appointments compulsory.

In the larger cities like Detroit, Grand Eapids, Battle Creek, Saginaw, Lansing, and Jackson, the State is exceedingly fortunate in

having efficient and up-to-date men on the job, men whose hearts

are in their work, and the nature of the work is such that it relieves

from the shoulders of the State department the responsibility in

these particular localities. With a man in every county doing like

work, assisted and cooperated with by the State department, we ex- pect to place Michigan in the foremost ranks in so far as honest

weights and measures are concerned.

MINNESOTA.

By Chaeles C. Neat.e, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures. Mr. Chairman, inasmuch as Minnesota is placed on the regular

program, I refrain from making any remarks about the work in

the State, except to say that Minnesota is represented to-day by two

individuals, Mr. J. E. Methven, inspector of the State scale department, and myself ; and I will further say that it has been Minnesota's

privilege since 1909 to be represented at these conferences. I per- sonally have missed but one, and always feel that I will never miss

another. I thank you.

NEBRASKA.

By Leo Stuhr, Secretary of Agriculture.

Mr. Chairman, in Nebraska the weight and measure work is under

the civil administrative code and is a division under the bureau of

marketing. This piece of legislation, which was passed by the last session of the legislature, has been operative since August of last year. The work is well organized and the State is divided into districts, an inspector having charge of each district. The new legislation which was passed at that session added new sections to the
36 BUEBAU OF STANDARDS.

weight and measure law, which include the licensing of slot weighing

machines, and also provide that all coal and coke be sold by weight

instead of by the basket, Avhicli method was formerly practiced to some extent. Another provision is that Nebraska recognizes only

weight or numerical count; it does not recognize dry measures or

containers of that kind. I do not have much to say at this time, with the exception that

there are two or three things which have been giving us trouble in

Nebraska which I think it would be Vv'ise to have taken up, since you

are undoubtedly interested in the same things. One of them is gasoline-measuring pumps. I think the conference should adopt something which would serve as a guide for carrying on this work in the

various States. In Nebraska the inspectors seal pumps, but it is a matter of but a sliort time until they Avill be out of adjustment again.

The inspectors are instructing the filling-station operator to provide

a 1-gallon or 5-gallon standard measure, which they are to use in

checking up their pumps from time to time. It is about the only

way we have whereby the operator can himself know that his measuring pump is measuring correctly.

Another subject Avhich I think should be considered by this con- ference IS the standardization of weights for small packages. You

undoubtedly know that during the war the tendency was to place on

the market slack-filled packages. The tendency was to keep the size of the package the same as formerly, but fail to fill it. There is no

standardization. We find some packages marked in drams and others

in odd fractions, such as five-eighths ounce. It seems that if these

could be standardized it would be much more satisfactory than

having every size package imaginable.

Once again I would emphasize that the question of measuring

pumps should receive very careful consideration. It is one thing

which has been causing a great deal of trouble, and the inspection

work has been very unsatisfactory owing to the fact that these devices are so subject to getting out of order. I thank you.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

By H. A. Webster, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, this is the second time that I have

had the privilege of attending one of these conventions, and I am

very glad to find Mr. Kean, from the city of Manchester, here this

morning. I hope I shall be able to attend these conferences as long as I am connected with the department.

The department of weights and measures, in New Hampshire has

made progress during the past year, and it is a source of gratification

to know that the public is apparently greatly in faA^or of the work.

The wood law about which I spoke to the conference a year ago has

met with success in every way, and I thoroughly believe it is one of

the most important features of our work. Its chief purpose is to establish definite measurements by which wood for fuel purposes

shall be sold. Prior to the passage of this act an iniquitous custom

prevailed in New Hampshire of selling wood by an indefinite load

measurement, which resulted in the public paying anywhere from $24

to $32 a cord for wood.
THIETEEN'TH COJiTrEEEKCE OK" WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 37

The department has hiid particuhir stress on the enforcement of

the net-weight section of the weights and measures hiw, and I find

that it is tremendously more valuable since the passage of the Kenyon

amendment, Avhich requires that the net contents be expressed upon

hams, strij)s of bacon, and other wrapped meats as prepared by the

manufacturers for sale. Several i)acking houses have been prose- cuted under this amendment, the result of which has been greatly to improve the conditions in regard to selling meats by actual weight.

The dej)artment is receiving the cooperation of honest merchants,

who realize that the weights and measures hnv reduces to an honest

basis competition among the dealers, some of whom formerly were

apt to cut prices on the basis of short Aveight. I have conducted a campaign of education and have issued a cardboard folder entitled

" Practical Facts and Suggestions for the Purchasing Public," which

sets forth the gist of the work of our department, together with other

information of a helpful nature. I can not emphasize too strongly

the necessity' of urging school superintendents to give some attention

to the subject of weig-hts and measures in the schools. Many school

superintendents and domestic science teachers in New Hampshire

have considered this subject of so much importance as to have it introduced as a special course in a good many of the schools. If

the boys and girls are taught the importance of weights and measures while at school it will be easier for them when they, become men

and women to be more efficient in the management of their households. I constantl}^ urge the housewives of New Hampshire to co- operate with my department and to report to me any violations of

the law.

One of the strongest supporters of the de^^artment in New Hampshire is the manufacturer of textiles: the possession in such mills

of a certified scale permits the purchaser of cotton, for instance,

to save thousands of dollars annually in determining short weight

in bales. It has been estimated on good authority that the inspection of weights and measures and of commodities has resulted in

the saving of a million dollars annually to the citizens of New Hampshire. I consider that the reweighing of commodities is the keynote of the success of the department, and a persistent campaign

has been made to compel the net weight of all commodities to be the

basis of sale, rather than to include the weight of the coverings of

burlap, paper, etc. In this branch of our work I am insisting that

the consumer shall not pay the price of porterhouse steak for 8 ounces

of heavy paper which the butcher dexterously throws upon the scale and includes in the weight of the meat. While I have no objection

to protecting meats against contamination, yet I do contend that

there is no need of such " hygienic wrapping " as 2 pounds of cloth or paper around meats, if the packer insists on charging 40 cents or more a pound for this guard against germs.

In closing I wish to state that the people throughout New Hampshire are taking great interest in the work of the department of

weights and measures, for they realize that they are no longer paying tribute to unscrupulous dealers or contributing a million dollars a year to fraud of which they were themselves the victims.
38 BUREAU or STANDARDS.

NEW JERSET.^

By Frank Wanbee, Stale Superintendent of Wciglits and Measures of New

Jersey.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, it affords me great pleasure to re- port that weights and measures conditions are mighty good in New

Jersey, owing to the splendid spiiit of cooperation of all our county

and municipal superintendents with the State department.

We are continuing our policy of working along practical lines,

paying as much attention to reAveighs and other matters along those

lines as to the testing of equipment, although we do not neglect in

any way the latter feature, our last annual report showing that

nearly a half million pieces of weighing and measuring equipment

were given attention during the fiscal year of 1919. We have been remarkably fortunate during the past few years in

matters of constructive legislation, all of the bills offered by the department having passed both houses of the legislature without a dissenting vote. The session just closed passed two bills which were of the utmost

importance to the members of our department.

The original weights and measures act of 1911 made the appointment of weights and measures superintendents mandatory in counties but optional in m-unicipalities of 60,000 inhabitants or over. An

amendment to the act, passed this year, puts the municipalities on

the same footing as the counties.

The second bill placed assistant county superintendents and municipal assistant superintendents and secretaries under tenure, and

as the superintendents were already protected in this way, it places

all of our county and municipal weights and measures officials (or,

in other words, our entire force) under tenure of office. These bills were prepared by the legislative committee of our

association and were heartily supported by the State department,

for the reason that they make removals for political reasons impossible and constitute a strong step toward efficiency and a perma

nent force of men. Two other of our bills became laws, one providing for the ap- pointment of public weighmasters and placing them under the su- pervision of our department, the other providing for the marking

or stamping with name and address of the packers on crates, baskets, and carriers in which fruits and vegetables are to be sold or

offered or exposed for sale ; both of these acts are along the line of

constructive legislation. I believe that last year I voiced the sentiment of our State association in advancing the statement that New Jersey had the best set of workable weights and measures laws of any State in the Union,

and up to the present time we have not found any reason to change

our opinion. I do feel, however, that we need more stringent Federal legislation, particularly in the way of standard containers for

foodstuffs and the proper marking of same. Our Mr. Schwartz has prepared a paper on these subjects, which

is heartily indorsed by our association.

= This report, prepared by Mr. Wanser, was read by Mr. A. W. Schwartz, in tlie former's

absence.
THIETEEKTH CONFEKENGE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 39

In closing, I wish to say that the importance of our work has been

so clearl}' recognized that the counties, municij^alities, and State have

shown their appreciation b}' practical!}' a general increase in salaries from the local assistant superintendents to the State staff, so that at the present time we have the best paid set of weights and

measures officials in the country."

NEVADA.

By S. C. DiNSMOEE, state Commissioner of Weights and Measures. Gentlemen of the convention, in 1911 a representative of the Bureau

of Standards, Mr. Holbrook, made a tour through the Western

States and stopped off at my home town of Reno. He A'isited several

of the towns roundabout, and also made a tour of the southern part

of the State, coming back to my laboratory. He pointed out the

necessity of weights and measures legislation in Nevada, since he

had found very bad conditions. We at once got busy, and the fol- lowing spring we succeeded, after a little fight, in getting what we

considered to be a fairly good weights and measures bill through the

legislature. It became operative in Januarj^, 1913. For different reasons, one of which is economy, the department of weights and

measures is a branch of the food-service bureau.

Our State in area is big and in population small, so we feel that

with the present conditions Ave can save the State money and at the same time do a fairly good job at weights and measures work. I have in mind certain amendments and certain additions to that law

which I believe will improve it, and these will be introduced at the

coming session of the legislature. We are doing our best in our small

way to give the people service in Aveights ancl measures work. As

I stated a moment ago, the territory we haA^e to coA'er is large. For

instance, to get down to the southern part of the State from Eeno

necessitates a trip of 1,100 miles by way of Los Angeles or Salt

Lake Crty. Of course, that inA'oh'es considerable expense, and we

are not able to make our inspections as frequently as we would like

to, but later I hope we will get legislation so that we can appoint

public weighmasters in the same manner as the other States, in these

outlying districts, give the people of those districts more attention,

bring them closer and cause them to realize what weights and

measures work means. We are meeting with the hearty cooperation

of the merchants, and the work is popular with the people.

Mr. Chairman, this is m}^ first attendance at a conference of weights

and measures officials, and I am A^ery glad to be here, and I fully

appreciate that it is going to be a good education for me. The Chairman. If a man comes all the way from NeA'ada. he is certainly in earnest and I am quite sure he Avill reap benefit.

NEAV TORK.

By W. T. White, Directoi; Bureau of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman and delegates, I am not prepared to giA'e a detailed

report of the weights and measures actiA'ities during the past j^ear in

New York State. We have not attempted to take up any new phases
40 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

of the work due to the fact that we deemed it advisable to devote our

attention to assisting the jDeople to get all they pay for and in this

way do our part to relieve the abnormal situation resulting from the

increased living cost. I might add at this point that in my judgment a weights and measures official's first duty is that of protecting the purchaser of foodstuffs, as these commodities are dealt in more extensively and by more incompetent persons than any other

article affecting our daily living.

Mr. Johnson, of California, has spoken of the assistance he receives

from his men, and I feel that I would indeed be an ingrate if I failed

to say a word about the cooperation I receive from my sealers. These

men are not appointed by me, nor do I have the power of removal,

still they are required by law to carrj^ out any orders I may give, and

in this connection I wish to say that they have always been loyal

and willing to cooperate at all times, and without their valuable help

I think any State department is doomed to go upon the rocks.

About a year ago I started a Sealers' Monthly News Letter. This

small publication is gotten out by my office and contains little items

of local interest to the sealers, together with anything the sealers may

contribute themselves. We also insert occasionally small technical

articles, which are made as elementary as possible, so that the ordinary

field man may grasp the meaning at once. This little news letter stimulates interest and serves the same purpose that organization

literature does for commercial enterprises throughout the country.

We have also had published a popularized booklet entitled " Make

Your Dollar Deliver One Hundred Cents Through the Door of

Thrift by the Way of Accurate Weights and Measures." This pamphlet contains brief weights and measures tables, together with other

information which is particularly interesting to the housewife, and

the proof of its acceptability is shown by the great demand we have

for it. At the time it was published all the sealers were given a supply for distribution and news items were inserted in the papers, which

resulted in numerous requests for it coming in daily.

Special investigations were conducted last summer regarding the

sale of ice and gasoline. Both inspections proved very successful

and the data obtained were very useful for publicity purposes ; furthermore, a number of prosecutions were successfully made in con- nection with these drives.

During the last session of our legislature we caused to be introduced some very good legislation, and while we were not successful

in securing the passage of all of.it, we did get part of it through.

In brief, this legislation was in the form of amendments to the

sections under which we are now operating, with the exception of one bill, which was to create a standard weight loaf of bread.

In conclusion, I would like to state that I always feel benefited

by attending these conferences. Coming in contact as I do with the

other delegates from the various States in our Union and exchanging experiences is an education in itself. Furthermore, the officials of the Bureau of Standards are to be complimented upon the splendid programs which thej arrange, and the valuable assistance they

give at these conferences is always appreciated by me. I find that

upon returning to my own work things which have been brought out here are continually arising and are always of aid to me in conducting

my own official duties.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 41

I have with me to-day as a delegate a man whom you will all be

glad to hear ; that is Dr. F. Eeichmann.

Mr. Eeichmann. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, they have a law in

the State of New York, a highway law, which does not allow auto- mobiles over a certain weight to travel on certain bridges or over

certain classes of highways. In order to enforce the law the State

highway department, in conjunction with Mr. White, and at his suggestion and with his cooperation, is weighing automobiles and auto- mobile trucks which go over the highways. They allow a maximum

of 25,000 pounds on certain grades of highways. To determine

weights they have a very ingenious little scale like an ordinary jack.

They put these under the front and rear axles and jack the machine

up and determine the two weights. If the owner of the automobile

violates the law he is fined. (At this point Mr. Charles G. Johnson, vice president, assumed the

chair.) OHIO.

By John M. Mote, Assistant CJiief State Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, this is the third opportunity that I have had to attend the conference here. I was expecting a number

of Ohio delegates here. I think some of them started this morning

and probably will not arrive until to-night or to-morrow, but at present it seems as though I am going it alone. We were represented

here last year by four county sealers of weights and measures. The work in the State of Ohio is going along very well—far better

than ever before—because we now have a more systematic system of

inspection of weights and measures. There is more reweighing and

checking done now than ever before, and we are finding a lot of dis- crepancies and short weights in various commodities.

There is only one thing that has really had a tendency to hold back

the weights and measures work in the State of Ohio, and that has

been the fact that the salaries of the county and city sealers of Ohio

have not been raised in proportion" to the increases in other lines of

industry. I do not think I need to mention to this body that the

public officials are probably the most underpaid class of men of any

that we might mention to-day. As a result of that a number of our most efficient county and city sealers of Ohio have resigned, and other

county and city sealers are not inclined to make the same number of

visits over the county that they made formerly for the salary they are

receiving. However, the report of the State of Ohio for 1919 will

show that there were more inspections made within the year. There

were fewer convictions, although there were more prosecutions than

in the year 1918.

The assistance of the bureau has been a wonderful aid, and in a number of perplexing difficulties that have come up, and especially

in cases involving such commodities as flour and meats and a number

of similar commodities, we would have been almost unable to have

met the situation had it not been for such assistance. I mentioned at the last conference the net-weight sales law which

had been passed in Ohio. That law requires that all commodities be

sold by net weight only. We are succeeding very well in the enforcement of that statute throughout the State. We have also passed the
42 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

standard container act, Avhich is similar to the one proposed by the

Government and described by Mr. Downing at the last conference,

and while that law does not become effective until November, yet

two weeks ago a trip through the various fruit districts of Ohio

proved that all the commission houses and the manufacturers as well

are preparing to comply with that new standard container act to the

letter. Public spirit is, I find, one of our greatest helps at the present

time. I believe I am safe in sajdng that when the weights and

measures laws were first enacted in the State of Ohio there seemed to be an idea among the people that it was just a law to create positions.

However, at the present time they are more concerned with honest

weights and measures. The cooperation that we are receiving from

the general public in the State of Ohio is exceptionally good, and I am pleased to report that our work is held in higher esteem than

ever before.

PENNSYLVANIA.*

By James Sweenet, Chief, State Bureau of Standards. During the year ending November 30, 1919, the county and city

inspectors of the State of Pennsylvania inspected a total of 386,471

weighing and measuring devices for the purpose of determining their

accuracy.

Adjusted to meet the requirements of the State 12, 969

Sixteen thousand six hundred and thirty-five of these devices were condemned

and their use prohibited, for the reason they did not compare with the State's standards. A great deal of the inspectors' time was employed in the examination of package goods, for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the law was being complied Avith relative to the marking of the net weight of the contents in all goods found in package form. The

nvunber of pieces of this class of goods inspected and found to weigh

correctly during thp year was 511,569 packages. Fourteen thousand

two hundred and forty of the packages inspected were condemned

because they were not marked in accordance with the provisions of

the law.

As many of the articles enter into the daily life of the citizens of our State, it is evident that they shovild be protected in the weight or measure of their purchases; when purchasing these packages wholesalers and retailers are entitled to the protection guaranteed to them

by the law. The purchasing public who compose the larger part of our population must also be protected in their purchases. The in- spectors of weights and measitres are charged under the provisions

of the weight and measure law with seeing that the provisions of the

law enacted for the purpose of protecting the public is enforced.

The public could be of very great assistance to inspectors of weights

and measures in the enforcement of the law if they would report the

violations of its provisions.

Within the past year in Pennsylvania laws have been enacted and

approved by the governor providing for the examination by in- spectors of weights and measures of the glassware used in the sale

* In the absence of Mr. Sweeney this report, prepared by him, was read by Mr. T. A. Seraphln.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 43

of milk or cream. During that period this bureau has tested 14,842

bottles, pipettes, etc., used in the testing for ascertaining the per- centage of butterfat in milk or cream ; during the same period there were condemned about 1,200 because they did not comply with the

standards required by this State. The Acting Chairman. I have always had a great deal of regard

for Mr. Sweeney's work on weights and measures. His report calls to my mind something that occurred in my State. We had occasion some time ago to have the containers examined in a factory in a small

town in California which manufactured berry baskets. Mr. Downing came and made a survey of the containers for the State, which

resulted in the confiscation and the destruction of something like

600,000 short-measure packages.

RHODE ISLAND.

By William F. Goodwin, State Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference, mine will be a verbal report and a very short one, for I expect to be very much

interested in the reports of the various committees, who have been

working for several years on subjects vitally important, I believe,

to the weights and measures officials of every State in the Union.

I want to say that I am very much pleased to meet so many old

friends—some old-timers that have not been here for some time pre- vious to this year. It is a great satisfaction to me at my time of life to meet old cronies and fraternize with them for a few minutes. I want to say that I am very much pleased at being here to-day ; I am

very much interested. I have not Avritten any report on the subject,

although I was invited to do so, for the simple reason that I expected

to criticize some things which will be brought before the conference,

and I did not feel as if I wanted to take time from any of our committees, for JL believe that the time has arrived when we must act on some of these propositions. I realize the hard work, both physical

and mental, that these committees -have had to do, and I think tnat

in justice to them we should try and settle some of the subjects that

they will present to this conference. So i feel that I am on borrowed

time. But I want to sincerely say that I am very proud to be here

to-day; I am very joroud to see so much interest manifested by the

western and southern delegates. Of course, at the beginning the

number of representatives from the different States was very small.

In fact, Rhode Island, although one of the States close to the capital, never has been represented by anybody but the State official. On

every occasion, for a number of years, I have endeavored to have

them here, but for some reason or other, whether modesty or what it

is, I have been unable to do so. Gentlemen, I hope some very good

work will be done before we end our convention.

The Acting Chairman. I might take this occasion, gentlemen, to say something about the spirit, as I understand it, of the delegates

from the West, since I have had the pleasure, of course, of mingling

with them a good deal, and we become friendly. The men who come

from the other side of the Eockies, or even close to them, come with

the thought in mind to absorb from the minds of those on this coast
44 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

and in the interior the benefits of the past experience which they have

obtained as a result of their activities. That is my view. I come here

with an open mind, for the purpose of absorbing from these gentlemen the benefit of the experience they have had, and it is with a great

deal of interest—a keen sense of interest—that I follow all the

remarks made, and then analyze and take from them such as is good

to be adopted to make our work in the far West more progressive.

I believe that is the spirit of Mr. Dinsmore, and I know Mr. Howell

alwaj'^s felt that way.

We are going to have a rej^ort from Mr. Kennerly, of South Carolina. I have had occasion to meet Mr. Kennerly, and I have been

informed that South Carolina needs stimulation. 1 believe that when

a State man is handicapped, as Mr. Kennerly appears to be, all the

rest of us forming this conference should do something to obtain for

him, perhaps, better laws and better working conditions.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

By H. S. Kennerly, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I am glad to report that South

Carolina is taking an active interest in the strict enforcement of laws

relating to weights and measures. During the past year the State department of agriculture has employed two inspectors for this work alone, and in January these in- spectors were able to make a report on the work done during the

preceding six months, which showed clearly the necessity of the

work. The publication and distribution of this report has resulted

in a great deal of favorable comment from all sides. Several of our cities have recently passed ordinances.

Our farmers are especially interested, for with cotton selling at 40 cents per pound they expect and should receive exact weights in

this commodity.

The inspectors are especially interested at this time in the inspection of gasoline pumps, for this same high-priced cotton has resulted

in the purchase of large numbers of automobiles and tractors. I hope to get such information here as will enable us to pass laws as good as the best concerning this particular phase of the work.

The head of our department is greatly interested in our work, and

it is due to his spirit of helpful cooperation that we have been able

to progress rapidly and successfully thus far. We have not any very complete laws. As a matter of fact, I might

say in closing that we have not exactly arrived; we are only on

the way and have a fairly long track ahead.

SOUTH DAKOTA.

By Anton Runbeck, Inspector.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference. Commissioner

Frary, the chief of our State department, is in attendance at this con- ference but he was called down to the bureau of chemistry this

afternoon, and at his request I will make the report for the State

this afternoon.
THIKTEENTH CONEEBENCE OK WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 45

It is a pleasure to be here this year representing the State of

South Dakota, because we can now for the first time report work

accomplished. We are now up against some of the problems solved

years ago by older members here, and our attendance here will not be

in vain. Last year I felt more or less lost among you, because I did

not understand the technical work discussed. But a remark made

by Dr. Reichmann has been and is of much value to me. He said, " Know what your job is and who your boss is, and you'll be all right." And in the year just passed I have learned enough about

my boss and my job to treat both with respect.

We started the work of testing scales in January of this year, and

since that time we have tested approximately 4,300 different pieces

of apparatus in some 600 different stores, and we have found about

80 per cent of all devices tested to be correct. Considering the fact

that previous to this year no scales of less than 1-ton capacity had

ever been officially tested in our State, it is rather surprising to find

that 90 per cent of the scales used in our groceries and meat markets

are modern computing scales. When error is found, we find it due more to mechanical defects and lack of proper care of the scale than

to deliberate attemx3ts at short measure or short weight.

In linear measures we find that counter tacks are mostly in use, and measuring machines are found only in the larger dry-goods

stores. We find that dry measures are not used to any great extent, as the

merchants are selling most commodities by weight, because of pres- ent high prices and close margins. We did find quite a fcAV merchants using a liquid quart measure in selling cranberries and onion

sets, but we meet no opposition in requiring that these commodities

be now sold by weight. . As to liquid measures, we have by circular letters and personal appeal urged the hardware merchants of our State to put in stock

sealed measures, and to sell only sealed measures for commercial use. We are meeting with fair success in this matter. Our greatest source of trouble is the gasoline and kerosene pump

and we have found it necessary -to prosecute some merchants and

garage men for failure to keep their pumps in proper working order.

We have also had considerable trouble with shipments of gasoline

in barrels. Wholesalers are using barrels ranging in capacity from

53 to 57 gallons. Our law requires that the net contents be plainly

marked on the barrel in terms of gallons. The Interstate Commerce

Commission requires that a space equal to 2 per cent of the contents be left for expansion that may occur because of changes in temperature. But on account of the many different sizes of the barrels there

are trouble and misunderstandings between the dealer and the cus- tomer. This trouble could be largely eliminated if we had a standard barrel and we would recommend that this matter of a standard

size and weight barrel for gasoline be considered by this conference.

We have check-wei,ghed hundreds of packages of foodstuffs, principally butter, candy, flour, and rice, and have caused corrections to be

made where error was found.

Ice scales used in South Dakota are graduated in 5-pound divisions

and ice tickets are issued in not less than 6 pounds denomination.
46 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

We find, that a large number, of our coal dealers are not furnishing

a weight ticket for each load, as required by law, but we anticipate no difficulty in causing them to issue proper tickets with each delivery.

As a whole, we find on the part of the merchants of South Dakota

a commendable desire to cooperate with and follow the suggestions of

the weights and measures inspector, and so far we have had no serious

complaints from the public, except on gasoline pumps.

Our law requires that we test all apparatus at least once annually,

but with the present force of two men, it can not be done, as we have

to visit over 6,000 merchants in more than 800 towns, scattered over

a territory of 77,000 square miles. But we have the work well under

way—and when we start anything in South Dakota we usually

finish it. The Acting Chairman. You say 4,300 devices were tested. How

many did you say were found correct ? Mr. EuNBECK. Ninety per cent of all devices were found correct; of scales, I think about 80 per cent were correct. We do not have

the necessary equipment to test scales of a greater capacity than 30

pounds.

The Acting Chairman. You do not test heavier scales than 30

pounds ? Mr. RuNBECK. We have not been able to, so far. We have not the

necessary equipment.

The ACTING Chairman. It might be wise for the delegates to ask

any questions that may clarify their minds upon matters wherein

they are interested in some particular States.

TENNESSEE.

By T. F. Mahoney, Chief Inspector of Weights and Meamres.

Mr. (Chairman and gentlemen, we have a law in the State of Tennessee similar to that in the State of Michigan, and we encounter

the same trouble that has been encountered there. Our law is under

the jurisdiction of a food and drug commissioner, who is ex officio superintendent of weights and measures. T received the apjDointment as sealer of weights and measures in the city of Chattanooga

and have held the office for nine 5^ears. I got no results. I appealed to the governor of our State to remedy the law so as to provide for an independent State department. Last week I had as- surances from our governor that at the January term an attempt

will be made to amend this law.

As an example of the way the work is carried on at present, I may

mention that mj attention was called by a squire to a case in which

a food inspector had been on the stand. This case involved a sack

of meal. The food inspector had had a merchant arrested on the

ground that the sack was short. The squire asked him how he knew

the sack was short. The food inspector replied, " I weighed it on

the scale." The squire said, "Did you test the scale? " He replied,

" No, sir ; I don't know anything about testing scales." I can not tell you any more until January. I will assure you,

however, that the State of Tennessee will have a weights and measures department of its own after that time.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 47

The Acting Chairman. In the absence of Dr. Stratton, I may say

that I am sure the Bureau of Standards Avill cooperate with you in

obtaining proper laws in the same way that it did with me in obtaining my laws in California.

Mr. Hill. I know that you all knoAv that the State I represent is on

the map, although, perhaps, you are not as familiar with the city I represent; but I am going to ask the privilege sometime during this

conference of making a report on that city. I am a big man in

avoirdupois, and I come from the biggest State in the Union, and

I want an opportunity to present a report on my town.

UTAH.

By T. L. Irvine, Inspector of WeigMs and Measures of Salt Lahe City.

Mr. Chairman and brother delegates, I assure you that it is a pleas- ure to again meet here with you in this conference and participate

in the benefits that come to those who have the privilege of attending. I know that the benefits that I have received and carried home

to my people from these conferences have been considerable. We

in Utah are indebted to the bureau here for helping us frame our law and in many other ways, and I know those who make appeal

to this bureau will not make that appeal in vain.

Mr. Walter M. Boyden, the State dairy and food commissioner,

who is ex otRcio superintendent of weights and measures in Utah,

requested that I express his regret at not being able to attend this

conference, and he assured me that if he is on the job next year

he will endeavor to be here. I hope that he will be on the job be- cause he is an efficient and capable man, a conscientious worker, and

is very much interested in the weights and measures division of the

department over which he presides. His interest is shown by the

increased amount of work that the State deputies have accomplished

in the last year. His last report shows tests on more than 6,000

weighing and measuring instruments, as against about 1,400 in the

preceding report. Mr. Boyden informed me that he is going to equip two cars for weights and measures work, and he thinks this

will make the work more efficient, since sleeping accommodations

will be provided and his men will not have to seek the larger towns

where hotel accommodations can be had.

We work in harmony together, every State and city deputy, and we

have accomplished a great deal in doing so. Mr. Boyden has been

commissioned to report to the Federal Government in matters per- taining to interstate commerce and transportation and all cases of

that kind that come to my attention for violations of the law are re- ferred to Mr. Boyden. I have in mind one case where a conviction was had recently involving short weight on a shipment of maple

sugar. The offending party pleaded guilty and paid the fine. One of the difficulties that we have there is the same as one that has

been mentioned by other representatives here, and that is that we

encounter packages only partially filled. I have had that up with

the State superintendent. He and I are agreed in our opinion that

the size of a package should be indicative of its contents. We are firm believers in delegating more power to the Bureau of

Standards in Washington here, and we feel that it is a duty of
48 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

weights and measures officials to use their influence with their Con

gressmen and Senators to assist the weights and measures department

in getting remedial legislation. I do not believe that power, if it were delegated to them, would be misused. I believe that they should

have the power to pass on types of weighing and measuring instruments that are used in commerce. I also believe that it would be a good thing to give to them greater power in designating how food

products and other commodities should be packed, as far as standardization is concerned. I feel that a great deal of good could be

accomplished by delegating this power to the Bureau of Standards.

I am very pleased to know that the subject of practical education

is going to be taken up on the program. It seems to me that if we are

able to educate the public our work Avill be much simplified. It is necessary to get cooperation of the public in order to get the maximum of efficiency. I hope that sufficient time will be given to the

discussion of practical education at this convention that we may all be enabled to take something home that we can introduce into our high schools and other institutions of learning ; that we may be able

to go before clubs and societies and teach them the practical things

that they need to know in order to i)roperly protect themselves in the

purchase of foodstuffs, as well as other commodities. I agree with

Mr. Johnson of California, who is now presiding in the chair, that

it is a great benefit to us in the West to come here and mingle with

you people who have had a great deal of experience in the more populated centers of industries, and we come here, or at least I come here,

with an open mind to receive the suggestions and take the things that

we learn back home and put them into practical use in our States in

the Rocky Mountains. I do not know that I have anything further

to say at this time, but I hope to be able to take part in some of the

discussions that we have here and I hope that I may be able to do

something or give something to this conference, even though it is only as a grain of sand, if it will add its part in helping along this

good work. I thank you, gentlemen.

VERMONT.

By H. N. Davis, Deputy Commissioner of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, I think Vermont has been represented at every

national conference, except the last, since the legislature passed a

bill creating a weight and measure department.

The legislature of 1917 passed a bill making the State treasurer ex officio commissioner of weights and measures, and the department

has been conducted since under that head.

Much needed legislation has been passed and progress made in the

department under the direction of Mr. Walter F. Scott, State treas- urer. The laist session of the legislature passed a bill providing for

the marking of the net weight on packages of food. The law making

it necessary for the prosecuting officer to prove intent to defraud on

the part of the person who sells less than represented of a given

quantity was amended so that it is no longer necessary to prove such

intent.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 49

The salaries of the inspectors and clerical force are fixed by the

board of control. The commissioner has made several important rul- ings by virtue of the power given him by statute. Coal dealers are required to furnish a weight slip to each customer

showing the gross, tare, and net weight thereon.

The owners of gasoline pumps are required to test them with

sealed measures before the first sale each day.

All wood sold in the State, except slabs, edgings, and mill waste,

must be sold by the cord or fraction thereof.

There has been a marked improvement in the sentiment of the

people toward the department in the past few years. The merchants

have come to feel that we are protecting them against dishonest competition and the people feel their interests are being safeguarded.

For a number of years it was a fight to keep the department ; now I think it would be impossible to get a strong enough aggregation to defeat it. We have been helped materially in the past two years by the support of Gov. Clement, who has always been an untiring worker for our department. We are very well satisfied with the progress made

and shall continue to make our department a live one. I thank you.

VIRGINIA. By John W. Richardson, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures. Mr. President, State superintendents, sealers, and future prospective members of the electorate of the United States, after a confer- ence with Hon. Westmoreland Davis, Governor of Virginia, it was

mutually agreed to ask the General Assembly of our State, which

met in January last, to reenact our weights and measures law and

transfer the duties imposed to the department of the dairy and food

commissioner. To this end, the governor had a bill drawn by Mr.

Morrissett, chief of the Legislative Eeference Bureau, which being

submitted to the General Assembly, failed of enactment.

This left the law in its original fofm, and myself still in charge as State Superintendent of Weights and Measures; hence my presence

here again as Virginia's rejiresentative. I am glad to notice the gradual increase from year to year in the

membership of the conference, and the interest manifested in the

weights and measures departments of our State Governments, and

hope to see a fulfillment of the objects mainly in view—viz, the

enactment by every State of our suggested model law, and the establishment of a general uniformity in weights and measures ; the abolition of the dual system now in vogue, substituting instead, through

an act of Congress, that all dry commodities, usually sold by measure,

shall be sold by weight or numerical count ; that all package goods

shall be sold by net weight, and that the same be conspicuously

marked on such packages.

Section 14 of the bill drafted by Mr. Morrissett read as follows

" It shall be unlawful to sell, except for immediate consumption on

the premises, liquid commodities in any other manner than by weight

10789—21 4
5Q BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

or liquid measure, or commodities not liquid, in any other manner

than by measure of length, by weight, or by numerical count," etc., and it is my opinion that the introduction of the weighing of liquids

along with dry commodities, as specified in our amendment to the

model law, had something to do with the failure of enactment of the

whole bill, which amendment, you will recall, recites that all dry

commodities shall be sold by weight or numerical count unless otherwise agreed in writing and by the mutual consent of the buyer and

seller. A bill to regulate the sale of bakery products, placing its enforcement in the hands of the State dairy and food commissioner, reads,

in section 3, as follows

Weights and labels.—All bread stored, sold, offered, or exposed for sale by

the loaf shall have conspicuously affixed thereon a label on which shall be

printed in the English language in letters and figures not smaller than one- fourth inch in height the net weight of loaf when baked. The name and addi-ess of the baker or manufacturer of the loaf shall also be shown on same label. This section conforms, in the main, with section 18, Form No. 1, of the proposed model law adopted at our eighth annual conference

in May, 1913.

The 1920 session of the general assembly recorded its second re- fusal to reenact the Virginia weights and measures law, and has

thus signified its approval of the present condition of things and

my administration of the duties of the office, in that it has in the

latter instance refused to transfer this department to the control of

the dairy and food commissioner.

I occasionally receive notice of the appointment of a county or

city sealer where none has been had for a number of years, and have

filled orders covering their equipment of testing apparatus.

Some objectors to a change in the law gave as their reason that

the same would require the wives of farmers through the country

to mark the net contents on every pound of butter they put up in

package form for sale, and others objected to the proposed change

in the law, in that if the salary were made payable by county and

city appropriation instead of by fees it would place an additional

expense on many counties and cities not able to bear the same. Not hankering for more work than is imposed upon me in the

performance of the duties of the Land Office and Superintendent of

Grounds and Buildings, 1 am hoping that some day our General

Assembly will make many needed changes in the State's weighing

and measuring law and transfer the duties thereof to the dairy and

food commissioner or some other State department, or make it a separate and distinct State department, paying its superintendent a salary commensurate with the duties necessary to carry forward and

make efficient this much-needed department, which can be made of

such material benefit to our people, embracing both the seller and

consumer. I have persistently advocated the abolition of our longstanding and inefficient system of paying sealers by the fee method,

and I think I can demonstrate the wisdom of this position by refer- ence to the good work now being done by the sealers in such cities of our State as have enacted ordinances permitting compensation by

salary. Until our General Assembly does likewise it will remain

as now diffii3ult to secure a full complement of sealing officials.
THIKTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 51

I am informed Congress has failed as yet to pass the resolution

and petition reaffirmed and made by this conference at its eighth

annual meeting, providing for the sale of all dry commodities by

weight and numerical count (except when otherwise agreed to in

writing by the seller or buyer) . Mr. Roberts, who is the superintendent in the District of Columbia, made the statement before the con- ference that the Congress has thus far failed to enact this resolution

in the law in the aforesaid District, where Congress has direct power

to do so. Under these circumstances when may we expect enactment

of this same resolution for any of our States ? At the present time we have much trouble with the commission

merchant Avho insists on buying by weight, while the farmer insists on selling by measure. I will call attention to only one dry commodity, namely, wheat. One farmer raises well-matured wheat

which will measure up to the legal standard of 60 pounds per

bushel when it reaches his commission merchant, while his neighbor

produces a wheat full of chaff, which, when it reaches his commission merchant, does not weigh up to the standard because of its inferiority. When the latter receives his return, he kicks because

his wheat did not weigh up to the legal standard. Now, if we will enact a law applicable to all the States of this Union requiring all dry commodities to be sold by weight, there will be no cause for

complaint because one man will get as much for his 60 pounds of

wheat as the other, quality being the same. With these few scattered remarks I wish much success to the future

deliberations of the conference at this meeting. Before taking my

seat, I would like to know who are here to-day who were of the

small company which organized this conference in Januarj^, 1905,

and so will ask such to stand up. WISCONSIN.

By Ralph W. Smith, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I am somewhat unfortunate in that

the name of my State begins with " W " and is away down at the end

of the alphabet. I would like very much to express my feelings at the privilege of attending this conference, but I can not do so with- out duplicating what has already been said by somebody else. I think the best thing I can do is to subscribe to all these sentiments

and let it go at that. I shall not attempt to give any detailed record

of the work we have been doing. I think most of you Imow that the

State department and the city departments in the State have been

operating for a number of years—since 1911. The work previous to my coming to the State was in charge of a man whom you all know—Mr. Downing—and since my advent I have endeavored to carry on the work which he so ably started. There is one thing which we have developed in our State during the

past two years which may be of some interest to State or city representatives here. I refer to our use of automobile trucks in the work.

I was very much interested when our chairman was telling about

the trucks which he was using in California. They are of a more

elaborate type than the ones which we have, but I dare say that his

trucks cost many times what ours do. We have developed an inex-
62 BUKEAtf OF STANDAKDS.

pensive outfit based on a 1-ton truck chassis, and we have, we think,

a very good working outfit for general conditions. This outfit we use throughout the State, over all kinds of roads—anything we may en- counter. It is used by the State inspectors in traversing their terri- tory. We have three of the trucks in use at the present time, each

operating with two men. If any of the delegates are sufficiently in- terested, I will be glad to give you figures on the cost of such an

outfit and on the cost of operation, and show you a few simple diagrams that will give you an idea of what the outfit is. I may also mention that we use a four-wheeled all-metal truck for

supporting the test load and transporting it to different positions on

a wagon scale platform. This was an idea of one of the State in- spectors which we had develoj^ed through out State department of

engineering, and we have what has proved to be a very efficient and

satisfactory device. It not only saves a great deal of time in wagonscale work but also saves a great deal of strain on the inspector's back

and gives an excellent test. Our 1,000-pound load is concentrated

in an 18-inch square. There are but two operations—the loading and

the unloading. Thus we lift 2,000 pounds, whereas under the old

method of testing a wagon scale a man frequently is obliged to lift as much as 7 or 8 tons in one of those tests ; so that you may imagine

that the inspectors are quite enthusiastic, and we feel also that we

get fully as good a test, if not better, than we got before. I have a drawing of this device also, showing its arrangement in detail. It

is all metal and the cost is not prohibitive. I will not bore you by

going into any more detail on that. The Acting Chairman. That was a splendid report.

Have all of the State delegates reported? If some were absent

when they were called, I will ask them to kindly report now. REPORTS OF OTHER DELEGATES.

The Acting Chairman. If there are any States from which offi- cials are present which are not represented by State delegates, I will

ask that some sealer from a city or county report for such State now. Mr. Augustus F. Bo\^, sealer of weights and measures of Portland, Me. I am not the State representative, but I represent the city

of Portland, Me.

I regret that I can not report in writing, but I am glad to have

the privilege of being with you, and also to have the privilege of rep- resenting one of the best cities on the map. I regret, however, that

my State is not represented by the proper official. The department

of weights and measures is under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of agriculture. Shortly after I returned from our last con- ference a year ago the commissioner of agriculture came in to see me

and wanted to know something regarding this conference. To the

best of my ability I told him what was done here. I told him that

this was a school of instruction, and that I learned more in the week

that I was here at the conference than I did in the year of experi- ence that I had had, and therefore the commissioner of agriculture,

Mr. John Roberts, promised me faithfully at that time that he was

going to be here. A few minutes ago my friend from Utah said something regarding

laws that should be passed governing the different measuring devices
THIRTEENTH CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 53

on the market. The State of Maine, at our last legislature in 1919,

passed a law of that kind, and with your permission I will read sec- tion 1

It shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or give away any scale or other weighing or measuring device until a scale or measuring device of the same

manufacture, type, and kind shall have been approved by the National Bureau

of Standards in Washington, D. C, and until a certificate of said approval

shall have been filed with the State sealer of weights and measures in Augusta,

which certificate shall state the name and manufacturer of said scale or other measuring device, the place where manufactured, and that the same has been

approved by said Bureau of Standards. This act shall not apply to liquid or standard dry measures. At this time I wish to express my sincere thanks for the valuable

assistance that I have received from the Bureau of Standards.

I thank you.

The Acting Chairman. That ought to inspire some of the other

field men to take advantage of this opportunity, if they so desire, to report from the respective jurisdictions. Any person may have

the floor now for a few moments.

Mr. Charles P. Murray, president, Massachusetts Association of

Sealers. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference, I am quite

surprised that my old friend has taken advantage of me as he has,

because I have to have a little time to collect my thoughts, especially

when speaking before a gathering such as this, and therefore I am

somewhat flabbergasted at this moment. 1 want to say that I am

very glad to be here, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, to report for

what I believe to be the oldest State organization in this country,

the Massachusetts Association of Sealers, that last October held

their twenty-third annual convention. I hope at the same time,

when the discussion is ended, to enter a resolution indorsing the

Bureau of Standards for what they have done. I feel that I am as well acquainted with the motive that led up to that unwarranted

attack we discussed this morning as any other, and can perhaps

enlighten you gentlemen at the opportune time as to what caused that

man to make this attack. I want to say, furthermore, Mr. C'hairman, that a matter was mentioned some little time ago about the appreciation of the assistance

of some particular State as to work that had been accomplished by

the weights and measures official i here. I believe that the work of

the sealers of weights and measures throughout Massachusetts has

been recognized as being as good as any other State in this country.

We have men here at the present time that have received an advance

in salary of $500, and others have received a $300 increase. So you

can see we are quite selfish in respect of our services. I think the

last conference I attended was in 1914. I was inspired by the knowledge I received here, and I carried back a very glowing report of

the doings of the convention.

I believe Ave, in Massachusetts, have one of the best associations

throughout this country. We always have sufficient funds to back

any legislation that we want enacted. Our association always has

funds. I believe we have more money than any association in any

other State in the country. We back our ideas solidl}^ and firmly,

and we use money, if necessary, to circulate propaganda throughout

the Commonwealth to educate the people, and request them to de-
54 BUBEAU or STANDABDS.

mand through their representatives the legislation that we are seeking to have passed. I do not claim all the credit. I have called the

boys' attention to legislation we wanted passed, and they have done

their A'vork very well. The Acting Chairman. Is there any other sealer who desires at

this time to have the benefit of the floor ? Mr. Charles M. Fuller, county sealer of weights and measures, Los Angeles. Calif. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I would like to say just a few words regarding several experiences which we have

had which I think might be of interest to you. Mr. Johnson told

about all dry commodities being handled on a weight basis. Several

of you asked me how that applied to berries. It simply means this

Berries are handled in a regular-size basket, but they must place 12 ounces of berries in the basket. Not only must they use a standardsize basket, but they must fill it up so that it holds 12 ounces. Most

of the berries are grown by the Japanese berry growers. They have

got the market cornered. The Japanese must have come from Missouri, because you.haA-e got to show them. At the beginning of every

season, as the berries begin to get cheaper, they begin to try to pack

a little less quantity. They will be coming in with their trucks at 2

o'clock in the morning, and we plan it out ahead that we will catch

them there. We arranged the last raid that way. We condemned

.some 2.235 boxes of berries, which were given to charity.

As an example of how a public weighmaster works and how it helps the man who is depending on this weight : There Avas a man up

in Los Angeles buying some hogs on a Aveight determined by a public

weighmaster. The public weighmaster made a mistake in computing which resulted in a loss to the purchaser of some $150. He did

not discover it until some time afterwards, and in the meantime the

man from whom he purchased the hogs had left the country and

could not be located ; and even if be had been there, it might have been

necessary to bring civil suit for the recovery of the money. This

weighmaster Avas summoned to the office and the matter explained,

and it was put up to him that he Avould have to make good the

amount or suffer the loss of his bond. He made good the amount.

It was perfectly right, because it was through his mistake that it happened.

There is one matter I hope will be taken up at the conference, that

is the matter of proA iding a better method of sealing, so that whatever sealing device is used Avill be of a permanent character. We

educate the public to look for the seal on the scale to show that we

have visited it, but the pai:>er stickers we use peel off or some one

will scratch them off, so that many times there is no mark left on the

scale two or three months after it has been Adsited to show that it has

been tested. There is just one more thing, and that is that we are fortunate in

California in haAdng a chief of the State department that everybody

can work with. As the governor of the State said, he is a man Avho

gives a punch and can take a punch and at the same time use tact in

such a way that it does not cause opposition from the people at large.

Mr. William B. McGradt, deputy State inspector of weights and

measures of Pennsyh^ania. Mr. Chairman. I haA^e not very much to

say. I am only a new man in the State service, although I was for-
THIRTEENTH CONEERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 55

merly connected with the department in the city of Pittsburgh. In

Pennsylvania they call us " cheater chasers." We hear so much

about insjDecting scales, weights, and measures, and different things

like that, that we all laiow how to do that. Some men go out in an

easy way, others in an impulsive way. I have been doing field work

in Pittsburgh for eight years under the direction of Mr. Livingston.

We have very good laws in Pittsburgh. We can cover everything

there, even if the laws do not fully cover it ; by a little education we

can get the storekee^^er to do what is right. I have two counties

under me in the western part of the State. Without exception, everything in those western counties of Pennsylvania, with the limited

knowledge I have in mind, are 99.44 per cent good. I thank you.

(At this point a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and

this motion was agreed to.)

(Whereupon, at 4.45 o'clock p. m., the conference adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. Tuesday', May 25, 1920.)

THIRD SESSION (MORNING OF TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1920).

The conference reassembled at 10.30 o'clock a. ni. at the Bureau of

Standards, Dr. S. W. Stratton, chairman, presiding.

The Chairman. The meeting will please come to order.

We are very fortunate in having with us this morning the Secre- tary of Commerce, Mr. Alexander. Those of you Avho have been

with us before remember how Secretary Redfield opened our meetings and took great interest in our work. Secretary Alexander is equally interested. He is not yet, of course, as familiar with the far- reaching nature of the work of this conference, but he is thoroughly

interested in all the work of the Bureau of Standards and is giving

us very able support. I am very glad, indeed, that he found it possible to be with us this morning and that we are to have the opportunity of meeting him. Secretary Alexander.

ADDRESS BY THE HON. JOSHUA W. ALEXANDER, SECRETARY OF

COMMERCE.

Mr. Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen. I am very much pleased to have the invitation to be present this morning. While my time is quite fully occupied and I have many duties requiring a very wide

scope of activities, yet I take a very great interest in the activities of the Bureau of Standards. I have never gotten into all of its secrets yet. While I have been out here two or three times. I have

hardly scratched the surface, but hope in the months to come to be- come more familiar with the various divisions of this bureau and

their activities, because I regard it as very valuable to the interest

of the country.

This is the great laboratory of the Nation, and I doubt if all our

jrovernment officials, including Members of Congress, fully appre-

•iate the value of this bureau, not only to the Government but to the

lountry at large, and I am quite sure that the country does not realize tvhat we have with us—the extent of this plant, the different activities of the various divisions of the bureau, and the splendid personnel

of the bureau, the technical men. the scientific men who are employed

here, and who are accomplishing so much of interest to the country.

I do not know of any better way to stimulate the piiblic interest in

the activities of this bureau and to give the counti'v a proper idea of

its value or its worth than a conference of this sort. I xmderstand the first conference was held in 1905 and that the

attendance then was limited to a few States. I believe there Avere eight States represented and only two States with official rei)resentation, Massachusetts and Virginia ; and I am glad to know that these

conferences are growing in interest each year. I am told that at the

conference last year 28 States and 64 cities and counties were represented, and the hope has been expressed that the representation this

year will be quite as large and as representative as it was last year.

57
58 BUKEAU OF STANDAKDS.

Of course, during the period of the war the actiA'ities of these conferences were suspended ; but this, I believe, is the thirteenth conference, and jvidging from those present this morning I have reason to believe the representation will be as great this year, if not greater,

than in any previous conference—already I have met one representative from the State of Minnesota and one from the State of California. Well, if Minnesota and California can spare the men and pay

their expenses to attend conferences like this there is no excuse why

the States in the Mississippi Valley and along the eastern seaboard

might not all be represented in these conferences.

I understand the objects of these conferences are to bring about

uniformity in the standards throughout the United States as well as a standardization of methods of inspection, and to secure uniform

legislation in the States. It is an anomaly that it is necessary to do

this. Now, the Constitution of the United States rests in the Congress the poAver to fix standards of weights and measures, and why

that power has not been exercised long ago is not easily comprehended, because it is manifest to the most casual thinker that we

should have iiniform weights and measures applicable to all the States of the Union. We have 48 different States, and their relations are becoming more intimate every year. Our commerce is interstate and

it is of the utmost importance that we should have uniform standards

of weights and measures; and as the Congress has been vested with

that poAver I hope this conference will give the question seriovis consideration, with a view of having Congress in the near future exercise

the power that will simplify this question and provide uniform

standards to be observed by all the States. In the meantime yon are rendering a very great service, because

in these conferences yon are undertakmg to frame a uniform laAV to be adopted by the several States of the Union. That you are at- tempting in this way to bring about the uniformity which could be

established by an act of Congress—not only standards for States but

for municipalities—proves the A^alue you place upon uniform standards, and if you accomplish this yon Avill accomplish a great .Avork in

the interest of the public, because each year it becomes more important for us to haA'e these uniform standards.

In industry it is important. Manufacturers should know what

these standards are, and they should be required to conform to these

standards. The public has the right to know what the standards

are, and the interests affected shall conform to them; and now that

the cost of commodities has increased to such an extent it is important that the public should be assured in purchasing that they are purchasing according to approved standards and are getting what

they pay for. NoAv, I understand this conference in the past has formulated and

agreed upon a uniform law ; that it has been introduced in the legislatures of the several States, and has been enacted into law by a number of the States ; and that a standard of weights and' measures

for municipalities, formulated by you, has been adopted by many of our cities. Well, of course, this is going at the matter in detail, and

iuA^olves great labor and no little expense. It grows out of the complex organizations of our Government, the fact that we have 48

States and a great many cities, and in the absence of the exercise of
THIKTEEIvTH C02fFEKENCE OIs WEIGHTS ANT) MEASURES. 59

the poTver vested in Congress it is necessary to get at this problem

in this "way. Every year it becomes manifest that we need greater

uniformity in our laws in the several States. I believe they are suggesting now that we ought to have uniform

divorce laws and that Congress ought to fix the standard, not only

in the District of Colmnbia. but throughout the countr}'.

We see numerous gasoline stations scattered over our cities. AVell,

since gasoline has increased from abotit 6 cents to 30 cents and up

per gallon it is of interest for the public to know that these various

devices are accurate in measuring gasoline. I do not loiow how

many of them are uniform and accurate: you do not know how many

there are that are uniform and accurate. I tmderstand one of the

purposes of this conference is to consider that Cjuestion. and with a view to fixing a standard of accuracj' and requiring the manufacturers of these pumps to conform to that standard.

Just before coming to the hall I was in conversation with representatives of a prominent mail-order house. They are here and

they are interested in having certain standards fixed. But I only wish to emphasize in a few words that I am expressing

here the thought—the importance of the very great work you are doing and the very great service it will be to the country: and it shows that the States 3"ou represent, the communities you represent,

have a proper appreciation of this service, and I am very glad to Imow

that you enter into the spirit of the service, realizing that you are performing a service of the greatest lienefit to the pttblic. It is only

in this way, by voluntary service, having in view the public welfare,

that we can accomplish so much for our several communities and for

otir States and for the Government : I certainly hope that yotir deliberations will be profitable, and that you will achieve substantial

results, and that yottr stay in this beatitiful city will be full of pleasure, and that you will be amply repaid for the expenditure of time

and money in coming to Washington.

GASOLINE PUMPS FROM THE STANDPOINT OP SAFETY, BY A. B. SMALL, VICE PRESIDENT, UNDERWRITERS' LABORATORIES.

Mr. President, ladies, and members of the conference, perhaps it is just as well that Mr. Alexander has left the room before I have

started to say what I have to sslj to you. Had he not gone. 'Sh: President, I would have been glad, Avhile not a member of the conference, to sjDeak for a moment expressing to him the entire confidence

the engineering people and the fire insurance fraternity have in the

excellent character of the establislmaent and the staff of the Bureau

of Standards. The Underwriters' Laboratories performs a work on

a small scale not unlike the work -s^ hich the Bureau of Standards

performs on a large scale. Our work is limited in its scope to the

matter of fire prevention and to the matter of the prevention of acci- dents. The work of the Bureau of Standards affects the work of

every one of us. affects the work of every person in this countr3% and

of many people in many countries. Through 5, 6, 8, and 10 years'

close personal association with many members of the staff of the

Bureau of Standards, and through a like period of opportunity of

observing the wonderful way in which your president. Director

Stratton, has conducted the work of his organization, I feel sure that
60 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Alexander need not take the time, if he is too busy, to come out here to investigate what is going on, but can stay down town and rest assured that everything is being done that can humanly be done to carry forward the great mission of this institution. I will now return to the subject of my paper, " Gasoline pumps

from the standpoint of safety," assigned for this period of your

l^rogram.

This subject is possibly misleading. Therefore, it is my purpose at the very outset of these remarks to remove, so far as possible, any

misunderstanding which may exist regarding the safety significance

of such equipment. The word " safety," as now very largely used in

industrial and engineering circles, refers to the personal accident

hazard. Many of us are well acquainted Avith the very active and

effective part which our host of to-day, the staff of the Bureau of

Standards, is taking in devising and promoting measures designed

to mitigate the personal accident hazard, or, in other Avords, to promote " safety."

Gasoline pumps bear upon the safety cause, the personal accident

hazard, only as a by-product of finother and quite as active hazard,

namely, the fire and explosion hazard. With this eliminated, the de- mands of safety are fully met, perhaps, to as great a degree as with

any utilization equipment found in our modern and extremely busy

life.There is no need to explain nor perhaps even to state the hazards

either from fire or from explosion or both combined which are ever present Avhere gasoline is invoh^ed. • Ea'cu with the modern product,

perhaps misnamed gasoline and more properly called " motor

fuel," the exjjlosion and fire hazard or danger is imminently present,

otherAvise it Avould fail in its intended function as a motor fuel. This being so, it naturally folloAVS that with its very general distri- bution and practically imiversal use there exists in every community

a fire or explosion hazard of potential greatness possibly exceeding

that from any other single source—a hazard of a capacity to destroy

by fire industrial, commercial, mercantile, and dwelling properties

singly or combined to a greater value in any one of numerous ex- posures than is the value of all the gasoline consumed in any season throughout the Nation. Nor may the secondary or by-product hazard

of su-ch a catastrophe, or the secondary or by-product hazard of the

multiple minor manifestations of this potential catastrophe resulting

in personal injuries and therefore bearing upon the safety caxise be

entirely ignored.

Fortunately, there is another side to this picture. The potential

hazard, the calamity pictured, is safeguarded, in the main, effectually.

Generally speaking, gasoline in bulk is handled only by those well

trained in the necessary precautions for controlling its powers of

Adolence and disaster. In its transportation and distribution Federal, State, and municipal authorities find the industry which handles

it providing equipment and observing practices generally well designed to take into account its inherent fire and explosion hazards;

otherwise the industry Avould destroy itself. In the retail handling

similar fortunate conditions prevail to a A^ery large degree. The

gasoline pump Avith its underground storage tank has and continues

to perform Avell the gigantic task of confining the fire and explosion
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 61

dangei's of gasoline, to the end that we are not obliged to drive out

into countrj" places for our supplies, but find them as readily available for prompt deliver}' as are other commodities in daily demand

and use. Alike with other prevention movements, the statistics of this ac- complishment can not be compiled : to prove by cold figures the

property losses prevented, the accidents avoided, and lives saved

because of the widespread use of gasoline pumps is impossible. This

condition is perhaps not unlike one probabty existing in the field in which most of 3"ou are active. Data as to the actual losses on shortages which the public would sulTer Avere your work to be abandoned

can not be other than estimated. You are unable to prove to what

extreme any particular industry or business might go in the use of

short weights and measures were 3'our activities to be cut short. We

in the fire-prevention work and those in the safety engineering field must be satisfied with the knowledge that our work is effective and

with the negative fashion by means of which our results must be

demonstrated. With all these limitations in mind, I nevertheless

have no hesitation in going on record as of the fixed opinion that the

very general use of gasoline pumps in the retail distribution of gasoline has made possible the present-day development of the automobile. I further state, without fear of contradiction from anyone

informed as to general causes of fire and explosion losses, that this

very modest appliance and the modest industry which produces it have effected, assuming a similar general use of gasoline without the

safeguards they now provide, an annual saving of loss of property

from fire and explosion ecjual to the present annual fire loss from all other causes combined. In other words, an annual saving of $250,-

000,000, an amount sufficient to pay the interest upon the fourth

Liberty loan, accrues to this country because of the widespread instal- lation and use of this device.

So much regarding gasoline pumps from the standpoint of

safety." Your efforts I must assume are in no way opposed to the

conservation which 1 have declared has been and now is secured from

their use. I must assume also that you are ready to take notice, if 3'ou have not now done so, of the principles involved in this equipment which are paramount in making possible a record of service

such as has been claimed. The secret of the success of the gasoline

jDump in securing the measure of safety claimed for it is not a secret

to those who have given even the briefest study to the hazardous

properties of gasoline.

The chief principle is the underground storage of the supply of

gasoline, wliich it is the function of the pump to deliver. This

principle more than any or all others must not be ignored in any

efforts which you may make to have pumps function as accurate measuring devices. The next principle of importance is the confinement of gasoline during the operation of its delivery from the place

of storage of main supply to the receptacle of use. The property of

evaporation at atmospheric temperatures and pressures is the important factor in the hazard of having gasoline about. Otherwise, it would rate as to hazard with kerosene and other petroleum products

of high gravity and flash point. Designs providing substantial

strength, materials of proven durability, workmanship of the best
62 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

are all subordinate to these two principles for good gasoline pump

performance.

Please, in your very proper concern as to the performance of gasoline pumps as measuring devices, do not fail to give proper and very

substantial weight to these two essentials. Otherwise it can readily

be that the old example of foolish economy is fully demonstrated and

the saving at the spigot of accurate measurement will be but a drop in

the bucket to the loss at the bunghole from fire and explosion waste

to follow.

The Underwriters'^ Laboratories of Chicago, established and maintained for service—not profit—by the National Board of Fire UnderAvriters, now has behind it an experience of 25 years in dealing with

utilization appliances of many kinds, with the manufacturers of such

appliances, and with the problems of their proper j)erformance in

service. From this experience I can draw for you a lesson well

learned and apparently of important interest in the very problem

which 3'ou are here to consider. I hope you will not fail to give it very thorough consideration nor to apply it in full. This lesson is that to provide a substantially made and well designed device is but

half or less of the battle of fire prevention. The other and better or

" larger " half is to have such devices properlj' installed and cor- rectly maintained for their entire period of use. The entire effort of

all concerned in the manufacture and installation of a fire door, for

instance, is completely wasted if at the time the fire comes the door is held open by a truck or some such object permitting fire to travel

through as though the door did not exist. In the case of gasoline

pumps installation and maintenance after installation are important

factors possibly to the extent of the " lai'ger half " referred to. Certainly from the point of view of fire protection their importance may

not be ignored. It would seem to me that from your especial point

of view they may be even " larger halves " than from the fire or

safety standpoint.

Another lesson which is taught by the quarter century's experience

of Underwriters' Laboratories is that through cooperation are the

best results secured. Cooperation is but a shorter way of saying that

" you can lead a horse to water, but you can not make him drink."

Without the cooperation of the public the most active efforts of regulatory authorities of any sort are at least half wasted as though upon

the desert air. With cooperation all things can be accomplished. We

have found, as no doubt you have, that the cooperation of the industries affected hj our rules, regulations, specifications, and standards

is most essential. That Underwriters' Laboratories now enjoy the

most hearty cooperation of the multitude of industries in which it is active seems ample proof that it has learned this very important

lesson well. The standardization movement, in one phase of which you are vigorously concerned, is an all-important factor in our present civili- zation. Without some degree of standardization chaos would prevail. Standardization of the fundamental habits of thought of our

citizenship is the aim of the Americanization movement of the day.

The so-called " melting-pot " effect upon the immigrant to this land

is but to say that the immigrants have become standardized in their

belief of the inalienable right of men to "life, liberty, and the pursuit

of happiness." But standardization must not go too far; our indi-
THIETEENTH CONEEREIsrOE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 63

vidualities must be preserved. Imagine the dreariness of life if all automobiles were Model T's. Consider the hopelessness of the shaven

head and gray and white stripes of the prison garb.

You must cooperate with the fire-prevention group in the standardization of the fundamentals for safety and accuracy in gasolinepump design. You must, as has the fire-prevention group, recognize

the inalienable rights of individuality. The fundamentals of safety

in gasoline-pump design and—I believe I am correct—of accuracy as

well, are storage underground and confinement during delivery.

Now, as to cooperation. Presumably most of you are familiar with

the service of inspections at factories and labeling which is carried on by Underwriters' Laboratories at more than 1,500 factories in the

United States and Canada. This label' service manifests to the

property owner, who is the customer of the insurance companies and

of the manufacturer alike, to the architect and builder and to all in- spection authorities, whether underwriting, municipal. State or Federal, that devices and products bearing labels are of standard design

and construction, and when examined at factory were found suitable

for the intended use. This service is now and for some years has been

in active operation in the factories where more than 90 per cent of

gasoline pumps and tanks are made. Trained inspectors employed

by Underwriters' Laboratories are constantly in touch with the entire

assembly and production program of each plant. The assistance of

these men and of the supervisory staff at the Chicago office of the

laboratories (of which 1 have charge) are offered to this confer- ence in making effective the rules and regulations for accuracy of

measurement which you may adopt. Labels of special design will

be provided certifying not only to the acceptance from the safety or

fire hazard standpoint but from the requirements for accuracy as

well. Such labels would serve to you and to each of you in your

individual jurisdictions as evidence that the manufacturer of the

pumps had complied with joint regulations applying.

Providing such a service is attractive, I would point out that co- operation, true cooperation, involve^ something in return from you.

It was without fear of contradiction that I stated some few moments

ago that the " better and larger half " of the problem of safe and accurate service from gasoline pumps lay in their proper installation and

maintenance after installation. This problem is a local one and is individual to each pump. Pumps made in Milwaukee may be in- stalled in Philadelphia or in Denver. Pumps made in Fort Wayne

or in Springfield or in Dayton are found installed from coast to coast. The factory inspection work can be concentrated within a few terri- tories, the installation and maintenance inspection must be local and

individual. If you, in supervising the installation and maintenance

of pumps, which we have seen to it are safeguarded at factories, will

watch out for the essentials of safety as well as for accuracy, then

true conservation as well as true cooperation will be effected and sav- ing at the spigot while wasting at the bunghole will be avoided.

In speaking of cooperation it is often understood that only two

parties are involved. I have described a plan for cooperation in

securing both accuracy and safety in the use of gasoline pumps. It

is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I report an assurance of

hearty cooperation in such a plan from the manufacturers of gasoline

pumps now employing our label service. They will gladly submit
64 BUREAU or STANDAEDS.

their product to our inspection for the labels of new and joint signifi- cance and will continue and extend to you assistance of their experts

and of their distributing organizations in the installation and maintenance problem. In addition I feel safe in guaranteeing the largest

possible measure of active assistance and cooperation from the

thousands of insurance and fire protection engineers and inspectors

already active in the safety work.

Mr. President and members of the conference, I have purposely re- frained from seeming to suggest, in Avhat I have said, views which I may or may not have, and which at any rate I should not have, as to how you should go about to define accuracy in pumps.

At the risk of repetition, I desire to impress upon you the necessity for keeping gasoline underground; the necessity for keepin,g it confined. Do not, in your very proper desire to see to it that the

purchaser of gasoline gets every penny's worth that he pays for,

allow it to occur that gasoline in bulk or in retail storage is exposed in

any way; otherwise we shall have cities burning up and people destroyed, resulting in a waste of all the savings Avhich you can accomplish through accurate, serviceable devices. I thank you A'ery much.

The Chairman. I am sure we all appreciate the word of caution

that the last speaker has given us. We all know the extreme importance of measuring this commodity under conditions that are ap- proved and safe. In the discussion that is to follow I hope that the State representatives will see to it that the local representatives who are with

them will give us the full benefit of their advice. We are goin,g to get a great deal of information from the people who are actually en- gaged in the inspection and testing of these devices. The discussion is now open.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, I beg to recommend that we proceed

to item No. 10 on the program.

The Chairman. Do you make that as a motion ? Is there a second ? (The motion being seconded, it was put to a vote and agreed to.)

The Chairman. We will proceed to the discussion of item No. 10 on the program, the " Report of the committee on specifications and

tolerances." The chairman of the committee will present the report.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES,

PRESENTED BY F. S. HOLBROOK, CHAIRMAN.s

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, your committee on specifications

and tolerances respectfully submits the following report

The undersigned were appointed to constitute the committee, re- placing the old committee which has been visited by the death of one member, Mr. John C. Connors, and the resignation of another,

Mr. L. A. Fischer, who was the chairman of the former committee.

Mr. Fred P. Downing, who has retired from the weights and measures work, also resigned.

Immediately upon the appointment of this committee in March,

1920, an organization was effected, and it was decided that on account

of the shortness of the time available before the present conference.

^ For text of specifications and tolerances as finally adopted, see Appendix of this report.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 65

specifications and tolerances for liquid measuring devices would be

the only class of specifications and tolerances which could be con- sidered by the committee.

At the last conference tentative specifications and tolerances for

this class of apparatus had been adopted, with the understanding

that these specifications and tolerances would be revised and finally

adopted at this conference ; and, consequently, at that time, members

and manufacturers were urged especially to study the tentative specifications and tolerances and submit criticisms and constructive suggestions for the use of the committee. Because this opportunity was

but little availed of, about April 14, 1920, the following letter was

addressed to manufacturers of liquid-measuring devices in the

United States and to all members of the conference on weights and

measures : Dear Sie : 1. At the Twelfth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures,

attention was given to the subject of liquid-measuring pumps and as a result

specifications and tolerances were adopted hy the conference. These are in- closed herewith. These were adopted tentatively only, and all members and

manufacturers were requested to give them careful study and attention. Recommendations for amendments were solicited and these were to be submitted by

members and manufacturers as soon as practicalde in order that the committee

on specifications and tolerances of the conference might have such material to guide and assist them in the preparation of a final report.

2. This committee is now functioning but comments have lieen received from

very few members of the conference. Therefore this letter is written to call the above facts to your attention and urge you to promptly submit any material which will be of service, to the end that proper consideration may be given it. 3. It was planned that the committee would complete its report so that it might be forwarded to the delegates about a month before the conference. On

account of the failure to submit the above-mentioned material and the late date

at which the connnittee was appointed, it may be found impossible to pursue

this course. However, the liest possible progress will he made and the report

issued at as early a date as possible.

This was followed by a letter addressed to all the pimip companies

and liquid-measuring device companies on our mailing list, and sent out under date of April 16. This letter cordially invited each com- pany to have representatives present to. attend the sessions, and also

invited them to put pumps on exhibition. It. further invited them

to submit blue prints and other matter describing their products for

the use of the committee.

A number of manufacturers specified their intention of exhibiting

their liquid-measuring devices at this conference, but they have

labored under the difficulty that you all know exists in regard to embargoes on express and freight and the enormous tie-up of freight

in the yards. As a result, out of a large number of pumps which

were promised to the conference only four or five have arrived.

These are now installed at the north end of the west building. The

committee Avould suggest that the delegates avail themselves of the

opportunity to inspect these exhibits which have been installed at a

considerable expense to the manufacturers of the devices, and at considerable expense for platforms, and so forth, to the Btireau of Standards. It is probable the consideration of the specifications and toler- ances will not have been completed by noontime, and with these in mind the delegates will be able to inspect these exhibits and perhaps

bring back some new ideas to the afternoon session. 10789—21 5
66 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

A third letter was sent out about 10 days before the conference was to assemble which transmitted a tentative report of the committee on specifications and tolerances. The text of this letter of

transmittal follows:

Deae Sir : 1. At the twelfth annual conference on weights and measures there were tentatively adopted specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring de- vices with the understanding that the committee on specifications and toler- ances would carefully reviev/ the entire matter, consider all amendments and

comments made by members and manufacturers, and recommend to the next

conference specifications and tolerances for final action. The committee has

been proceeding with this work and has now advanced it to a point where it is

felt that a tentative report can usefully be issued for the information of the

delegates.

2. A copy of this report is inclosed herewith. You will note that in some

cases specifications have been reworded, while in others the committee at present believes no amendments in the tentative specifications are necessary. In one case a recommendation that a specification be deleted is made. In those

instances where no decision has as yet been arrived at the specification is noted

as having been reserved for further consideration.

3. It may be stated further that considerable rearrangement in the numbering of the specifications is planned by the committee in the interest of continuity and clarity.

4. We urge that you give this report your careful attention and familiarize yourself with the requirements proposed herein to the end that the specifica- tions and tolerances as adopted by the conference may be fair and equitable to

all concerned.

5. Before this subject is taken up at the conference, which will be on Tues- day morning. May 25, the committee plans to place in your hands a final report

covering all its recommendations.

Yesterday, as you know, the final report was put into your hands

in order that you might have the opportmiity during the evening

of considering it, to the end that the specifications might not be read

at the conference for the first time, in which case many delegates

would complain, and rightfully complain, that they were unable to prepare their comments upon them in time to present them on the

floor. This document, of which you all have a copy, is entitled "Final

Report of Committee on Specifications and Tolerances to Thirteenth

Annual Conference on Weights and Measures." That is the report

which is to be considered here to-day.

Rewording of specifications has occurred in some cases, and in other

cases it has been suggested that the committee has no comments to

offer and no changes to recommend. In two cases it has been recom- mended that specifications be deleted. The order of the specifications has been rearranged in order that they may be presented in a more logical order than formerly, and in every case, for the assist- ance of the delegates, the new number and the old number of each

specification is given so that there may be no doubt in the mind of

anyone as to what specification is under discussion. Also, in each

case, for the convenience of the delegates, the original wording is jDrinted first and the suggested rewording follows immediately thereafter. Respectfully submitted.

f. s. holbeook,

Charles G. Johnson,

William F. Cluett,

Committee on Specif,catio7is and

Tolerances, Annual Conference.
THIKTEENTH CONFEEEK'CE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 67

DISCUSSION or SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR LIQUIDMEASURING DEVICES. 6

Mr. HoLBRooK. It seems that the best ^ay to present this will be

to read the specifications one by one and open them for discussion.

In former conference it has been the practice to vote upon each specification after discussion, and finally to adopt in toto the various ac- tions Avliich have been taken upon the individual specifications. I presume, if there is no objection, the reading of the rejDort will

continue at this time, beginning with specification No. 1. The Chairmak. Would it not save a little time if you simply call attention to the differences between the original and the suggested

rewording. Most of the delegates have read this, and if you will

simply take each specification in turn and say that the suggested re- wording is different from the other in certain respects, would not

that be sufficient, and avoid reading the details. Mr. HoLBRooK. If it can be understood, with a copy of this in the

hands of each delegate, that course may be followed very readily.

The CHAiRiiAJf. Sujjpose we try that. Just explain, if you will,

the suggested rewording, and how it differs from the first. Mr. HoLBROOK. Specification No. 1 contains a definition of the

devices intended to be covered by the specifications. Last year the

word " pump " was the basis of the definition. It has been found

that whereas practically every device includes a pump, this pump

is often not the most conspicuous part of the device, especially where

the device is intended to deliver by gravity. The word " pump " has,

therefore, been eliminated, and the definition has been reworded to read as follows

A mechanically operated liquid-measuring device, hereinafter referred to as a liquid-measuring device, is a mechanism or machine adapted to measure and

deliver Uquid by volume. I think as an addition to that specification, we might well say that

" Such a device often consists of a pump or a pump in combination

with other mechanism."

The Chairman. Is there anyone who offers objection or wishes to make suggestions in regard to the suggested wording? [After a pause.] If not, the Chair considers that there is no objection to the

adoption of this No. 1, and it is so ordered.

Will you explain the differences in Nos. 2, 3, and 4, Mr. Holbrook?

Mr. Holbrook. In the tentative specifications there was a specification. No. 2, which, in two parts, was intended to define " permanence."

In the opinion of the committee that specification was so broad as to include several distinct thoughts and, therefore, in rewriting the

specification the committee split it into three parts, the first of which

is headed " Permanence," the second " Plumb and level conditions,"

and the third, " Means required to determine level." The suggested rewording of new No. 2, headed " Permanence," is, I believe, identical with the old specification No. 2 in regard to the same subject. The main change in No. 3, " Plumb and level conditions," is the addition which requires

All liquid-measuring devices shall be installed plumb and level and their in- stallation shall be of such strength and rigidity as to maintain this condition.

' For text of specifications and tolerances as finally adopted, see Appendix of this

report.
68 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

The requirement that these pumps be installed plumb and level was to be inferred from the old specification, but it did not mandatorily require it. A considerable change has now been made in the specification re- garding the means required to determine level. Under the wording,

as adopted last year, every pump was required to be equipped Avith a two-way or a circular level, or leveling lugs, or a plumb bob to establish the level of the instrument. Now, it has been suggested by the

makers of a number of liquid-measuring devices that their devices are not affected by any ordinary changes in level, that they will deliver accurate measure when installed exactly level, and that they will

continue to deliver accurate measure when .the device is installed

considerably out of true. Such manufacturers urge that, if their de- vices will deliver accurate amounts when installed in any position

in which it is reasonably to be expected that they may be installed, to require a level on such a device is to require an unnecessary

refinement. In that respect the committee agrees with them. A

level, we believe, should be provided upon all pumps the accuracy of

which is affected by slight out-of-level conditions. However, if the

out-of-level condition has to be such that it would shock the conscience of the installation man to install it in such a Avay, then level- ing devices are no longer to be required for inaccuracies resulting

from such position. Therefore the committee has required leveling

devices only upon such pumps as are affected to the extent of

One-lialf the tolerance alloweil when set in any position on a surface making

an angle of 5 per cent or approximately 3 degrees with the horizontal. For those pumps Avhich are inaccurate Avitban the 5 per cent range

levels must be provided. In the case of those pumps which do not

become inaccurate by more than half the tolerance until after that

tilt is exceeded then no leveling device is required. That conforms

very closely with a similar specification for scales. A level is required

upon such scales as msiy not be set out of level by slight amounts

Avithout affecting the accuracy of the instrument.

The Chairman. You have heard the explanation iji regard to the new numbers, 2, 3, and 4. Are there any objections to the ncAv form?

Mr. Eamsdell (representing Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co).

Mr. President, if I am not out of order, I Avould like to inquire just

exactly what is meant by No. 4. Does it mean that a device is to be

proAdcled on the instrument for determining the level? Do I understand the leveling instrument itself must be made a part of the

deAdce, or may it be furnished as a separate instrument or provided

by the user? I haA^e in mind our OAvn product. I am representing

the Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co. in asking this question, and

it is quite possible ofi a A'isible pump, Avhich we are building, to de- termine very readily Avhether it is absolutely level or not without the use of an instrument. We have a line etched on the glass which Avill determine at once whether the pump is in leA^el or out of level. Will

that comply with this specification?

Mr. HoLBROOK. Any proper means which will show whether or not the deAdce is in IcA^el will be satisfactory. The specification does not require a leA'el bubble or a tAvo-Avay IcA^el, so called. Machined

lugs, across which an ordinary carpenter's IcA^el could be set in two

directions, would comply with the specification. Now, Mr. Ramsdell,
-THIRTEENTH COlSTFEEEaSTCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 69

I would like to ask you: Is the liquicl to be delivered by the pump

itself, AA'hen contained, for instance, in a visible chamber, used to establish the level of the pump ? Mr. Ramsdell. It could be very readily in our type of pump.

We have a graduated scale made up of a series of lines, one above

the other, and if that line is true and the liquid conforms to it, the

pump is in level. We also have a shelf just beneath the visible container to which a spirit level may be applied in all directions. So it may be leveled not only by the liquid which the container holds but

also by means of applying a level to this shelf which I have just

described at the base of the container.

Mr. HoLBROOK. If that shelf indicates level when the pump is in

level, and is not so rough that a level can not be established on it, that shelf would meet the specification. There would be no objection to establishing the level with liquid, except that it is my impression that gasoline pumps are usually installed in their final jjosition before any gasoline is drawn into them from the underground tank. Merely to be able to find out that your pump was out

of level after installation would be rather an unhappy solution,

because the level should be established before the final position of the

l)ump is determined. Unless it were possible to draw liquid into the

pump with safety from an underground container before the final position of the pump is established, a level determined by means of

the liquid drawn from the underground tank would come too late to save it. Mr. Neale. Did I understand that that mark is all around the

measuring container or just on one side?

Mr. Ramsdell. Our visible container is not built of glass throughout. It contains four windows that are, roughly, 2^ inches in width.

These windows face in four different directions, and it is across this

glass that we mark horizontally the graduated scale. It had occurred

to me that that might be used as a means of determining whether

the pump is in level. If that is not satisfactory, we have this shelf

that I have describedj Avhich is machined, and to which a spirit level may be applied all around, and the position of the instrument

determined.

Mr. HoLBROOK. It seems to me that if the shelf is in level when the

23ump is in le^^el, the machine will comply with this specification.

The Chairman. You have heard these comments. If there are no

further objections, we will consider the specifications Nos. 2, 3, and

4 adopted. [After a pause.] It is so ordered.

Will you read No. 5 ? Mr. HoLBRooK. Specification No. 5 refers to " units of deliveey,"

and requires that

Liquid-measurmg devices shall have the following discharge capacities per

stroke or cycle, and these only : One gallon, a multiple of the gallon, a

binary submultiple of the gallon.

In relation to those particular capacities, I may say they are the same capacities which have been adopted in the past for liquid measures. No change occurs in this specification except that devices delivering predetermined amounts corresponding to predetermined prices

at a definite price per gallon are not at this point reqviired to show
70 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

the amount actually delivered- to the customer. These words were

deleted here. Inasmuch as there is a general specification requiring

that in all pumps the delivery must be indicated, to include the words

here would be tautological.

The specification also requires that the price per gallon at which

the device is set must be clearly indicated by automatic means. In

the use of these devices it has been found that one price per gallon

will be advertised on the pump and, whether intentionally or by

inadvertence, the pump will actually lie set to deliver amounts at other prices per gallon. Moreover, a card showing the price per

gallon may be inserted and allowed to stand and the fluctuating

prices of gasoline may cause the operator to change the deliveries

from time to time, but without changin<i- the price per gallon which

is announced on the pump.

Now, these devices are intended to be installed at wayside stations,

and the main purpose of them is that an operator will not be required

to be at the pump at all. If an operator is not there to answer questions, there should be every opportunity given to the purchaser to know how much he is going to receive before he deposits his coin

in the slot, because if he has to deposit his coin in the slot in order

to find out, it is too late to repent of his bargain. Therefore this

requires that by some automatic means the customer be enabled to check the setting established by the seller of the gasoline. It merely

requires that the purchaser know definitely what price per gallon

he is paying for his commodity before he makes his bargain with

the pump by dropping his coin in the slot. Mr. Small. Mr. President, may I have the privilege of commenting

upon this section of the report?

The Chairman. You may.

Mr. Small. The chairman of this committee has suggested that

this last section of new No. 5 applies particularly in the case of coinslot machines, and that those machines may be used when no attendant

is present.

There is nothing in this specification anywhere, Mr. President, to indicate that they are to be limited in their application to pumps

for the delivery of gasoline. I assume that the committee has in

mind pumps for the delivery or sale of other materials. It is perfectly proper, I have no doubt, that pumps shall deliver liquids of one kind or another without the attendance of an operator. I re- spectfully submit that under no consideration should it be permitted

by inference from this specification or from any publication from

this conference that gasoline may under any conditions be delivered to an automobile without the attendance of a qualified operator. If

it were possible to amend this specification to cover that point, I should like very much to see it done.

Mr. Barnard. May I ask the speaker Avhat his objection is to that?

Define your objection, please.

Mr. Small. I can assume, Mr. President, that some boy will go

and drop a coin in the slot just to see the gasoline run out. I can assume some one will get 2 or 3 or 5 gallons and lug it down the

street in a can. We should not allow this material, gasoline, to be

handled in any such manner without the attendance of an operator

;

otherwise your fire hazard is obviously an extreme one.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 71

Mr. Johnson. There is at the present time absolutely no restric- tion placed upon the sale of this commodity, and as Mr. Small's

objection is confined to problematical conditions, I do not think it is well taken. These conditions are available to-day even in the best

and most elaborately constructed apparatus, attended by the most

competent operator. A small boy could purchase a quart of gasoline, or any amount of gasoline, and a woman could do the same

thing, for any purpose, in a can or pail, so I do not believe Mr.

Small's objection is of any importance.

The Chairman. Are we not getting over into the question of

safety? Do Ave want to go into the safety regulations? It is very

important, of course, but it has nothing to do with the accuracy of

the measuring device. It seems to me proper to consider this from

the standpoint of measuring devices, and then afterwards, if necessary, we can take up the question of safety. Mr. Small, of course,

is interested in the safety subject, as he should be. Mr. Barnard. That is what I was going to submit, that I thought

that was a matter of safety. It is possil^le for a small boy or anyone

else to go to any pump standing by the roadside—the operator might

be some distance away—and pump out a half gallon and spill it on

the ground. That is a matter of safety, in my judgment. I think

that matter should be taken up in a separate specification and not in

every one of these individual specifications as they come up. Mr. Eamsdell. Are we to understand that No. 5 applies to vending

machines only?

The Chairman. No ; I do not so understand it. Mr. HoLBROOK. The proviso applies to vending machines only, but

the body of the specification apiDlies to all pumps.

Mr. Smith. It seems to me that it is the intention of the committee to have this indication of price at which the machine is set conspicuous to the customer. It might be well to include the Avords

" to the customer " after the word " indicated," in the last line but one of the specification, making it read in this manner : But in such cases the device shall be so constructed that the price per gallon

at which it is set at any time must be clearly indicated to the customer by auto- matic means. I think it would be plainer if that amendment was made.

Mr. HoLBROOK. The committee has no objection to that amendment.

The Chairman. If there are no other remarks, the Chair will consider that specification No. 5 is adopted as amended. [After a pause.]

The next is specifications Nos. 6 and 7. I will state if at any time

there is any question you can call for a vote. I am simply trying to save time.

Mr. HoLBROOK. In relation to specifications Nos. 6 and 7, in view

of the fact that very considerable comment is liable to be made upon

these, I would in this case like to read both the old and the new

specifications with running comments thereon. Original specification No. 7 provided that—

All liquid-measuring pumps of whatever type used in retail trade shall be so

designed, constructed, and graduated that their indications can be read or their discharge readily determined within an amount which is not greater than the

value of the tolerance as hereinafter provided.
72 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

That specification was A^ery frequently misunderstood, and a careful study of the Avording will demonstrate that the misunderstanding was justifiable. The specification Avas not written to impose upon

the manufacturers all that they assumed might be imposed under its jjroAasions. In a brief submitted by a number of manufacturers that

specification is treated in the folloAving way

A recommendation is made that the specification be stricken out on

account of the following reasons

We recouinieiul that tliis I'eqnirtnnent be stricken out because of the extreme

sensitiveness of an instrument required to sliow on a graduated scale an amount

witliin the tolerance and make necessary correction for parallax.

Furthermore, it is our opinion that the accuracy of the pump is not deter- mined by these indications, but rather by sealed positive quantity stops. So much for old specification No. 7 and the recommendations made

in regard to it. Old specification No. 27 read as follows

In all gauge-glass or tloat gauge types of liipiid-measuring pumps which have

a graduated scale as the sole means of determining the amount of liquid dis- charged, the length on the scale e(iuivalent to the tolerance at any point must

be readily appreciable when the character of the indicator and normal distance from the observer's eye is taken into consideration, and in no case shall this length be less than 0.04 inch. NoAV, it is immediately apparent to all of you that old specification

No. 27 is distinctly a proposition of sensitiveness, and therefore that

old No. 7 and old No. 27 ought by their very nature to be considered

together. Therefore the committee, with due regard to all comments

made thereon, have amalgamated specification No. 7 and specification

No. 27, and also specification No. 8-a. The suggested rewording is

fiidicotioii of Dclii'cii/ l'c(jiiirc<L—All liquid-measuring devices shall be so designed and constructed that the amount delivered will be clearly and definitely indicated by automatic means, and the indication of any delivery shall take

place only when the full discharge has in fact occurred. That, so far, has been required by the old specifications, and I think

that these regulations may be defined as very reasonable ones, merely

requiring, as they do, that the customer be informed by the instrument as to the amount which the instrument has deliA^ered after the

full discharge has been completed. Noav, specification, new number

7, covering sensitiveness

Mr. Ramsdell. Ma}^ I interrupt you there just a moment on that

section Avhich you have just read?"^ We of the industry would like to bring to your attention the question of piston-rod displacement. I believe most of us, if not all of us, provide on our pumps an indicator

that indicates the discharge at the top of the stroke, but, as a matter

of fact, the measurement is not complete until the piston has been

returned to zero. During that downAvard stroke Ave get what we

call the piston-rod displacement. We roughly figure that to be

something Avithin the tolerance, but we thought Ave would like to bring that to your attention this morning for a ruling from you in re- gard to it. We do not like to entertain any idea of change in the de- sign of the pump ; still we want to bring to your attention the fact

that the deliA^ery is not completed absolutely until the piston has been

returned to zero, and Ave were a little bit puzzled as to just what

might be meant by the Avords, beginning Avith the third line, " by

automatic means," If you will kindly straighten us out on that
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 73

point and give us your ruling on the piston-rod displacement, we will

be very much obliged to you.

Mr. HoLBROOK. The piston-rod displacement is a hard nut to crack.

It is true that on every device which has a graduated scale and a piston the delivery is not completed until the pump has been stroked

up and then stroked back to zero, and a graduated scale, perhaps

necessarily, indicates that the full amount has been delivered when

the stroke has reached its highest jioint, and before the stroke back,

resulting in the dribble flow, has occurred. I think that the dribble

flow is usually within tolerance. In a good many types, with a five- eighths-inch rod, which I believe is common, the ciribble flow amounts

on a 5-gallon stroke to perhaps 6 or 8 cubic inches. Is not that

correct ? Mr. Ramsdell. We figured one last evening, an eleven-sixteenths

piston rod—and I think that is about what most are using now—and

it figured on a 24-inch stroke about eight and a small fraction cubic

inches on 5 gallons.

Mr. HoLBKooK. That checks my figure, because I used a slightly

smaller rod.

Now, the problem of the dribble flow is certainly not solved by

a straight vertical scale, which indicates that 5 gallons, or the

capacity of the pump, has been delivered when the stroke has reached

the top and when it is not indicated in some way by the pump that

the piston is to be returned to zero. The committee has been cogni- zant of that, but has not found a solution for it, although I believe

that there are some devices on the market which now require the

complete up-and-down stroke before the registration on a counter,

but that still does not save the graduated-scale registration. It seems that a great many of the delegates are especially interested

in this dribble flow, and we would be glad to hear if anyone has a solution for it. Mr. Barnard. Mr. Chairman, I think our friend from Minnesota,

Mr. Neale, has some very decided opinions on that subject, and I w^ould like to hear him express hirnself upon the floor of the convention.

Mr. Neale. We have not solved the problem of piston-rod displacement, but it does seem to me in the suggested rewording that if that language, beginning in the second line, after the word " means," were to be followed to the letter, it would in fact bar all perpendicular arrangements of scales. Following that language, that condition can never be met. We will have yet to deal with displacement.

It seems to me we could still preserve that perpendicular scale if the committee could arrange to have an additional clause providing that the size of the piston rod be held within a certain degree, so that some manufacturer Avill not come along later and to suit some

fancy of his own produce a piston rod an inch in diameter, for in- stance. These last two lines of that wording surely would bar the

familiar perpendicular scale with parallel graduation. It seems to me that possibly a clause could be added to the effect that the pistonrod diameter of any type Avould be limited so its displacement did

not exceed half the allowable tolerance, for instance, on a given

stroke.
74 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

Mr. Irvine. Would it not be impossible, or practically impossible,

to operate a pump if a piston rod were increased to an inch in diameter ? Would not the friction be so great as to make it inoperative ? The Chairman. No ; but it seems to me there is a suggestion which

could be made, and that is that the piston rod could be made of

tubing and hollow. That would not have much displacement. After

all, what is going to happen if you do not complete the downward

stroke? It is not the gasoline vendor that gets that; it is the next

customer that comes along. So, it seems to me, if the man who sells

it is not going to get the advantage of it, he is not going to do that

thing: but the graduations ought to indicate what the thing is going

to deliver. It means that the graduation represents that there is now in the receiver a gallon, or whatever it is. The graduation is there to tell what is to be delivered.

Mr. ScHOENTHAL. Your statement would be true if it were not for

the fact that the operator of the pump, by not returning his pump

to zero, could often drain tlie hose after the customer leaves the

pump.

The Chairman. That would be ]Dossible. Certainly it would be

possible, would it not—I ask some of the makers—to make the piston

rod hollow, and its displacement could be made very small?

Mr. Frary. Mr. Chairman, in considering the last two lines, " and

the indication of any delivery shall take place only when the full discharge has in fact occurred," it just occurs to me, how would this

apply to a visible machine? For instance, if the purchaser is asking

for 5 gallons, the indication of 5 gallons takes place before any dis- charge has been made. What does " full discharge" apply to there?

Does it refer to the discharge into the customer's receiver or dis- charge into the measuring device of the instrument ? The Chairman. The measuring device of the instrument, I believe.

Mr. HoLBROOK. I think that the indication of the delivery in that

case is not the showing of 5 gallons, or whatever amount is in the

container, but the decrease of the amount to the point where the

pump is empty. Obviously there is no indication of discharge until

discharge is occurring. I think that a zero at the top of the scale merely shows that nothing has been discharged, and that when the

liquid starts to fall in the glass container and passes the 1 gallon

point it indicates the discharge of 1 gallon; and it indicates similarly the discharge of 2 or 4 or 5 gallons, or any number of gallons

up to the capacity of the device.

Mr. NoRRis (representing the National Meter Co.). This discussion on this matter has been of great interest to me. We have developed a meter for measuring gasoline that will show the exact amount of gasoline passed, and it would be entirely independent

of the pump. This could be attached on the tank and the actual

amount passed be registered on the dial face of the meter. I should

be glad to have you gentlemen look at my meter at noontime, and I

will show 3'ou what we have there. The Chairman. The other gentlemen might say that if the ca- pacity of the cylinder is properly registered it would be a test on

your meter. Each one might say that the other is a test. Mr. NoRRis. Yes, sir ; but it will win against the pump every time.
THIRTEENTH CONFEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 75

Mr. H01.PROOK. The sentiment of the conference, perhaps, might

be expressed in this specification by exempting the dribble flow, if, in the opinion of the conference, tlie dribble flow should be exempted,

by saying

Provided, liovcrer, that this shall not ai)i)Iy to the additiuotil flow resulting

from the rtisiilacoment of the piston rod during the return of the stroke to the

zero point

or something of that sort ; and with an additional proviso, i^erhaps,

that a clear and immistakable statement should be placed on the

pump to the effect that the registered indications are not, in fact, correct until the piston had been returned to its zero ])osition. The

dribble flow in the case of a piston-type pump, Avhen used in connection with the gratluated scale, is one of the hardest nuts to crack,

I believe, in all specifications upon liquid-measuring pumps, and

I merely suggest something whicli may properly protect a purchaser to the extent of the 6 or 8 or 9 cubic inches which result while

the piston is being returned to its initial position. Is there any

comment upon that suggestion ? Mr. Neale. It seems to me, acting upon Mr. Holbrook's suggestion, it would be well to leave off all after the word " means," and

stop right there. The rest is not involved. After the word " means,"

do not open up the question any further.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Yes ; but Mr. Neale, if we stopped at " means," we

still require that it shall be clearly and definitely indicated by auto- matic means, and in our opinion that still does not take care of the

dribble flow, because certainly if a pointer reaches the 5-gallon mark,

and 5 gallons has not been delivered, it has not been properly indicated by automatic means. I do not believe you can dodge the

question.

Mr. Neale. If the first part is ambiguous, then the second does not

help any. Mr. HoLBROOK. The second, part helps to this extent, that very

often we have a counter at the top of the pump which purports to indicate when the stroke has been completed, and if that counter is incorrectly set it may conceivably operate while you are still, if you

please, an inch or a half an inch from the top of the scale. It would

be perfectly possible in that case to run the piston up to an incorrect

point where the counter indicated and immediately start to reverse

the stroke, in Avhich case you would get the dribble flow, it is true,

but you might lose an inch or half an inch from the top of the cylinder. Those Avords were included to meet that circumstance. I think

the dribble flow must not be disregarded, for the dribble flow comes

under the first part of the specification, and by cutting out the last part of the specification you allow a fraudulent device to be installed.

Perhaps this would not be done by the manufacturer, but the indication of the counter could readily be changed by the operator of the

pump.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, I think what the chairman of the

committee has stated is true, that it is a knotty problem, and apparently the manufacturers have not solved it. It is a hard nut, and I do not think many of the delegates have given that particular feature

of it much consideration, as much as they might have given it. Would it not be well to put that particular specification over to the
76 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

next conference, asking the committee on tolerances and the manufacturers, as well as the sealers, to put a good deal of thought on

that, so it can be finally settled at the next conference? From reading over these siDecifications last night that is one specification that

seemed to me to be an awfully hard one. Mr. HoLBROOK. Dr. Reichmann, it occurs to me that a delay of a year is not necessary to include a proviso which may contain a half

a dozen or a dozen words.

Mr. Reichmaxn. Will the proviso solve the problem'^ If it will,

well and good.

Mr. HoLBROoK. This dribble flow is a matter which everybody, so far as I know, has been entirely cognizant of for the last three or four years, and I think a good many of the delegates have put, and

I know all of the manufacturers have put, a great deal of thought on the matter. Perhaps, instead of saying that we postpone con- sideration of the specification for a year, something might be

thrashed out in time for this afternoon's or to-morrow's session.

That woidd solve the problem just as well as we ever can solve it, because Ave know the difficulty which we are encountering now just as well as we ever will know it. Mr. Reichjiaxx. Why not put it over until to-morrow morning

for the proper Avording of that instead of this afternoon?

Mr. Bean (representing Wayne Oil Tank & Pump Co.). I Avas just

going to propose a A'ery similar proviso at the time you suggested it. I believe it Avould be readil_y accepted by the industry, and I believe

by most of the delegates. I think the industry is very anxious to see these specifications entirely completed this year if possible.

The Chairmax. If there is no objection, the further consideration

of this particular j^aragraph Avill be deferred to some time later in

the meeting. We Avill leave it to the committee to bring it up at the

opportune time. With reference to No. 6, haA'e you any explanations ? Mr. HoLBROOK. I haA^e no further explanations on No. 6. The Chairmax. Is there any objection to No. 7, or have you any

explanations to make on No. 7?

Mr. HoLBROOK. Yes; I think there are some very necessary ex- planations on No. 7. No. 7 is a neAV specification in regard to sensitiA'eness. Once again. I Avould like to call attention to the misunderstandings Avhich have occurred in reference to this specification.

The old specification did not intend to require that an amount within

the tolerance be shown on a graduated scale, Avhen, in addition to the graduated scale, there Avere positiA^e stops proAdded. Therefore,

w^e think the manufacturers' criticism that extreme sensitiA^eness of

all instruments required to show on a graduated scale the amount

within the tolerance, when it is understood that the accuracy of the

pump is not determined by these indications, but rather by sealed

quantity stops, is entirely Avell taken. With that in mind, the specification has been reworded to read as follows

All liquid-measuring devices shall be so designed and constructed that they can readily be operated to deliver each quantity for which a graduation, stop, overflow pipe, or other indicating means is provided, within the tolerance on

such amount hereinafter provided.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 77

Now, as worded, that allows a pump with sealed quantity stops

that will indicate to the purchaser the amount received, and which

will deliver within the tolerance when operated so that a stop or overflow pipe is used, to be acceptable without the accuracy upon

the graduated scale which would otherwise be required. Moreover,

this specification, we think, is not susceptible of the misinterpretation that it must show within the tolerance quantities of liquid which

the pump is not essentially designed to deliver. It was urged against

the old specification that if a man conceivably called for sevensixteenths of a gallon of gasoline, then that seven-sixteenths of a gallon must be I'egistered within the tolerance on seA^en-sixteenths

of a gallon. Leaving out the fact of whether that was a reasonable

interpretation of the specification or not, we may say that the specification was never written with that in mind. You will note in the

present specification that only those amounts are required to be

delivered within the tolerance for which a graduation, stop, overflow

pipe, or other indicating means is provided. In other words, the

manufacturer in building his pump will indicate by its construction that his pump is designed to deliver certain amounts, and for

each amount for which he provides a graduation, or a stop, or other

indicating means the tolerance must be met. But for amounts Avhich

the pump is manifestly not designed to deli^^er, no delivery of such

amounts within the tolerance is required.

Now, to continue with sensitiveness, and include the idea of old

specification No. 27, the following wording has been adopted

This specification sliall be construed to require tliat in the case of all devices which have a graduated scale or dial or similar indicating means as the sole means of determining the amount of liquid discharged

In other words, a pump without a definite stop or overflow pipe

the lengtli on the scale or dial equivalent to the tolerance at any graduation must be readily appreciable when the character of the indicating element and

its normal distance from and position in reference to the observer's eye are taken into consideration, and in no case shall this length be less than 0.04 inch. The next sentence is still ambiguous, and we woidd suggest that it be read as follows. It will be rather long, but.it will cover, perhaps,

the conditions.

If the graduations on the scale or dial are equally spaced and the delivery

chamber is of the same cross section throughout its length, this specilication

requires a minimum length on the scale or dial of 4.6 inches per measured

gallon. The maxinmm cross sectional area of the measuring chamber at the

gallon point must be 50 square inches ; if cylindrical, the maximum diameter must be 8 inches. The reason we have added the additional elements at the beginning

is this : That occasionally pumps are constructed in which some deliveries are defined by stops, and other deliveries are defined by the

graduated scale. Now, the intention of this specification is to require

that a pump be able to deliver any amount Avhich it is designed to deliver to an accuracy within the tolerance. In the opinion of the

committee, and in the last year's opinion of the conference, ordinarily

0.04 of an inch separation of two reading elements is discernible, and

less than 0.04 of an inch is very likely to pass unnoticed. Therefore

the length on the scale equivalent to the tolerance at any point is required to be 0.04 of an inch. Any graduation must show the toler-
78 BUKEAU OF STANDAKDS.

ance to a degree represented in vertical height by 0.04: of an inch.

Now, if on the 1-gallon mark it is necessary to set the indicator—no

stops being provided—to within 0.04 of an inch in order to show

2 cubic inches, it will require a measuring chamber of a diameter of

8 inches, and it will require a length for that first gallon of 4.6 inches.

However, on 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 gallons only an equal sensitiveness is necessary. In other words, at the 3-gallon point, for instance, it is sufficient if the tolerance at that point, which is 6 cubic inches, is represented by a vertical height of 0.04 of an inch. Therefore, if a manufacturer constructs a device which does not depend at the gallon

point upon the graduated scale, all that he is required to show is 0.04

inch in vertical height for the tolerance at the first graduation which

must be depended upon. Now, I find that rather a hard thing to ex- plain ; but if it is not clear, we can go into examples. But, at any rate, I think the language covers it. In case the gallon is the first graduation, and in case no stop is provided at the gallon, and the graduations are equally spaced, and the measuring chamber is the same

cross-section throughout its length, then under those conditions the

maximum diameter is specified as 8 inches and the minimum height

of the first gallon on the vertical scale is specified as 4.6 inches.

Mr. Neale. Mr. Chairman, would that anticipate that such a de- vice would not be usable under 1 gallon ? Mr. HoLBRooK. It is the opinion of the conmaittee that a measuring

pmnp holds itself out to deliver this first graduation within toler- ance; otherwise there is no excuse for putting such a graduation on it. There is no limit to the fineness Avith Avhich a graduated scale may be

made, Mr. Neale. The committee considers it a reasonable requirement that the first graduation on the pump be capable of being delivered within the tolerance provided by the conference, since if such

delivery can not be made within such tolerance your tolerance upon

small amtounts- means nothing.

Mr. Neale. That means really that your tolerance requires that 1 gallon corresponds to 4.6 inches. In other words, the wording of

that is to be interpreted similar to the tolerance on a scale, for in- stance. Is that right? Take the tolerance, for instance, on a 10- pound spring-dial scale ; the tolerance is fixed as the tolerance on the

10-pound scale for the complete revolution, and this is on a basis of a

gallon, equivalent to 4.6 inches.

Mr. HoLBROOK. I confess I do not follow you. The tolerance is fixed upon the graduations of the pump. If a pump is designed to deliver a quart it must be able to deliver a quart within the tolerance.

If it is designed to deliver a gallon for its smallest delivery, then the

pump must be capable only of delivery within the tolerance on the

gallon, because the pump does not hold itself out as being able to deliver less than a gallon of liquid accurately. Anybody who uses the pump for less than a gallon will be misusing a device which has

been put into his hands to measure quantities of 1 gallon or in excess of 1 gallon, but not quantities less than 1 gallon.

Mr. Eamsdell. You do not require, as I understand it, a quantity

stop for each graduation shown on that scale. That is, if we have a 5-gallon scale and a graduation for each gallon, a quantity stop is not required for each gallon. Am I correct in that ?
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON "WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 79

-- 390/3.

- 2ya/s.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Your quantity stops are not required at any gallon

mark, provided you have a scale and pointer which under the terms

of this specification will deliver the amount desired within tolerance.

Mr. Eamsdell. I understand that; but suppose that the spacing

between the gallons, on account of the size of the cylinder, is less than

4.6 inches. Are we then required to have a quantity stop for each

graduation on the scale ? Do I make myself clear ? Mr. HoLBROOK. Let us figure it on the first gallon. In case the

first gallon has no quantity stop, the length representing the first gallon must be at least 4.6 inches. However, a scale like this

[drawing a scale on the blackboard ; see fig. 1] is allowable under

the specifications. On this scale [indicating] this represents the first gallon, this represents the second gallon, this the third, this the

fourth, this the fifth gallon, for the reason that you must have 0.04

of an inch in vertical height for the tolerance at each point. In

other words, 0.04 of an inch in vertical height must

equal 2 cubic inches here. [Indicating the first gallon graduation.] At this point 0.04 of an inch

in vertical height may equal 10 cubic inches. [Indicating the 5-gallon graduation.] You are suffi- ciently sensitive up here, because you were equally

sensitive up here and down here. [Indicating

5-gallon and 1-gallon graduations.] If your graduations on this scale are equally spaced, the tolerance on 5 gallons being five times the tolerance on 1 gallon, the vertical heights corresponding will be

in the same proportion, and your apparatus is five times as sensitive up here as it is down here, which

is not absolutely required.

Mr. Eamsdell. Suppose we have a scale marked

for 5 gallons, a graduation for each gallon equally

spaced, as they would be on a cylinder where the

diameter is uniform throughout, and let us suppose,

for the sake of argument, that that spacing is less than 4.6 inches to the gallon. Are we required to have a quantity stop on

each gallon as we go up the scale, at each mark shown on that scale?

Mr. Holbrook:. No; it is perfectly possible that upon such a device as you mention, a quantity stop would only be required at the

first gallon. If there is no quantity stop at 1 gallon, 0.04 of an inch

is required to represent 2 cubic inches, and the height of the scale must be 4.6 inches per gallon. However, if a quantity stop is provided at 1 gallon, and there is no graduation between 1 gallon and

zero, and no other graduation until the 2-gallon point is reached,

then at the 2-gallon point reference to the scale must be made if there

is no quantity stop there. At the 2-gallon point the tolerance is 4

cubic inches; 2 cubic inches may represent 0.02 of an inch in vertical height. Therefore upon such a scale, when the gallons only are graduated and there is a stop at the first gallon, it will be satisfactory

if the vertical height per gallon is 2.3 inches. Have I expressed that

idea?

Mr. Eamsdell. I think so. It was not quite clear here and my

effort has been to draw out a statement from you, so these specifications may not only be understood by the industry but by the sealers.

J- Fig 1.—Scale hav-

; equal sensi- tiveness at each

graduation. m
80 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

If we had a cylinder that would give a spacing of 2-| inches to the

gallon, or 3 inches to the gallon, as we go up, the question I had in

mind was would Ave be required to have a quantity stop at each

gallon, or would you be satisfied with a quantity stop at the 1 gallon

only ? Mr. HoLBROOK. Yes. In case 3^our length per gallon is not less than 2.3 inches and there is a quantity stop at the gallon point

always considering that a proper pointer is used, and there is a lack

of parallax, etc., which is considered in other specifications—then no

quantity stop will be required at or above the 2-gallon point. Of

course, if the length on the graduated scale is 2 inches per gallon, you

would require quantity stops at all graduations below the 3-gailon

mark, because at 2 gallons the tolerance .still would not represent on

the vertical scale 0.04 of an inch.

We may proceed in either of two waj^s. We can delete the sentence

starting with the words, " If the graduations on the scale or dial are equally spaced," etc. Xothing is sacrificed by the deletion of that

part of the specification because that is just an example of what is required. However, we would like to retain those figures inasmuch

as it does not necessitate every man doing his own figuring. So, if we

read

That 1 gallon is the smallest amount which the device is designed to deliver, and if in addition there is no stop or overflow pipe or other automatic means

of stopping the delivery provided at the 1-gallon point, then if the graduations on the scale are equally spaced and the delivery ohamlier is of the same cross

section throughout its length, this &i5ecilicatif)n requires a minimum length on

the scale or dial of 4.6 inches pi'r measured gallon. The maximum cross-sec- tional area of the measuring chamber at the gallon point nmst he .50 square

inches ; if cylindrical the maximum diameter must be 8 inches. The last sentence reads exactly the same as at present with the

addition of the pi'oviso that the gallon is the first graduation, and

there is no stop at the gallon point.

Mr. Neale. Mr. Holbrook, that last part there—I am just asking

for information—it is just simply calculating the first part?

Mr. Holbrook. Calculating the first part absolutely.

Mr. Neale. Would it not answer the whole specification if you

worded it beginning at that paragraph,

This specification

Of course, I have not a copy of the other before me

This specification shall be construed to require that in the case of all devices which have a gi-aduated scale or dial, or similar indicating means, as the sole means of determining the amount of liquid discharged, the length on the scale or dial equivalent to 1 gallon shall be 4.6 inches. Mr. Holbrook. You have not put in any provisos. I do not think

that would cover it at all, because it is not required to be 4.6 inches

if there is a quantity stop, and moreover, we must consider cases where

there are some graduations which are defined by quantity stops and

therefore the graduation is not depended upon for accuracy, but at other points no quantity stops are provided, and therefore the graduation is the sole means of determining the delivery.

Mr. Neale. Then, you do not intend this to be analogous at all to the specification, for instance, for devices like cylinder scales or analogous to the cases
THIRTEENTH CON-FEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 81

Mr, HoLBROOK. No; because in nearly all of those scales you have

in mind the graduations are equally spaced. There is no requirement

in this tliat graduations be equally spaced.

Mr. Neale. When they are equally spaced it would be an analogous

case. Mr. HoLBRooK. And when- these other conditions are met, for in- stance, I know of no scale in which you read the graduations of the

scale above 3 pounds, and the 1 pound and 2 pounds are weighed

automatically or weighed in a predetermined manner. Here sometimes 1 gallon is predetermined, and the scale is depended upon at points above 1 gallon. We have no similar instance of scales so built. In that respect it is not at all analogous to a scale. The Chairman. It seems to me we have two points here: One is that the committee has endeavored to fix tolerances of some kind,

which is all right. Then, down toward the end, where you begin with

" if," about six lines from the bottom, you mean it for an example ? Mr. HoLBROOK. Yes.

The Chairman. You begin it, " For example, if the delivery chamber is of the same cross section," etc. Now, I understand that the photographer is ready, and lunch will

be ready at 12.45. Now, would it not be well, Mr. Holbrook, to defer

six as well as this one and report on Nos. 6 and 7 at the same time ? Mr. HoLBROOK. I do not believe that is necessary, Dr. Stratton, be- cause they do not depend upon each other in any way.

The Chairman. Is there any objection to the new No. 7 as now

proposed? If not, the Chair will understand that—Mr. Reichmann

Mr. E.EICHMAN. That is the new IS! o. 7 as read?

The Chairman. As modified by the chairman of the committee.

Mr. Reichmann. I believe the only objection that has been

raised—I personally can not get the committee's point of view on that

at all. Mr. HoLBROOK. If that is the case, we might adjourn now. The Chairman. We will ask the chairman of the committee to write this out. Mr. Reichmann. If he will write that out so we can have it before

us and look at it, I think it will simplify matters. Mr. HoLBROOK. We do not want to do anything in the dark. We

want you to understand what you are voting on. Mr. Reichmann. We do not understand that yet.

The Chairman. We will ask the committee to rewrite this, and it is barely possible they can get together and give us a recommendation

on No. 6 as well. The consideration of No. 7 and possibly No. 6 will

be the first thing after lunch.

APPOIITTMENT OF COMMITTEES.

The Chairman. I have been asked to appoint a committee on reso- lutions at this time so they can be ready to report later. I will ap- point Mr. Mote, of Ohio; Mr, White, of New York; Mr. Meredith, of

Massachusetts; Mr. Dinsmore, of Nevada; and Mr. Smith, of Wisconsin.

10789—21 6
82 BUEEAU OF STANDAEDS.

I will also appoint as the committee on nominations the following

members : Mr. Cluett, of Illinois ; Mr. Richardson, of Virginia ; Mr.

White, of New York ; Mr. Irvine, of Utah ; and Mr. Fuller, of California. I will ask you to meet here promptly at 2 o'clock. There is a good

deal to be done. The hour was put at 1.30 o'clock, but probably we

can not get back by that time.

(Thereupon, at 12.30 o'clock p. m., a recess was taken until 2 o'clock

p. m.)
FOURTH SESSION (AFTERNOON OF TUESDAY, MAY 25,

1920).

The conference reassembled at 2.30 o'clock p. m., Mr. Charles G.

Johnson, vice president, presiding as chairman.

DISCUSSION OF SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOB LIQUIDMEASURING DEVICES (Continued).'

The Acting Chairman. Gentlemen, Mr. Holbrook has informed

me that he has recovered sufficiently to continue the discussion of the

specifications and tolerances, and we will noAv begin where Ave left off. Mr. Holbrooe:. The committee feels that the last sentence in new

Specification No. 7 will be clearer as an example if worded as follows

For example, if a device is designed and constructed so that (1) 1 gallon is the first graduation; (2) there is no stop, overflow pipe, or other automatic means of terminating the delivery; (3) the graduations are equally spaced;

and (4) if the cross section of the measuring chamber is the same throughout

its length, the minimum length on the scale or dial shall be 4.6 inches per measured gallon, the maximum cross-sectional area of the measuring chamber shall be 50 squai'e inches ; and if cylindrical, the maximum diameter must be 8

inches. Now, during the noon recess some one has drawn on the board

three scales which are used or may be used upon liquid-measuring

devices, and has made the inquiry, under the provisions of the

specifications as worded which of these, if any, would pass the specifications. (See fig. 2.) In all these cases all graduations are equally

spaced.

Referring to No. 1, the length of the gallon in this case is 3.25 inches and a stop is provided at 1 gallon, at 2 gallons, and at 5 gallons, while at the 4-gallon point and at the 3-gallon point it is necessary to bring a pointer into coincidence with the line in order to determine the delivery. If the gallon graduation is the first one on

this scale, if no graduation between zero and 1 gallon is provided,

this No. 1 complies with Specification No. 7 as written.

No. 2 is a scale which depends entirely for its accuracy upon stopping a pointer in coincidence with graduated lines—and let me

say that we are presuming in each of these cases that the lines are

distinct and that the pointer is properly shaped and that the other

requirements are met, such as that parallax is eliminated to as great an extent as possible, etc., so that it is possible to stop the pointer

within a reasonable degree of accuracy to the lines. The measuring

space on this scale is 4.8 inches per gallon. If there be no graduations included between zero and 1 gallon on this scale, then it complies with specification No. 7 as written.

2 For text of specifications and tolerances as finally adopted, see appendix of this report 83
84 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

The third shows a space per measured gallon of 4.6 inches, and

shows a stop at every main graduation. If there are no graduations

between zero and 1 gallon on this scale No. 3, it complies with the

specification as written, always presuming that the pump is accurately calibrated.

Mr. Ramsdell. Mr. Holbrook, could the stops be omitted on

No. 3?

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Yes; the stops could be omitted on No. 3. Mr Ramsdell. Suppose we had a visible container that is supplied by a measuring pump located in the base. The diameter of

the visible container is such that the spaces between the gallon marks

provi ded

f^Q atop provided - 4-cfa/s.

Ho stop

provided - 3<fols.

pnovided - Z<fa/s.

provi'ded

No

iinieryneaiaTe,

5fops

provided I Zoa/s

to

No.L

iflot

./5

prcvtaea

No. Z.

ejDcJi scale ore ecfo

provided

pr>avicfedl

pro^tdea

"Stop provided

5qal5

3cjals,

-- Z qa/s

l€jal.

pro fol ded ^

Wo. 3.

All cfraduations on eacJi Sco/e are eyt/o/Zy Spaced.

Fig. 2.—Three scale arrangements illustrative of provisions of proposed specifications.

are much less than in No. 3, probably as close together as in No. 1, and maybe a little closer. Yes ; they would be a little closer, because

the diameter is 10| inches, I believe. Now, we have below that a

circular device that is of sufficient diameter to give us your spacing

of 4.6 inches on the circumference. Would it be necessary to have

any quantity stop in that visible container ? If not, can we show on

the glass of that visible container any graduations ? Mr. HoLBKOOK. Is the measuring part of the pump defined by

stops, or do you depend upon

Mr. Ramsdall. We depend upon the circular dial. Mr HoLBROOK. But you depend upon a sharp pointer and the

graduation lines. Mr. Ramsdell. No; there is no pointer at all, Mr. Holbrook, in

this case. We have the visible container that will show the consumer
THIRTEENTH CONFEKENCE ON" WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 85

or the buyer that the container is full and the different amounts

standing off against the graduations. Now, we have below an all- metal measuring pump, to which is attached a circular dial, and that

circular dial is of sufficient diameter to give us your spacing of 4.6 inches per gallon at the circumference. Now, the question I want to

raise is can we show any markings whatever on that glass? There

is no overflow pipe or quantity stop, as it may be called, in the visible

container. We have got our measurements below apparently in ac- cordance with your specifications.

Mr, HoLBROOK. That is the point I wanted you to make. The

measuring pump below the visible container complies with all specifications applicable to the piston-type pump?

Mr. Ramsdell. Yes. Mr. Holbrook:. And you merely put your gasoline up into a measuring chamber—no; not a measuring chamber—up into a visible

chamber, but you use your measuring pump for the purpose of determining the quantity?

Mr. Eamsdell. Yes. Mr. Holbrook. I think that would comply.

Mr. Barnard. Mr. Chairman, if I am in order, it seems to me this

particular section is going right over the heads of most of us. I know it is going over my head. I am not in a position to vote intel- ligently upon that one proposition. It seems to me it would be advisable if this new specification that Mr. Holbrook has prepared

could be struck off so we could look that matter over to-night and

study it, and take advice on it, it would be advisable to do so ; possibly we would be in a better position to vote on this particular specification to-morrow. I am prepared to tell you right now I do not

know how to go about it. If it be in order, Mr. Chairman, I would move you that this particular specification go over until some time

to-morrow morning, in order that we may have time to consider it. I make that as a motion.

A Delegate. I second the motion. . The Acting Cihairman. No. 5 goes over until to-morrow. It is the consensus of opinion of the conference that Specifications Nos. 5,

6, and 7 be referred to to-morrow's calendar for special and individual consideration. If there be no objection, such will be the

order.

Mr. Barnard. If we can have the mimeographed copy of the

amendment that Mr. Holbrook proposes, so we can consider that

carefully, it would help. I do not think the majority of us have got

it clear in our minds, so that we can consider it, without it being

written out in some shape or form, if you please.

The Acting Chairman. It might be well, also, for those who have

any further recommendations as affecting that specification to also prepare themselves with specific information, so that the committee

can determine upon it, because it is the intention of the committee

to endeavor to have all these specifications considered and passed.

There will be no tentative specifications provided.

(The motion was put to a vote and agreed to.)

The Acting Chairman. Mr. Holbrook will have the rewording of

specification No. 7 mimeographed for the benefit of the conference.

Mr. Barnard. I thank you.
86 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. HoLBRooK. Old specification No. 26 occurs at this point, being new specification No. 8, referring to " Constancy of delivery." The

old specification provided that the amounts delivered should be

within the tolerance provided, irrespective of the speed with which

the apparatus is operated and irrespective of the time elapsing between operations, and j^rovided for a test for a 24-hour period, re- quiring that the indication of the first delivery of the apparatus,

after standing for a period of 24 hours, should be within the alloAV- able tolerance. There was a note attached to it merely explaining

the change in volume of gasoline resulting from a change in temperature and providing that that effect be eliminated in taking the

first delivery. The committee recommends that that specification be

reworded to read as follows:

The amounts delivered by any liquid-measuring device shall not vary from

the standard by more than the tolerances hereinafter provided, irrespective of the speed at which the apparatus is operated, and, subject to the conditions

of the special test described below, irrespective of the time elapsing between

operations. For the purpose of test, tlie condition of the device shall be such that a period

of nonuse of one hour shall not result in an error of the first delivery of the

device after such period of nonuse greater than the tolerance allowable on

the smallest amount which the pump is designed to deliver ; and a period of nonuse of six hours shall not result in an error of the first delivery of the

device after such ijeriod of nonuse greater than 10 cubic inches, or in the case

of a new liquid-measuring device 5 cubic inches. The same note in regard to the allowance for temperature variations is then included, and a further note to the effect that

In applying the 12-hour test it is recommended that the delivery be not made through a hose, since the amount of gasoline necessary to wet the inside of the hose will cause an additional shortage in the delivery.

Such shortage in the delivery should not be charged to the liquidmeasuring device.

The time element in that specification has been cut from 24 to 6

hours since, in the opinion of the committee, pumps after some time

in service will probably not stand up to the original requirements.

It is the opinion of the committee that while no iDroper specification can be introduced requiring a priming stroke of the pump before

the first operation in the morning, that the sealers and inspectors

and superintendents throughout the country might well require by

rule and regulation a priming stroke, and enforce that requirement

in their respective jurisdictions. However, it is not considered that

that is a proper requirement to put into the specifications which

cover the manufacture and installation only.

Mr. Neale. In regard to that specification, the first figure " 12,"

in the copy I have, should be " 6." Eefer to the words " in applying

the 12-hour test," should that not be " 6-hour test " ? Mr. HoLBROOK. That is right.

Mr. Neale. While I have the floor I will call attention to the fact

that the mimeographer has run in the word " pump " instead of

the newly adopted word " device."

Mr. HoLBROOK, " Device " is right.

Mr. Neale. I should also like to ask, in applying the six-hour

test, since it is recommended that the delivery be not made through

a hose, " How otherwise shall it be made? "
THIRTEENTH CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 87

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Upon special tests, such as this involves, the hose

might be removed and delivery made directly into your measure from the spigot.

Mr. Neale. I had in mind the question, " Do these large couplings come off readily ? " Mr. HoLBEOOK. I understand the removal of the hose is a very

simple process. The manufacturers might check me on that. The Acting Chaieman. Many operators remove the hose, especially if it is attached to a pump which is on the outside, and not

under cover. I know in California, almost every station removes the

hose every night. So the fact that the specification requires this test to be made from the spigot without the hose, will not be any inconvenience to the operators.

Mr. Neale. Do you refer, Mr. Chairman, to the can spigot, if there

be one ? The Acting Chairman. No ; to the original outlet in the hose at- tachment.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Of course, delivery may be made from the spigot if they do not desire to utilize the hose.

The Acting Chaieman. Is there any further discussion on this particular specification ? Mr. CoEET (representing S. F, Bowser & Co.). There is one pump

of our manufacture in which the removal of the hose would be rather

difficult. There are cases, of course, such as the chairman speaks of,

where the hose is exposed and readily removable, but in one type of

pump, the hose is inclosed when the pump is closed, and is not readily

removable.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Mr. Corey, in the case of any hose which is not

readily removable, delivery might well be made tlirough the hose, but

by calling the attention of the people who are going to enforce these

specifications to the fact that the wetting of a hose is a factor, then I take it that if they find it necessary to deliver through a dry hose,

they will allow in addition to this tolerance an amount which is found sufficient to wet such a hose after such a period of nonuse. Mr. RAMSDELii. We assume in paragraph 3 on page 4 that we have

under discussion, beginning with the words, " for the purpose of

test," etc., that you refer to a 5-gallon pump. Would it not be well, if that is the case, to specify that in the language there inasmuch as you

have specified the tolerance of 10 cubic inches in the next to the last line of that paragraph ? Mr. HoiiBEOOK. There is no reference to a 5-gallon pump in that

specification, so far as I can see. Mr. Ramsdell. Should there not be such a reference ? Mr. HoLBROOK. No ; I do not think so. Mr. Ramsdell. Did you not have a 5-gallon pump in mind? You

specify the tolerance for a 5-gallon pump.

Mr. HoLBROOK. What will be the ratio of leakage of a 5-gallon

pump and a 1-gallon pump ? If you had the same number of valves

in a 1-gallon pump of a given type that you have in a 5-gallon

pump—and I take it the valves are about the same size—are they not

subject to about the same degree of leakage regardless of the capacity

of the pump? Then, obviously, if a 5-gallon pump is going to leak

this much in six hours a 1-gallon pump will probably leak approxi-
88 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

mately the same amount, considering that the valves are in the same

condition, will it not ? The committee did not have in mind a pump

of any certain capacity in this specification, but they had in mind that

the series of valves used in the pump might leak within this allowable

limit, and that outside this allowable limit the pump should be laid

up for repairs.

The Acting Chairman. Are there any further comments on that

specification. (After a pause.) If not, it will be the consensus of

opinion that the specification is approved and passed.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Original Specification No. 3 covered 'Tndicating

and registering parts,'" subdivided into two parts, (a) and (6). Old

Specification No. 10 (h), in the opinion of the committee, contained

details which should be incorporated with old No. 3 for the sake

of clarity. These suggestions have been introduced into the new

wording, reading as follows : Counters and graduated scales used on liquid-measuring devices to tally sales and deliveries to individual purchasers or to indicate the amoiint de- livered when any portion of the cycle or stroke has been completed shall be

(if such size and style and shall be so located and disposed that they ai'e clearly

visible to and readable by the customer from any position which he may reason- ably be expected to assume. The graduations shall be of such character and

arrangement that the major ones are clearly distinguishable from the minor

ones.One word has been omitted in the first part of that specification. It may not be necessary, but it clarifies it to a certain extent to in- clude after the words " counters and graduated scales " the word

" dials " used on liquid-measuring devices, etc. I think there is no

modification in the meaning of the old specification.

The Acting Chairman. Is there any discussion on this specification ? Mr. Neale. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me that is something that

is pretty important. We have certain scales made to-day, and used,

which start out horizontally and gradually rise in the scale, getting

away from parallelism, and I believe that is worthy of consideration, because, even though a manufacturer did not intend this to be used as an actual measuring element, it is so used. It seems to me that if after that sentence is completed, after the words "minor

ones," a comma should be placed there and these words added, it would do away with that kind of scales in use

and the graduations on all linear scales shall be parallel to each other, and

perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring chamber. I presume all inspectors and officers of weights and measures here

are familiar with that particular scale of which I speak. It involves

what I term an ingenious engineering principle whereby you can make any adjustments and still have the pointer come some place on the line, but it is an extremely difficult matter to set it properly.

Hence, I believe that the words " all graduations on all linear scales shall be parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the longitudinal

axis of the measuring chamber" should be added. I can not see why that particular manufacturing company believes it is making a good measuring device and adheres to that kind of measuring

scale.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 89

The Acting Chairman. Do you not think, Mr. Neale, the specification in its present wording does obtain the object which the specification is designed to obtain ? Mr. Neale. By the wording here, " so located and disposed that

they are clearly visible to the eye.? " The Acting Chairman. Yes. Mr. Neale. I maintain that a pointer about the size of a round lead

pencil and brought to a sharp point, coming some place on a slanting

line, is not close enough to measure by when tolerance is considered.

The Acting Chairman. On account of there being a variety of

these pumps, I do not believe there is any objection on the part of the

committee to accepting the recommendation of Mr. Neale. Have you

in mind just the wording you want used?

Mr. Neale. Yes ; I meant to offer that to the committee.

The Acting Chairman. Just specify again exactly the wording

you want, Mr. Neale.

Mr. Neale. After the words "minor ones," place a comma, fol- lowed by the words " the graduations on all linear scales shall be

parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of

the measuring chamber."

The Acting Chairman. Do all the delegates understand that

recommendation ? Mr. Bean. The gentleman refers to the scale on the pump manufactured by my company. That pointer can only be brought to one

point on that scale to correspond with any position that the stop is sealed in. Consequently, it is not quite true that the pointer may be

brought to any position on that line, for after the stop is adjusted

so that the pump is delivering the quantity called for by that particular stop, the pointer is brought to a corresponding position on

the line and sealed. It is even a more accurate way of adjusting the

pointer to a graduation than if the lines were parallel. I do not

think any such clause as that should be put in the specification.

Mr. Neale. Mr. Bean is perhaps all right in his statement. When

you do set the stop and operate to the stop, it is true' you can not go

any farther, and the pointer coming crossways of one of these slant- ing lines will have to rest some place, and perhaps in the proper

place, but, indeed, there are all kinds of lines on these scales that

have no stop to guide them, hence the graduations become purely and

simply the measuring elements. In talking to many operators I have

yet to find but two who coincide in their ideas as to where that finger

should rest across one of those slanting lines. Some say it should

just touch it, and some say it should coincide with the point outside.

It is true it will touch it at some place. Mr. Bean, you have a certain

number of stops there, have you not ? Mr. Bean. Yes. Mr. Neale. Opposite these stops comes a particular line, but how

about these other places—gallons and half gallons—where there are no stops?

Mr. Bean. You adjust the pointer.

Mr. Neale. Are you guided by the pointer in measuring other

quantities where there are no stops ? Mr. Bean. Yes ; that pointer is sealed.
90 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Neale. Indeed, yes; but I maintain again that when a pointer comes against a line in a variable slanting position, no man in the

world can tell Avhere that mark or position is going to be. I have

had no discussion with the gentlemen here about that particular

thing. I presume they are familiar with it, but I dare say that until

they have learned of its ingenuity it has struck their minds as peculiar to see a scale come from a manufacturer with these slanting

lines and the pointer up against them. The place of intersection of

the pointer and the line is so indefinite that I can conceive, having

made some study of it, that few persons will knoAv when the pointer

arrives at the j^roper point on the slanting line. The Acting Chaiuman. Speaking entirely from the practical point

of view, I believe that scale has given us more concern than perhaps

any other element in the Avork. I have had constant complaints from

the men in the field, who did not understand and did not seem to comprehend. They did not know where the quantity was determined on the line, by reason of its slant, and it was only after a long and

detailed explanation on the part of your service men that I personally grasped the principles of the construction. I believe it Avould

be a proper specification to endeaA'or to obtain parallel graduations

have the fixed quantities indicated on a horizontal line. I am speaking to you entirely from personal experience. What is your opinion

of it, Mr. Holbrook? I am Aery much in favor of your suggestion.

i.»Ir. Neale.

Mr. HoLBKOOK. I think it is a question for the conference to decide

upon. They have in mind exactly the kind of a scale which is re- ferred to, and they haye an amendment before .them telling what

kind of scale is desired, and it becomes a matter of the consensus

of opinion of the delegates as to whether the former scale has caused

trouble, and whether the latter scale is preferable; and, if it is the consensus of opinion of the delegates that that cleAdce is not a proper means of determining quantity, they can so express themselves by an

adoption of the amendment proposed.

The Acting Chairjian. Do all the delegates understand just what

particular part of the apparatus is under discussion? If jou do not, we will make a drawing or diagram so it Avill be perfectly clear. Mr. Barnard. I suggest that you make the drawings, Mr. Chair- man.The Acting Chairman. We could not ask a better man to do that

than the representatiA'e of the Wayne Co.—Mr. Bean. Will you

kindly make a drawing here of j^our scale?

Mr. Eamsdell. Mr. Chairman, I want to suggest at this point that

Mr. Bean make a demonstration of his pump. He happens to have

one here. I think he can make his position A^ery clear with that

pump before us. It seems to me a demonstration of that kind will

be highly desirable before the delegates are called upon to pass upon

the matter. The Acting Chairman. This Avill be satisfactory to the delegates ? Mr. Bean (drawing sketch on the blackboard; see fig. 3). The

scale is something like that [indicating]. The 5-gallon mark is horizontal. The other graduations slant gradually downward. The

pointer is here [indicating] on an adjustable stop which can be

sealed, and after the stop—any quantity stop—is sealed, the pointer
THIKTEBNTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 91

is then set to the line to correspond Avith that stop and sealed, and

it will be found that in each case—this is logarithmic scale—when

any particular point here is correct on any sealed stop that the other

points nnist be correct where they hit the line. That is a mathematical principle. It is a scale which has been approved by the

Patent Office. These slanting lines are in such position that the

pointer can not be wrong if the first gallon stop or the 5-gallon stop

is correctly sealed and the pointer in turn sealed to correspond with

either one of them. The balance of the graduations must come right.

The pointer m.ust set so as to deliver an accurate quantity. In other

words, if this line right here [indicating] is that broad, and you

set the pointer, after sealing the 1-gallon stop, so that it just touches

thei'e [indicating], it will just deliver the quantity at 3 gallons when

it comes to the same position at the bottom of the

line on each of the other graduations. If you set it at the center of the line, it would come just to the

center of the line at these other graduations.

The Acting Chairman. To make it clear, the

pointer first comes even with your horizontal line

indicating your 5-gallon capacity. As your pointer

reaches a point it has to touch the point of contact with this graduation here [indicating], leaving

this part of the graduation exposed and not cov- ered by your pointer. I believe these lines here are

a little more slanting.

Mr. Bean. Yes, sir; I believe they are a little more slanting.

The Acting Chairman. The question oftentimes

referred to me is at what particular point on this

line is this pointer supposed to make contact. It seems that the operators of the pump sometimes

stop here [indicating] , and there has been more or

less misapprehension on that point.

Mr. Smith. Mr. Chairman, I think, owing to the

construction of this device and the explanation

which Mr. Bean has given, we can understand how it is supposed to be operated ; but the difficulty is this, as I see it : The man who adjusts

the pump may adjust it so that the extreme end of the pointer, the

sharp end of it, will intersect the graduation line at the lower edge.

The Acting Chairman. Mr. Smith, in drawing this graduation

line the width has been exaggerated ; they are not that wide.

Mr. Smith. No ; I realize that. The Acting Chairman. They are approximately, I believe, about

six one-hundredths of an inch, are they not, Mr. Bean?

Mr. Bean. Yes ; they are one-sixteenth of an inch.

Mr. Smith. Regardless of that fact, the pointer intersects the line

at an indefinite relationship. The operator of the pump may read

to that point, or he may read to where the heavy part of the pointer

intersects the edge of the scale, which is very much different from

the end of the pointer. There is a difference there represented by

the short leg of a right-angle triangle. The distance represented on

the blackboard there, which is, of course, exaggerated, is about threequarters of an inch. It is that inability of the operator to know

Sqals.

J tfa/s

2 cjals.

t<jal

Fig. 3.—Scale having nonparallel

graduations.
92 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

where he shall read that pointer in connection with his scale that

introduces the difficulty. Instead of reading it to the point, as he is supposed to do, he perhaps reads it halfway in the middle of the

pointer, and uses as his indicating line the edge of the scale, which is not what he is supposed to do under j'our explanation and according

to our understanding.

The Acting Chaikman. Is this matter now thoroughly understood by the conference? Inasmuch as it is an amendment to the

recommended specifications, I wish some one would make a motion to the effect that it be adopted, so we can take a vote on it. Mr. Smith. I move the amendment to Specification No. 9, as read

by Mr. Neale, be adopted.

The Acting Chairman. Is there any further discussion ? Mr. Bean. The scale will do all it is required to do. The pump

can be set so as to deliver within the tolerance, and there will be no

trouble if the sealers will all set the center of the pointer to the center of the line. They can easily be instructed to that effect. To change

that means redesigning that entire pump. If you endeavor to make

this section retroactive, it will throAV out thousands of pumps all over

the country.

The Acting Chairman. There is no intention to make it retroactive, Mr. Bean.

Mr. Bean. We would have to redesign the entire pump. That means a cost of a great many thousands of dollars. I believe instructions could be issued so that sealers can set that pointer exactly, and we know positively the pump will deliver within the tolerance.

There is one pump with that scale on demonstration here now, and I would like to bring it up here and demonstrate it to you gentlemen.

The Acting Chairman. Does the conference require any further

instructions on this particular phase of this specification ? Mr. Bean. I can have that pumjD disconnected and brought up

here in a very few minutes.

The Acting Chairman. Would the delegates prefer to have a mechanical demonstration made of the apparatus before deciding

upon this matter ? Mr. Cushman (representing the Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing

Co.). Mr. Chairman, as it is the pointer that is giving the trouble,

in other words, as we do not know which end of the pointer or which

part of the pointer should be used, a button on the end or something

to designate just which part of the pointer should come in contact with the line might be a Avay out. Anything, whether it be an arrow- head or anything to indicate that it is the end of the point which

should intersect the line, might help you.

The Acting Chairman. Make the point more definite. Mr. Bean. The point now is the same as the point of a lead pencil.

Mr. Neale. It is an important proposition, and the delegates could

well afford, out of courtesy to the company, to give them the privilege

of showing this machine here. There is a point of intersection as it goes by—there must be—but still it remains for me to find out how

we can know the point of intersection. I am informed the repre- sentative of the company who makes the device

The Acting Chairman. Under the privileges of discussion on the

motion, we will include a mechanical demonstration for the benefit
THIKTBENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 93

of the conference of this particular part of the apparatus, through

the courtesy of Mr. Bean.

Mr. Bean. To-morrow morning?

The Acting Chairman. No ; this afternoon. Is it convenient for

you?

Mr. Bean. Yes, sir. The Acting Chairman. Would you prefer to make this demonstration in the morning ? Mr. Bean. It does not make any difference to me. Mr. HoLBROOK. Do you think you can get the pump up here ? Mr. Bean. I think probably in 15 minutes, if we can have a truck

to haul it over. It will not take very long to disconnect it. Mr. HoLEROOK. It could go over until to-morrow morning in consideration of these other specifications all being laid over, but any

time that suits you is all right.

The Acting Chairman. As long as the matter is on our minds right

now, suppose we continue with the demonstration.

Mr. Seraphin. Why not, after the adjournment of this meeting this

afternoon, go down in a body and have the demonstration on the

platform ? The Acting Chairman. The delegates will not go down there. It

is better to have the demonstration here and now. Mr. Corey. I rise, not to make objection, but simply to ask that

there be some emphasis placed on this portion of this paragraph say- ing that the reading shall be clearly visible to and readable by the

customer from any position which he may be expected to assume. That is a rather indefinite proposition.

The Acting Chairman. It is intended to be indefinite. Mr. Corey. The question is, " What is a reasonable position ? " The Acting Chairman. I do not believe we can determine that by

any measurements.

Is it, then, the consensus of the opinion of the conference that Specification No. 9, in its present wording, i& approved? [After a pause.]

The Chair will so rule, and we will act upon the amendment after the

demonstration.

Mr. Smith. Mr. Chairman, there is a matter which has occurred

to me in the study of this matter, and I am not sure in my own mind

whether it should be mentioned in the discussion of No. 9 on this page,

or No. 12, which occurs later. This matter refers to graduation lines. This paragraph is headed " Indicating and registering parts," and

No. 12, to which I refer, is entitled " Lettering—graduations."

The Acting Chairman. I believe it comes under No. 12. Mr. HoLBROOK. Graduations should be stricken out of No. 12. That

refers to old No. 10 (b), which is now No. 8. Mr. Smith. Briefly stated, my thought is this: We have said in

this specification that graduations shall be of such character and ar- rangement that the major ones are clearly distinguishable from the

minor ones. In other specifications, we have brought out the fact that

the indications should be clear and distinct; the reading, in other

words, should be clear and distinct. I think we have left the matter

somewhat indefinite, and to clarify that I would suggest for the consideration of the conference something to this effect

In all types of liquid-measuring devices which have a graduated scale as the

sole means of determining the amount of liquid discharged, the width of the graduation marks shall not exceed 0.04 of an inch.
94 BUKEAU OF STANDABDS.

I have suggested that figure as being readable and at the same time

not too small. I think a graduation mark 0.04 of an inch wide will

be clearly visible from any position which the customer can reason- ably be expected to assume. At the same time I think it is small

enough to give us an accurate reading. I should like to see the maximum width of graduation marks on all devices which are solely

dependent upon graduated scales for their reading to be specified as a certain definite amount, and I would suggest that figure.

The AcTiKG Chairmais. Is there any further discussion on the

recommendation of Mr. Smith ? If not we will consider the motion

covering that particular amendment, Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith. I move 3"ou then, Mr. Chairman, that Specification No.

9 be further amended by the insertion of the following words, following the amendment proposed by Mr. Neale

In all types of liquid-measuring devices which have a graduated scale as the

.sole means of determining the amount of liquid discharged the width of the graduation marks shall not exceed 0.04 of an inch. The Acting Chairmax. Are there any further remarks regarding

this amendment to Specification No. 9, as proposed by Mr. Smith?

Mr. Xeale. I second the motion.

(The motion was put to a vote and was agreed to.) The Acting Chairman. We will then proceed to No. 10. Mr. HoLBROOK. Specification No. 10 includes the material formerly

included in old Specification No. 9 in reference to pointers and indicators. The specification reads as follows

All pointers and indicators which when used in conjunction with a graduated

scale or dial indicate the amount of liquid discharge or the value of the deUvery

at a predetermined price per unit of volume shall be so shaped that a correct and accurate reading is given. Pointers and indicators are required to be symmetrical about the graduation lines at which they may stand. The width of that part of the pointer or indicator which reaches to the finest graduation

marks shall not be greater than the width of such marks.

The only change of imjDortance in that specification is the defining

of blunt-ended types of pointers, and limiting them to widths not

greater than the width of the finest graduation marks on the scale over which the}'^ travel. The Acting Chairjian. Is there any further discussion of that

specification. [After a pause.] If not, it will be the consensus of

opinion that that specification is approved and adopted.

Mr. HoLBROOK. The suggested rewording of new Specification No.

11, old Specification No. 17, is as follows

When a liquid-measuring device is provided with a graduated scale or dial, this scale shall be riveted to its supports or otherwise permanently fixed in position: Provided, however, That in the case of liquid-measuring devices of the gauge-glass type a sliding scale will be permitted when the displacement

of such scale is, by suitable means, automatically prevented at all times when

liquid is being discharged from the delivery outlet There is no change of importance in the rewording of that specification.

The Acting Chairman. Are there any recommendations or dis- cussions on that specification. [After a pause.] If not, it will be the consensus of opinion of the conference that specification No. 11 is approved and adopted.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON "WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 95

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Specification No. 12 formerly was headed "Lettering—graduations." Part (a) reads:

All markings, Insti-uctions, and graduations required under these specifications

shall be of such size, design, and location that they will not tend to become

obliterated by dirt or oil, or for any other reasons tend easily to become

illegible. Section (h) of this specification, as tentatively adopted last year, has been incorporated with Specification No. 9, which has already

been adopted. No change has been made in Specification No. 10 this

year except that—I think no change at all has been made.

The heading " Lettering—graduations " is a little bit conflicting,

but inasmuch as the specification calls for graduations so placed that

they will not tend to become obliterated by dirt, that heading might

still be continued.

The Acting Chairman. The original specification consequently is unchanged. Is there any discussion on this specification ? Mr. Smith. There is a situation which I have noticed on some of

the so-called visible devices in the matter of the placing of the figures. I refer to such sequences of figures as 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, on the glass of a

visible device. I think that such a system of numbering is at fault. I think the sequences should be in regular order from 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or something of that nature. I think we merely multiply the possibilities of error if we have an inverted or reverse

whatever you call it—scale, such as I have mentioned. I would suggest also that a provision be incorporated in this specification providing that the numbering should be uniformly spaced, or placed, in ref- erence to the graduation marks. I have seen visible devices where the

numbers were rather inaccurately placed. That is, they were slopped

around more or less in relation to the line itself. I would suggest,

then, for the consideration of the conference, a motion to the effect that this specification be amended by substituting a semicolon for the

period at the end, to be followed by this wording

Figures defining the value of graduations shall be uniformly placed in refer- ence to the graduation lines and shall be in regular sequence, that is, sequences

such as 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, shall not be permitted.

Mr. HoLBKOOK. Would you object, Mr. Smith, to making that a separate specification ? Mr. Smith. Not in the least, Mr. Holbrook.

Mr. HoLBiJOOK. I do not think it quite conforms to the idea of Specification No. 12. It seems that that might readily be inserted just

before Specification No. 12, and when the specifications are promulgated, the numbers can be changed accordingly.

Mr. Smith. That will be entirely satisfactory. My suggestion that

it be incorporated in No. 12 was to avoid the necessity of renumbering the specifications.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. That can be done later. The Acting Chaieman. Is there any further discussion of this

amendment to Specification No. 12?

Mr. Baenaed. I second the motion.

(The motion was put to a vote and agreed to.) Mr. HoLBEooK. Specification No. 13 now reads as follows

Scales in opposite directions proMhited.—^The use on a liquid-measuring device, of two graduated scales reading in opposite directions and referable to the same indicating means, shall not be permitted.
96 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

No change in meaning has been incorporated in this specification,

which was old Specification No. 11. The Acting Chairman. Are there any objections or discussions on

this specification ? [After a pause.] if not, it will be the consensus

of opinion that the specification is adopted.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Specification No. 14 includes the material formerly

contained in old Specification No. 8(6). The material in 8(a)

has already been incorporated with new No. 6, which has been laid

aside for the present. The suggested rewording of the specification

is as follows

All liquid-measuring devices shall be so designed and constructed that the indi- cating element in tallying deliveries to individual purchasers is returnable

readilj' to a definite and clear zero reading before the next delivei'y is begun.

There is no material change in the specification adopted last year. The Acting Chaieman. Is there any discussion or objection with

reference to that specification?

Mr. Neale. To place the matter properly before the conference, I move that the following amendment be made to the specification, as read by Mr. Holbrook. After the word " begun," which terminates

the sentence, place a semicolon instead of a period, and then follow

with this wording

And this return movement shall be in a backward direction only, and a stop must be provided to prevent the travel of the movable elements beyond the zero

gi-aduation in the backward direction. Mr. S3IITH. Mr. Chairman, I second the motion of Mr. Neale.

The Acting Chaieman. That recommendation was considered by

the committee, but the committee did not feel that it had had suffi- cient amount of evidence to justify incorporating that phase into

the specification. The question in the mind of the committee was

whether this specification is applicable, or whether it is possible and

practicable, or whether it is appropriate and could serve any purpose

which is not being obtained to-day without inflicting upon the manufacturers of pumps a great deal of unnecessary expense. I simply

quote the conclusions of the committee in discussing that phase of it. Mr. Nealj;. I will discuss the reasons why I propose that. In the

first place, it is not impossible, and, indeed, it is now being nicely

done by several manufacturers. I had in mind there the round

counter which clicks along as deliveries may be completed, possibly

to the figure " 7

"—seven gallons. I know it is a nice thing for the

public to see that 7 before them; it is conspicuous and plain, but

many of the types were so easily manipulated they almost invite

fraud, because the least finger motion will push them forward to 8 or 9 or 10, as the case may be. Hence I can see no reason why it can not be arranged. I know it has been done, so that the operators

seeking to perpetrate a fraud easily would be barred somewhat from

doing it. In turning it back to zero to get his next showing for the

next customer, which is proper, he could not go past zero and make a showing of 10 immediately, or 9; he could only go to zero and stop

and start over again. That is really what the thing is intended to do. I have seen made by my friends, the manufacturers, loose tin pan

arrangements, which the wind can almost blow around. It seems to me that when you are striving for specifications that will do this,

that, and the other thing so closely, there is no reason to leave a thing
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 97

that invites fraud on the part of the operator. You have a pointer

in some cases with a little thumb projecting outward, and you can

easily turn the counter back to zero and start over again, it seems

to me that if I can just as easily throw it forward and by a sleight-ofhand performance show 9 when I only gave T, it is dangerous. I can not see why it can not be mechanicaliy taken care of and do away

with an easy way of perpetrating a fraud.

Mr. PococK (representing Dayton Pump & Manufacturing Co.).

It seems to me that objection is covered by the fact of our having it in full view of the customer, in any reasonable position. That is in- tended to cover that point exactly. That can not be done without the

customer being able to see it. If it was something he could do

secretly and uhderhandedly it would be a different thing. Another

thing is the difficulty of making such a device. I do not believe the

point is well taken.

Mr. Corey. Mr. Chairman, I know personally of no such device

having been made and I can see difficulties in the manufacture of

such a device. Neither do I see that any particularly good end is to be served. If the operator is bound to cheat he need only turn it back a gallon or two short and count it on the next delivery. He

can start wrong just as well as he can end wrong. I can see no particular point to be gained by the complicated device which, so far as I know\ has not yet been designed to meet such a possibility.

Mr. HoLBROOK. If I may say a word here, I have seen at least one

device, and I think that possibly Mr. Neale may have such a device in

mind, that to my mind was extremely objectionable. It was on a new

design of pump, which certainly was never turned out in any great

quantity, and it was of such a nature that it certainly should be prohibited upon the ground that it facilitated the perj)etration of fraud,

and it was under that specification that we criticized it. In view of

the fact that the manufacturer of the device at once admitted the

fraudulent possibilities and at once changed the device so that it could no longer easily be manipulated, .the specification to the effect that no device shall be such as to facilitate the perpetration of fraud was sufficient to afford the necessary protection in that case. Now, as Mr. Johnson hfis said, the committee considered this, but

in the time available they were not able to judge with accuracy in

regard to the probability of constructions that would be necessitated

by the amendment which Mr. Neale has proposed, and I think that

Mr. Neale might dwell upon that phase of it a little bit for the information of the conference. Also, while Mr. Neale is on his feet, I would like him to express an opinion as to whether the device which

he has in mind can be, in his opinion, sufficiently regulated under the

specification which forbids the construction of a device in such a way

as to facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

Mr. Neale. Mr. President, it is a pretty big contract. It is pretty

hard for each one of us in his own bailiwick to say what is and what is not fraudulent. I will not express my opinion as to how a thing is painted because I dislike the color or something like that. I have in

mind—this is a family affair, I presume, and we can speak names of

manufacturers—I have in mind a type where the pointer stands still and the background, consisting of a chart, turns ; it flips about ; it is a loosely mounted chart. It seems to me it is a wheel which is actu- 10789—21 7
iBUBEAtJ OF STANbAiliDS.

ated by the upward movement of the plunger piston that I have seen

in a recent development. The representative is right here in this room. They have taken care of it wherebj^ it could not be pushed

forward but could be turned in a backward direction and stopped

at zero. I can not imagine, Mr. Holbrook, then, but what you can

take a comparatively simple toothlike arrangement and do it. Personally, I think it can be done mechanically and simply and give that

thing the dignity of what it means. If it is sufficiently taken care of,

Neale wants to go back, and as long as he is there make no rule which

is not indorsed by this conference. Whether my idea in regard to it is turned down by the conference or not, I would be happy to go back

and abide by it. In other words, I would rather go home wrong and

be supported than to go home right and be alone.

Mr. Ramsdell. I want to indorse what Mr. Corey has said in this matter. The industry is pretty well represented at this conference,

and, so far as we Icnow, nothing of the kind is being used by us manufacturers at least. We have never seen anything of the kind on any

pumps. If it means the redesigning of the pump, or a portion of it, it

is going to put us to a great deal of expense. If, however, something

is to be gained by it, I think the industry will be glad to consider it. If anything is to be gained by this change, we are heart and soul in

this effort to give the public the benefit of it. The competition in

industry is sufficient to sharpen our wits in an effort to do that. There

has been a very great improvement made in these instruments in the

last few years, and it still continues. We are building a better product

to-day than we have ever built before, and we would like to build it better, but we do not like to be called upon to make changes that are going to involve a great deal of expense unless it can be clearly shown

that something is going to be gained hy it ; that "the public is going

to get more than they are getting now. We feel very much opposed

to this change that has been suggested.

The Acting CnArRMAN. I believe the conference should be cog- nizant of the fact that in the judgment of the committee they did

not deem it wise to go into the matter, and so far as I am personally

concerned, as a member of the committee. I would like the matter

to go over until next year and be considered then as an amendment to the specification. However, that is my personal opinion.

Is there any further discussion upon this amendment ? It has been

moved and seconded that it be adopted. Are you ready for the ques- tion?

(The motion was put to a vote and was rejected.)

The Acting Chairman. The amendment goes on the table for

reconsideration by the conference committee next year. Mr. HoLBEOOK. Specification No. 15 includes that material which was formerly included in tentative Specification No. 16. It reads as follows

Stojis to he positive.—Wlien the stops or other stroke-limiting devices on a

liquid-measuring pump are subject to direct pressure or impact, in the operation of the pump, such stops shall be of such construction that the permanence

and security of their positions is not solely dependent upon friction ; that is, under the conditions designated, the construction must provide for a positive, nonfrictional engagement of the parts whose relative motions are to be pre- vented.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 99

Before going further we may say that a number of misunderstandings have occurred on that specification, and as in one or two

other cases, which have formerly been jDointed out, it is probable

that arguments upon the specifications would arise for this reason: The specification is almost self-contradictory. Two pieces of material which are to be held together in such a manner that their en- gagement is solely dependent upon friction, is one thought. A

positive nonfrictional engagement of the parts whose relative motions are to be prevented, it occurs to the committee, is another

and different thought. To require a device which is not solely dependent upon friction is a weak construction. To require a positive nonfrictional engagement of parts is a very much stronger

construction. Therefore, in adopting this specification in its final form, it appears to the committee that it should either adopt one wording or the other, and should not attempt to define the Avords

engagement of parts not solely dependent upon friction " hj using

the words " a positive nonfrictional engagement of the parts whose

relative motion is to be prevented."

Jn considering the placing of the stops, the committee has come to the conclusion that a set screw, fastening the stops upon a smooth rod

is not a satisfactory engageriient. While there may be some question in the minds of mechanical engineers as to whether or not that is an engagement which is not solely dependent upon friction, few

mechanical engineers will disagree with the Statement that such

a device is not a positive nonfrictional engagement of parts whose

relative position is to be prevented. Therefore, in reAvording the

specification, the committee has adopted the latter wording in the

following

Stops to be positive.—When the stops or other stroke-limiting devices on a

liquid-measuring pump are subject to direct pressure or impact in the operation of the pump, such stops shall be of such construction that the permanence

and seciirity of their positions is' provided for by a positive, nonfrictional en- gagement of the parts whose relative motions pre to be prevented.

That is a change from last year only in that it cuts out the weaker of

two clauses and adopts the stronger of the two clauses which were

decided upon last year. The committee has also added the words

Such stops shall be so designed and constructed that adjustment within the prescribed tolerances) can be made. I see several times in this suggested rewording that the words

" liquid-measuring pump " are used, and in accordance with our usual

practice the words should be changed to " liquid-measuring device,"

which is the way in which we now describe these devices.

Mr. CuMMiNGS. I would like to inquire at this point whether the

reworded No. 15 would be construed as holding that a stop held by

the use of a cup-pointed set screw is or is not a frictional stop ? In

other words, would that stop be prohibited under this specification ? Mr. HoLBROOK. In the opinion of the committee a cup-pointed set screw, or a set screw of any kind, engaging a smooth rod, is not a

positive nonfrictional engagement.

The Acting Chairman. Are there any further remarks or suggestions on this specification?

Mr. CoRET. Mr. Chairman, that, as I understand it, would bar the

use of set screws for stops. That is the statement, is it not ?
100 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

The Acting Chairman. That is Mr. Holbrook's explanation of

the committee's understanding of the specification.

Mr. CoEEY. I am led to wonder just what the basis for the objection is. We know, of course—the manufacturers know—that there

are a good many hundred thousand pumps in use with stops held by

set screws. Set screws have been used for pretty nearly every purpose that could be imagined since mechanics first began, and we

wonder just why exception is taken to the use of cup-pointed set screws in cases of that kind. I want to go on record as making a vigorous protest against such an interpretation.

Mr. HoLBEooK. The protest, I think, should not be directed against

the interpretation, because it will be granted hj most engineers that

a set screw, whether or not it is cup pointed, screwed up against a smooth rod, is not a positive nonfrictional engagement. The committee had to adopt, or decided to adopt, one or the other of the

wordings which were adopted by the conference last year, and

they took the stronger wording. Now, if in the oj)inion of the majority of the delegates a cup-pointed set screw screwed up against

a smooth rod provides a satisfactory engagement for the stop, then an amendment should be interposed to the effect that

The i>ermanence aud security of their positions is not solely dependent upon

friction. In that case, mechanical engineers, I think, will agree—and it may be accepted here as the opinion of the committee on specifications—that under such a wording the cup-pointed set screw is allowable. However, I have endeavored to explain before the argument

started that the cup-pointed set screw would not be allowed under

the present wording of the specification; and in considering the

specification the conference may well direct its energies to adopting one or the other of these phrases, both of which were included

in the specifications last year. In the opinion of the committee there

is no question but what a positive nonfrictional engagement of a stop and rod is very preferable to a cup-pointed set screw screwed

up against a smooth rod. If the second method is satisfactory to a majority of the delegates, an amendment to the effect that the

engagement shall not be solely dependent upon friction will accomplish the purpose which you have in mind. To the committee it appeared that with the continual pounding over a long period of

years which these stops receive, from the rack traveling up and

hitting the stops, there was very great danger, or there was some

danger, of slippage of the stop along the rod, and there is also the

danger of the loosening of a set screw, which would allow the stop

to slip along the rod very easily. Instances have been found in

which the stops have so traveled along the rod. Of course, it should

be remembered that the result is overmeasurement rather than undermeasurement when such an accident occurs. Mr. CoEEY. I might point out that from an engineering standpoint the difference between a nonfrictional stop on a rod and a flat surface is great, and if the rod has a flat surface on it, then a good

set screw can be considered a nonfrictional stop, I believe, inasmuch

as its engagement is far greater and far stronger. It is so considered. In a great deal of engineering work we use the set screw on a
THIRTEENTH COJTEEEEK^CE O^T WEIGHTS MEASURES. 101

flat surface where we would not use it on a round shaft. We use it on a flat surface made on the shaft. In the matter of construction

it looks to me as if that would be a great improvement.

Mr. ScHOENTHAL. Mr. Chairman, it strikes me that because a thing has been in existence and we have been doing it wrong for a number of years, that is no reason why it should not be changed.

We are engaged here in trying to draw a set of specifications to meet

modern conditions. It is my personal experience that a set screw, screwed up against a smooth rod. will not hold. In the District of

Columbia for the past four or five 3"ears we have found is necessary

in all cases where stops were secured by screwing a set screw against

a flat surface to bore holes through the rod and insert pins in order

to hold those stops in their places. I am thoroughly in favor of this

specification.

Mr. ImT:NE. I would like to say I am in favor of the construction

put on that section by the committee. I am not in favor of the set screw. I have had some experience with them, and I find they work

loose and can be moved with a hammer. I am not in favor of the

set screw at all. The AcTiXG Chaie^ian. Are there am^ further remarks on this

specification? If not, the chairman will entertain a motion either to accept the specification or to amend it. Mr. ScHOENTHAL. Mr. Chairman, I move its adoption.

(The motion being seconded, it was put to a rising vote and was

agreed to by a vote of 19 in favor and 2 opposed.)

Mr. HoLBROOK. Specification No. 16 contains the material for- merly included in the original wording of No. 2-3, and refers to stop

mechanism. The wording recommended by the committee is as follows

Stop mechanism to be definitely positioned.—All liquid-measuring devices de- signed to deliver two or more different predetermined amounts by bringing into operation different stops or otber means of defining tbe delivery shall be so designed and constructed that the position for the proper setting of each stop

is definitely and accurately defined, inadverfent displacement from this position

is obstructed, and the delivery for which the device is set at any time is clearly

and conspicuously indicated. A variation in the wording has been made from the original specification largely in the interest of clarity. The specification, as adopted last year, apparently, and I think, inadvertently, reiquired

that stops, which were connected together in such a way that one

device operated all of them, were required to meet certain conditions,

but that stops that were not operated by one device, apparently, under

the terms of the specification, were not required to meet these conditions. I think it will be granted that if necessary in one case it is equally necessary in the other. Therefore, the committee has changed

the specification to require that the stops, however operated, shall

be so designed and constructed that the position for the proper set- ting of each stop is accurately and definitely defined, inadvertent

displacement from this position is obstructed and the delivery, for

which the device is set at any time, is clearly and conspicuously indicated. The Acting Chairman. Are there any remarks or- suggestions on

this specification.
102 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Eamsdell. Does that mean that the stops must be locked into

position ? Mr. HoLBROOK. No ; the word used is the word " obstruct " and not

the word " prevent." In the opinion of the committee the change of

position of a stop is obstructed proA^ded it is so placed that inadvertent displacement will be obviated—that is, that it is not liable

to fall back out of position, but that it is necessary to actually turn

it out of position.

The Acting Chairman. Are there any further remarks or suggestions. [After a pause.] If not, we will consider that the conference approves specification No. 16, as suggested by the committee.

Mr. HoLBROOK. I find for the first time that there has been a typographical error in numbering.these specifications, but if we adopt the

numbers as given here, the renumbering can take place at any time.

We are now addressing ourselves to specification No. 15, which

appears on page 8. The original wording of this specification

provided

Provision for sealing.—All devices, adapted to be altered for adjusting or

correcting the delivery of a liquid-measuring device, shall be of such construction that they can be sealed, either separately or together, in such a manner

that the position of none of them can be changed without destroying the seal or

seals: Provided, hoicevei', That this shall not apply to such devices as alter the

price and consequently the delivery of such a liquid-measuring device as is described in the proviso of specification No. 5. The original wording has been adopted by the committee, and I would like to add at this time that a delegation of manufacturers,

representing some seven pump companies, has requested the bureau tp

urge upon the weights and measures officials the necessity and advisability of enforcing this particular regulation in the way in which

it is written.

The Acting Chairman. Are there any remarks or suggestions.

[After a pause]. If not, we will consider- this specification No. 15,

appearing on page 8 of the document, to have been approved by the

conference.

Mr. HoLBROOK. We will avoid trouble if we call these by the number

as given here, in which case there can be no question about what S])eci- fication we are acting on. We have already called attention to the

fact that the numbering is incorrect, and no possible harm can be

caused thereby, and the numbers can be changed in the final adoption

of the specification.

Specification No. 16, appearing on page 8, refers to the use of adjustments. The suggested wording is as follows : Use of adjnstmcnfs.—No adjustments of the delivery of a defined-stroke liquid-measuring device shall be permitted, except that intended to produce a

piston displacement per cycle of 2.31 cubic inches per indicated gallon of fcliv- ery. Adjustments of piston displacement to correct for leaks, slippage, excessive length of pipe line, or other defects of the installation shall not be permitted.

No change of consequence has been made in the original specification No. 22. The Acting Chairman. Is there any discussion of this specification? [After a pause.] If not, it will be the consensus of opinion

of the conference that such specification is adopted and approved.
THIRTEENTH CONFEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 103

Mr. HoLBKOOK. The next specification refers to " Diversion of

measured quantity." The original specification, No. 18, read as follows

There shall be no direct or continuous connection or device adapted to return any portion of the measured liquid from the discharge pipe or outlet of any

liquid-measuring pump to the supply tank or pipe of the same. All valves in the suction line which are intended to prevent the reversal of flow of the liquid must be of such design that their closure is automatically effected in the use of the pump. Old specification No. 5 referred to the " Closure of one outlet " and

read as follows

When two discharge outlets for the liquid are provided on a liquid-measuring pump, the pump shall be so designed and constructed that one outlet must auto- matically be tightly and completely closed off whenever the other is open, so that no liquid can be discharged except through that outlet which is in use at the time and for the purpose intended. In the opinion of the committee these two specifications were identical in their purpose, and both were intended to prevent the liquid

from going to more than one place at one time, whether the places be

two outlets or whether it be a diversion from the measuring chamber

back to the tank. Therefore, the two specifications which have been

read—old No. 18 and old No. 5—have been incorporated in a new

specification, which is now numbered 17, and which takes the heading

" Diversion of measured liquid." This specification reads as follows

All liquid-measuring devices shall be so designed and constructed that no portion of the measured liquid can be diverted from the one discharge outlet through which delivery is being made or to be made during the operation of the liquid-measuring device. This specification is to be construed to require that there shall be no means

provided by which any of the measured liquid can be diverted from the measuring chamber or the discharge line to the supply tank or elsewhere, during the period of operation, and that all valves in the supply line intended to prevent

the reversal of flow of the liquid shall be of such design and construction that

their closure is automatically effected in the use of the device. Also Avhen two

or more discharge outlets for the liquid are provided all outlets except the one

in use must automatically be tightly and completely closed off during the period

of discharge : Provided, hoivever, That the above shall not apply to the drain

outlet from the filtering chamber when such outlet is in plain view of the cus- tomer. The last proviso is new and must be incorporated if the filtering

chamber is to be continued, and I think there is no question but that

the filtering chamber is a necessary part of the pump.

The Acting Chairman. Are there any discussions or objections

to that specification ? [After a pause.] If not, it will be the consensus of opinion of the conference that the specification is approved and

adopted.

Mr. HoLBEooK. Inasmuch as we are to continue the consideration

of certain of these specifications to-morrow morning the committee

asks the indulgence of the conference and suggests that we pass over

specification No. 18 at the present time.

The Acting Chairman. If there is no objection, such will be the

order,
104 BTJKEAU or STANDAEDS.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Specification No. 19 has reference to drainage of

discharge piping. The recommended wording of the committee is now as follows:

Drainage of discharge line.—All liquid-measuring devices shall be so con- structed and installed that they will provide for the complete and rapid drainage, to a definite and uniform level, of the liquid contained in the hose or outlet pipe, and will not permit a siphoning or a continuous trickle of liquid from

the discharge outlet after the operation of the mechanism is discontinued. This specification will be construed to require that if hose is used its inlet end shall be at least 5 feet above the normal level upon Avhich the receiving

vehicle or vessel stands and the liquid-measuring device shall be equipped with

a vacuum breaker or equivalent means to insure the complete and rapid drain- age of the hose that is required by the above. The hose shall be properly rein- forced and shall be of such length and stiffness that no movable portion thereof

will be readily disposed in such a way as to tend to retain liquid after the operation of the device is completed.

While this specification has been entirely reworded the principal

changes which have been made are in the interest of clarity. In- stead of an indefinite height of standpipe, which would be variously

interpreted by the different inspectors of weights -and measures, it is suggested that the minimum height of standj)ipe be at least 6 feet. In the opinion of the committee that is the only change of importance which has occurred in the rewording of the specification.

The Acting Chairman. Is there anv discussion of this specification?

Mr. Ramsdell. Mr. Chairman, we would like to call attention to the last line, or the last few words, reading

After the operation of the device is completed.

Before the hose is drained the buyer may say his tank is full and

ask the operator to stop. There would still be some gasoline in the

hose, and we would suggest, to cover a case of that kind, that these

last few words be struck out. Mr. HoLBROOK. Mr. Eamsdell, Ave did not get your objection.

Mr. Eamsdell. Before the hose is drained the tank may be filled to the point of overflow, and the buyer will raise his hand and say

" Stop." There is still some gasoline in that hose. What is going

to become of it? It can not be delivered to the customer, because

he will not take it. It seems to us that the wording " after the operation of the device is completed " would have to be eliminated to cover

a case of that kind.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Of course. I take it that there is no question in your

mind that in nine hundred and ninety-nine cases out of a thousand

it will be possible and necessary to drain the hose in order to obtain

full measure?

Mr. Eamsdell. There is nothing serious about it, Mr. Holbrook.

It is just a situation that arises now and then and we want to call your attention to it. Mr. Holbrook. But if a man stops a delivery suddenly—for in- stance, when there is an overflow of the tank, and the end of the

hose may be elevated in such a way that the gas will not be spilled

it seems that is a special case which could not be said to be in violation of this specification. This specification simply requires that no

part will be readil}^ disposed, as the pump is operated, to ret ? in

liquid. There may always be some part so disposed. The reason the
THIKTEENTH COJTFEEElsrCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASUKES. 105

word " readily " was added was because no two drivers will stop their cars in exactly the same position, and so there may be very often a loop in the hose. If the hose line is properly reenforced and not of

excessive length, such things will not readily occur. I confess I do

not see tlae objection to the words " after the operation of the pump

is completed." Would it be better to say " after the operation of the

mechanism of the device " ? Mr. Eamsdell. We felt that if you put a period after the first word

on the last line, " liquid." it would be just as strong. Bear in mind

this is not a serious matter, but we feel that the last words there do

not add a great deal to the strength of this particular specification.

Mr. Smith. I believe the specification is worded correctly if we

consider that the hose must drain after the operation and the device

must be so constructed as to be drained after it is completed, when

desirable to . do so. If a case arises where the hose is filled with

liquid all the time, the hose is not drained always, but can be drained

when necessary. The Acting Chairman. Does that not clear that up ? Mr. Eamsdell. Yes; it does. Mr. Xeale. It seems to me the committee has the wrong word

there in the paragraph at the bottom of page 10. The first part of

that paragraph does not seem to require that there be a hose, but in

the middle, after the word " hose," it is said that it is " required by

the above."

I think it should read, " the hose mentioned above."

Mr. Holbroob:. The words " required by the above " refer to " complete and rapid drainage." That can b^ corrected by putting a comma after " hose." That will make it read, " the complete and

rapid drainage of the hose, that is required by the above." A comma,

I think, meets that objection.

Mr. ScHOENTHAL. Ought not this second section be changed to re- quire that the inlet end will be at least 6 feet above the normal level,

etc.? I think 5 feet is rather low. In fact, it is lower than they

are now building the pumps.

The Acting Chairman. That matter was considered by the committee, in view of the fact that a great number of automobile trucks

have their tanks elevated unusually high, but I contended that our

experience has been that the 5-foot standpipe has met all of the

purposes and intentions of the specification, and also has served to obtain the conditions aimed at. If we change that specification, it would mean the correction of 4,000 or 5,000 standpipes in my State

alone. I do not belieA^e it will justify it. Mr. Schoenthal. If I understand it, the specification reads

The end shall be at least 5 feet above the normal level upon which the re- ceiving vehicle or vessel stands. I take that to mean that this discharging point shall be measured, not from the tank but from the ground.

Mr._ HoLBRooK. That is right. A 5-foot standpipe will operate

to deliver gas into any pleasure car with a satisfactory slope of hose

;

the so-called " universal " car has a tank 36 inches high, and other cars vary, some being as high as 48 inches. However, the cars with tanks

48 inches high are usually very old models. I presume that the
106 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

majority of tanks in pleasure cars at the present time, outside of a most commonly used car, do not exceed 30 inches in height. It may be that a standpipe 5 feet high will not give a satisfactory slope

to a few trucks which have tanks under the seat or in the cowl and

are very much elevated from the ground. In the opinion of the

committee, however, trucks less frequently buy their gasoline at

filling stations than pleasure cars, because very often the source of

supply to a truck is in the garage of the individual truck, where they

keep a supply on hand and fill up every morning, buying their gasoline by wholesale, perhaps. The committee were unwilling to re- quire a greater minimum height than 5 feet. If it is the consensus

of opinion of the conference that 5 feet is not enough, an amendment to that effect can very readily be passed.

Mr. Stevens (representing Clear Vision Pump Co.). I would like to ask, in connection with this number, if the draining of the hose

is to be taken up in No. 18 b}^ the committee to-morrow ? Mr. HoLBRooK. Yes, sir; that is why No. 18 was postponed.

Mr. FtiLLER. I would like to ask if it is understood that this vacuum breaker shall be aiitomatic? I have in mind several people

who have installed these standpipes, and as they wanted to save expense they put in a hand-controlled vacuum breaker there. They

sometimes forget to operate it, and thus they have the same old condition. It seems to me we should make sure in here that this is an

automatic device.

Mr. HoLBRooK. I think your amendment will be satisfactory to the

committee.

The Acting Chairman*. Will you kindly make a motion covering

that amendment, Mr. Fuller?

Mr. FxjXLER. I would like to make the motion that we put the

word " automatic " before the words " vacuum breaker," and also before the word " means," so as to read, " equipped with an auto- matic vacuum breaker or equivalent automatic means."

Mr. HoLBRooK. If we have an automatic vacuum breaker, the

equivalent must be automatic, so the one word will be enough.

Mr. Fuller. Yes. The Acting Chairman. If there is no objection, I will assume that

amendment is adopted and approved. Is there any more discussion or any further objection to No. 19? [After a pause.] If not, it will

be the consensus of opinion of the conference that specification No. 19

has been approved and adopted.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Specification No. 20 refers to the height of the suc- tion lift, and reads as follows

Limiting lieight of suction Hit. —No defined-stroke piston-type, liquid-measuring device shall be so installed as to work under a total suction head sufficient to cause vaporization of the liquid for which it is used under the liighest temperature and lowest barometric pressure likely to occur. The committee has no changes to suggest in the tentative specification adopted last year. Mr. Barnard. I move its adoption, Mr. Chairman.

The Acting Chairiman Are there any opinions relative to the

specification in conflict with its present wording? [After a pause.]

If not, it will stand approved as read.
THIRTEENTH CONEEBENCE ON "WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 107

Mr. HoLBROOK. Specification No. 21, original No. 14, reads

Use limited to certain liquids.—Liquid-measuring devices wMcli will not give

correct results except when used witli liquids having particular properties, as, for example, high viscosity, shall be conspicuously, clearly, and permanently

marked to indicate this limitation. Such wording may take the form, " Not

suitable for gasoline or light oils " ; " Use only for molasses or heavy oils " or

" For viscous liquids only.' ' The committee hfis no changes to suggest in this specification as originally adopted.

The Acting Chairjiak. What is the pleasure of the conference

with reference to this specification?

Mr. Barnard. I move its adoption, Mr. Chairman.

(This motion being seconded, it was put to a vote and was

agreed to.)

Mr. HoLBROOK. Specification No. 22 refers to computing charts.

It reads as follows

The value graduations on all computing charts used on liquid-measuring

pumps shall not exceed 1 cent at all prices per gallon up to and including 30

cents. At any higher price per gallon the value graduation shall not exceed 2

cents: Provided, hoicever, That nothing in the above shall be construed to pre- vent the placing of a special value graduation to represent each 5-cent interval. These special graduations may take the form of dots, staggered graduations,

or similar forms. They shall be so placed that their meaning and value may be

clearly understood, hut they shall not be placed in the space between the regular

graduations. I may say that there have been one or two objections interposed to that specification, and these objections have received the attention of

the committee. In the opinion of the committee it appears to be

feasible to graduate these scales in the manner suggested, and if possible we think that the 1-cent should be shown in all cases, but where

that is impossible the 2-cent graduation should at any rate be shown.

I may say at this time that similar wording has been adopted by the

conference in the case of computing scales. The Acting Chairman. Wliat is the pleasure of the conference in

regard to specification No. 22 ? Mr. Corey. I will just ask the question whether this provision,

speaking of 5-cent intervals, means that is in addition to 2 cents? That the 2 cents must be on that there can be no doubt.

Mr. HoLBROOK. The special graduation for 5 cents is specifically

allowed in addition to the 2-cent graduations.

Mr. Corey. But not to replace the 2 cents ? Mr. HoLBROOK. No.

Mr. Corey. We only suggest that the 2-cent interval is getting it down pretty fine on a liquid selling at $3 or $5 a gallon.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Is it not getting it down pretty fine to talk about

selling a $3 or $4r or $5 liquid to the purchasing public by means of

a liquid-measuring pump ? Mr. Corey. Not at all. Mr. HoLBROOK. Where the public is present at the sale? Do you

anticipate that gasoline is going to that price, perhaps ? Mr. Corey. I do not, but these specifications are going to cover thousands of pumps which do not handle gasoline. They cover

everything, from kerosene to the highest-priced varnishes, and liquids

of that kind, and essential oils, and everything of that sort.
108 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. Do you ever anticipate that people are going to buy

varnishes from liquid-measuring pumps? Are you contemplating

liquid-measuring devices for use in industrial establishments for fill- ing cans or something of that sort? These specifications are only in- tended to cover commercial installation—that is, where the cus- totuer gets his stuff directly from the pump.

Mr. Corey. Yes ; exactly ; that is what is done at the present time.

Of course we are going to the extreme, I agree, when we talk about

2-cent or even 5-cent graduations on a $5 liquid; but just to develop

that point, I have raised the point as to the necessity of 2-cent graduations on the extremely high-priced computed cost. Mr. HoLBEooK. It almost seems to me that if $5 liquids are going to be sold through liquid-measuring pumps it certainly would not be

satisfactory^ to have 4.6 inches per measured gallon in those cases. Do you presume $5 liquids

Mr. Corey. They are usualh' handled through gallon pumps.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. The gallon pumps usually have a very much

greater interval than -4.6 inches per gallon on the vertical scale. Mr. CoEEY. They run 12 to 14 inches per gallon.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. I think you will get jour 2-cent graduation on that. There is just as much necessity in figuring 2 cents on high-priced

liquids as on low-priced liquids. Two cents is 2 cents, regardless of

what you are buying.

Mr. Baenaed. I move the adoption of Specification No. 22. (There were several seconds to this motion; and upon being put

to a vote, it was agreed to.)

Mr. Smith. If I may interrupt at this point, I would like to suggest the insertion of a new specification. The reason I offer it at

this time is that I think probabl}^ it is the logical place for it to appear, if the conference sees fit to adopt it. We have guarded

against the delivery of short measure very carefully. We have on

the market one or two, perhaps more, tj'pes of machines which deliver

in money value. It seems to me we should make some provision for

the safeguarding of the purchaser Avhere the machine in which he

inserts a coin fails to function. In other words, if the tank is empt}'^ so he can not get a delivery when he inserts a coin, some means should

be provided for protecting him when that happens. Either the device should so operate that he can not insert his coin when it is empty

or else some device should be made to return the coin to him if the

device does not function. I move that this be referred to the specifications committee and they be directed to frame a specification to be

presented to the conference to-morrow covering this feature.

The Acting Chaieman. Do you make that as a motion ? Mr. Smith. Yes ; and I move its adoption.

(This motion being seconded, it was put to a vote and was

agreed to.) The Acting Chaieman. The committee will take due cognizance

of that matter, Mr. Smith.

Mr. Schoenthal. I fail to find anywhere in here anything that

would tend to prevent the sale of short measure through these various

pumps by reason of continuous dripping, which occurs very fre- quently in the case of pumps that are used for lubricating oils. It strikes me there ought to be something in here—it may be covered,
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 109

but I have not seen it if it is—that would cover that by requiring an

antidrip nozzle, something that will automatically shut off the flow

after the delivery of the full measure. The Acting Chairman. It is rather difficult to comprehend what

you have in mind on this for presentation. Will you not kindly prepare in substance the character of specification which you would like

to introduce, so we can have the wording of it, and properly discuss

it? You have the idea clearly in mind, and you can put it in such

shape that the conference can discuss it. Will you not do that and

have it ready to-morrow?

Mr. Smith, will you not kindly confer with Mr. Eeichmann and

do the same thing in regard to your specification ? Mr. Smith. I have a suggested wording here which covers part

of it, but I thought the conference committee could do a better job.

The Acting Chairman. Suppose you complete it and present it to-morrow.

Mr. Smith. I will do so. Mr. HoLBRooK. Specification No. 23

Fraudulent construction proliihiied.—All liquid-measuring pumps shall be of such construction that they are not designed to and may not be used to facilitate the perpetration of fraud. The committee has no changes to suggest in this specification as originally adopted.

Mr. Barnard. I move the adoption of the specification.

(This motion being seconded, it was put to a vote and was

agreed to.)

Mr. HoLBROOK. Specification No. 24 is the original wording of

old 29

Metric system.—No specification contained in the preceding pages shall be

understood or construed to prohibit the sale or use of liquid-measuring devices constructed or graduated in units of the metric system.

The tolerances to be allowed on any liquid-measuring device constructed or graduated in units of the metric system shall be the same as those specified on

similar apparatus of any equivalent size or" at an equivalent capacity in the customary system.

The committee has no changes to suggest in this specification as originally adopted.

The Acting Chairman. Before adopting this specification, I would

like to inquire whether it has been referred to the American Institute

of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Holbrook;. I presume the American Institute of Weights and

Measures is familiar with its provisions.

(The adoption of this specification being moved and seconded, it was put to a vote and was agreed to.

)

Mr. Holbrook. Two specifications as originally adopted remain.

The first is original specification No. 20, entitled " Protection against

corrosion," which reads as follows:

In the case of liquid measuring pumps which depend for the accuracy of their measurement upon the tightness or perfection of seating of a valve or valves, the material used for tanks, piping, and all such auxiliary apparatus as may

contain liquid, including the pump itself, shall be of such nature and properties

as to be free from the likelihood of corrosion or rusting or the liberation of

particles which will be likely to impair the tightness or correctness of seating

uf such valves.
110 BUREAU OF STAITDABDS.

In considering this specification, the committee requested opinions

from various metallurgists and chemists as to the meaning of the

same, and there Tras so much confusion in the ideas of the various

people consulted that the committee deemed that it was inadvisable

to continue the specification in our list, inasmuch as we are unwilling

to specify materials which would be satisfactory and materials which

would not be satisfactory. The committee therefore recommends

that this specification be deleted.

The Acting Chairman. What is the pleasure of the conference

regarding the action of the committee in this respect ? Mr. Barnard. I move that the recommendation of the committee

be adopted.

(The motion being seconded, it was put to a vote and was agreed

to.)

Mr. HoLBROOK. The next specification is original No. 24, which

reads as follows

Position of operating handle.—(a) In all defined-stroke, piston-tj-pe, liquidmeasuring pumps the initial or starting position of tlie operating crank or handle sliall be defined by a latch or snap wliich will operate to hold the handle

accurately in that position when the apparatus is not in use. (&) The initial position of the handle on all types of defined-stroke, pistontype, liquid-measuring pumps shall be vertically downward. Handles which in their starting position are inclined to the vertical or stand vertically upward

shall not be permitted.

In the opinion of the committee it would be very satisfactory if it could be accomplished, that all handles start from the same position,

inasmuch as there would be a consideraljle protection to the purchaser

from such an accomplishment. However, in the opinion of the committee it is deemed that the difficulties imposed on the manufacturers

are such that the benefits to be derived would not compensate for the

difficulties encountered, and therefore the committee recommends

that this specification also be deleted. The Acting Chairman. If there be no objection on the part of

the conference, such will be the order.

Mr. HoLBROOK. The final paragraph in the report relates to toler- ances. It was originall}^ worded as specification No. 25. In the re- wording it has been merely headed " Tolerances," since it is the practice of the conference in adopting specifications and tolerances to adopt them separately, tolerances not being considered as a specification. We have suggested the following rewording:

Tolerances.—The tolerance to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all liquidmeasuring pumps shall not be gi-eater than 2 cubic inches per indicated gallon

Provided, hoicever. That the manufacturers' tolei'ances or the tolerances on

all new liquid-measuring pumps phall not be greater than one-half of the values given above: And provided further. That these latter tolerances shall also be

applied to all pumps which are being retested after being found incorrect and

subsequently adjusted or repaired.

The only change in that paragraph is the change of 1.8 cubic inches

to 2 cubic inches. The reason for the original 1.8 cubic inches was

that the tolerance was originally provided in even liquid ounces, and

the cubic inches were secondary. It appears to be now the case that

most of the inspectors of weights and measures work in cubic inches

rather than liquid ounces. It therefore seemed to be better to have an even number of cubic inches instead of odd numbers in the series
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Ill

of tolerances; they can be much more readily remembered. Nearly

all the old tolerances split the line to one-tenth of a cubic inch.

This will simply require 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 cubic inches or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 cubic inches.

A Delegate. The word " devices " comes in there instead of

" pumps."

Mr. HoLBKOOK. Yes. The Acting Chairman. What is the pleasure of the conference

with regard to specification No. 25 ? Mr. Neale. Mr. Frary, of South Dakota, says it is indefinite in

his mind when a liquid-measuring device is " new " and when it is " old." He thought it Avould be more definite to say, " at the time of

installation." The inspector, if he finds the pump just installed that

day, will assume it is a new device. Will it still be a new device six

weeks from then or 12 months from then, if the inspector did not

get there in the meantime ? The Acting Chairman. Personally I draw the conclusion that the

apparatus would be new until its first inspection.

Mr. Neale. Suppose something should happen that it was not in- spected for six months?

The Acting Chairman. .1 would still construe it to be new. I do

not think that is a very important point.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Formerly we have defined " old apparatus " as that

apparatus which has been put in use and used for some time. It is a rather hard thing to determine. I think the inspector in the field,

upon the ascertainment of the length of time the device has been used,

in those States in which the installation is not insj)ected before it can be used at all, must use his judgment as to whether it has been

used for such a length of time that it takes the old or new tolerance.

Mr. Neale. I move the adoption of the specification.

Mr. Barnard. I second the motion.

(The motion was put to a vote and was agreed to.)

The Acting Chairman. We will now refer back to Specification

No. 9. Mr. Bean, will you kindly demonstrate now to the conference

the employment of your device ? (Mr. Bean thereupon demonstrated to the conference the liquidmeasuring device employing the scale with sloping lines discussed on p. 88 et seq.)

PRESENTATION OF GAVEL TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE

CONFERENCE, DR. S. W. STRATTON.

Mr. Johnson (Acting Chairman). Before this session adjourns

I have a pleasant duty that I desire to dispose of. I believe that

there are present representatives of all the States attending the conference, and consequently we can do this thing at this time feeling

that there is a complete representation of delegates.

Very few of the delegates who have attended this conference have

ever stopped for a moment to contemplate the serious efforts and the

great amount of work which must be exercised and put forth on the

part of the Bureau of Standards to convenience the holding of this

conference, which, from my point of view, does not in any great

degree reflect toward the efficiency of the bureau. On the contrary,
112 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS.

this is an institution intended to build up the efficiency of the representatives having in charge the enforcement of the weights and measures laws throughout the United States so that they can go back into

their jurisdictions and do this work in a competent and efficient manner, and in a manner which will justify public confidence and also justify the expense attending the enforcement and the operation of

these laws. We accept whatever the conference provides in a sense of being fully and duly entitled to it. I doubt very much whether we

for a moment contemplate the burden of responsibility that rests upon the officials of the bureau and especially upon the director. It must be a great deal of concern to him, in addition to his enormous

diversified duties, to prepare himself upon the particular subject of

weights and measures in order to come before this body of men and

act, I may say, as an attorney general on the subject of weights and

measures for the entire United States. I have been conscious of that

condition and sometimes have hoped that the opportunity would pre- sent itself whereby the delegates coming here could in some proper manner express their appreciation by the presentation to Dr. Strat- ton of some proper and appropriate token—not something of any

particular intrinsic value, but something with a fundamental value.

With that purpose in mind, the delegates have selected a committee

to do this thing this afternoon.

We think that of all of the functions coming under Dr. Stratton's

jurisdiction as Director of the Bureau of Standards, perhaps the

supervision of the branch having to do with weights and measures is the nearest and dearest to his heart. We have a right to presume that,

for, so far as I am concerned, and I believe I am speaking for all the

delegates, we know Dr. Stratton only as being the Director of the

Bureau of Weights and Measures. We concern ourselves with that

institution and we sometimes consider that the only function of the

Bureau of Standards is the function in matters appertaining to weights and measures. Many, many years ago when the Government first- adopted a sys- tem of weights and measures, there were transmitted to this Nation

from England copies of the English standards. These copies were

transmitted in a very fine and carefully prepared case made from the

finest specimens of hardwood. The standards, of course, are still intact, although they are no longer used and have only a historical

value, but the case has been broken up, and from the wood in that

case we have caused to be manufactured a gavel, which it now becomes

my happy and pleasant duty this afternoon to present to Dr. Stratton, so that in years to come, Avhen I will not be here and many of you

will not be here, the gavel will still remain as an emblem of authority

and power in conducting the deliberations of this very important

body.

We make this presentation, as I said before, not with any purpose

of transmitting anything of intrinsic value, but to convey to him an

expression of our high and sincere appreciation for the most technical, the most scientific man who, I believe, is to-day in the employ of

the national Government. Therefore, Dr. Stratton, on behalf of

the delegates, I take this occasion to present to you u.us gift.

Dr. Stratton. Mr. Chairman and delegates, your chairman is right

in his assumption that my chief interest in the bureau lies in the
THIKTEENTH CONFEREKCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 113

Division of Weights and Measures. This is true because of manycauses. In the first place, that is the foundation of our system of

measurements. In the second place, our commercial weights and

measures are perhaps the most important weights and measures in

the country. I happen to be a member of the International Committee on Weights and Measures which has to do with that question

for the entire world so far as it relates to the preservation of original

standards.

You will be interested to know that from the very beginning of

the science of metrology people have endeavored to connect up the

natural standards. We have ascertained the period taken by the

earth in rotating about its axis, and can figure that to the day, hour,

minute, and second—we usually speak of the second as being the

standard. We can with suitable instruments get the time anywhere.

You can not destroy the standard of time in any manner. Scientists

for years have proposed a natural standard for length. In the days

of Thomas Jefferson, it was proposed to adopt the length of the

second's pendulum as a standard unit of length. Another proposition was made a number of years ago that we use the wave length of light.

Twenty-five or 30 years ago an American scientist Avent to Paris and

actually determined the length of the meter in terms of this unit.

The meter is the fundamental standard of all countries except

Great Britain ; that is, the actual working standard. I mean by that

that when we take the meter here as the standard of length we determine the relation between the meter and the yard, and that gives us

all of the .accuracy of the metric standards. It is exactly as if you

change a sum of money from the pound sterling into dollars, or

vice versa. If you have one unit, you can convert it into the value of

the other, and that is the way we convert the standards. This determination of the meter in terms of light waves was done successfully

by Prof. Michaelson, and it has been repeated by French physicists,

within an error of perhaps two or three millionths of an inch, so that to-day we are absolutely independent of any material standard

of length. It happened to be my good fortune to propose to the

international committee that the wave length of light be taken as the fundamental standard. This proposal met with great favor, but

they all felt that it ought to have more of a try out. During the war, as you knoAv, we were cut off from nearly all importations, and

munitions makers, machinists, and manufacturers generally Avere using as their standard of length block gauges that were made in

Sweden. These block gauges were stacked up one on the other and

their total thiclmess measured. That meant that they had to be

very accurate as to length. In our optical department Ave had been

studying methods of measuring by light waves, and Mr. Fischer

had been studying the preparation of these gauges, so that, Avhen we had just entered into the war, we were prepared to make and

standardize these gauges here, and they were compared to the wave

length of light, and we determined their measurements in this manner. If all of our yards and all of our meters should be destroyed,

it Avould be a very simple matter in a physical laboratory to reproduce

them all when we haA^e the standard of length put on that basis. That is one of the reasons why I am very greatly interested in the

question of weights and measures.

10789—21 8
114 BUREAU OP STANDAEDS.

Now, I appreciate very much this gavel, because it is a thing that

we have needed. I think some of you must have noticed that we

needed this in our meetings, but we do not need it now nearly as much

as we needed it previously. I sincerely wish I had had this in the

first four or five meetings, except that it should have had a longer

handle and been furnished with several detachable heads that I might

have thrown them at some of you. What pleases me even more than

the gavel is the fact that to-day you have been here discussing these

specifications in the manner which was intended in the first place.

Here we have a body of men from all over the country concerning

themselves with gasoline pumps, a tremendously important matter

and one which alfects everj^ family in the land ; and the manufacturer

and the user have sat down here to-day and put all their cards on the

table and discussed these things as gentlemen. To my mind that is the great achievement of this conference, and that is what we wanted

to do. There is nothing that pleases me more here to-day than the

way in which you have gone about this organization.

The Acting Chaieman. If there be no further matters appertaining to the subject of the specifications, or any other matters, we will

stand adjourned.

Mr. Eeichmann. I have a telegram from a gentleman whom most

of you know and who has attended every conference we have held

before and who is a former vice president of this organization. A

number of the delegates sent him a telegram, telling him that we

missed him and would like to have him attend. The telegram is as follows [reading] : Boston, Mass., May 24, 1920. Dr. Feitz Reichmann,

National Conference Weights and Measures, Bureau of Standards. Impossible to leave here. Appreciate greatly your kind expression. Wish you

best conference ever held. Boost inspection work; never before so important;

forget modesty, public must be shown. They are slow to appreciate, but it is bound to come. Regards to everybody. See you at Albany.

D. C. Paxmee. The Acting Chairman. Before adjourning Dr. Stratton wishes me

to announce that the conference will adjourn to-morrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, if it is so desired.

There being no other matters to come before the conference, we will

now adjourn until 9.30 to-morrow morning.

(Whereupon, at 5.15 o'clock p. m., the conference adjourned to meet

at 9.30 o'clock a. m., Wednesday, May 26, 1920.)
FIFTH SESSION (MORNING OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 26,

1920).

The conference reassembled at 10.20 o'clock a. m., Dr. S. W. Stratton, chairman, presiding.

WEIGHT STANDARDIZATION OF BREAD, BY CHARLES C. NEALE,

COMMISSIONER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, STATE OF MINNESOTA.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, a period of practically 50 years in

Minneapolis, the beautiful " Flour City," located in that section of

the country that has been aptly called " the world's granary," should

have perhaps equipped me somewhat to present a readable paper

under the program title, but when it came to the proposition of

handling the subject before this rather critical—but, I will add,

friendly critical—conference it seemed to me that I did not know

what flour and its bread forms really were. However, during the last 10 years of weights and measures work

I have made some personal observations that have led me to certain

conclusions, which I will try to sustain in this paper.

The familiar expression, " the staff of life," is as true to-day as

it ever was, and perhaps more so, as applicable to bread, and it is figured that more than 85 per cent of all white flour reaches the ulti- mate consumer in the form of the familiar loaf of bread.

Now, it happens quite often in the work of weights and measures

supervision that the trend of public opinion is learned or sensed by

a department of weights and measures even before it reaches the

manufacturers themselves, particularly as regards the weights and

measures of foodstuffs, and my first oteervation to record is that in

my experience there has been quite a general and continually re- curring inquiry from the housewife as to why there is not established

a standard weight for bread in loaf form.

Over and above the two leading questions involved in the problem,

whether to reduce the weight of the loaf or raise the price of the

loaf to meet the exigencies of trade conditions, there is always a suspicion on the part of the great mass of consumers that, in the ab- sence of legally established bread-loaf weights, it is an easy matter

to work a gouge both ways, to wit

Reduce the weight of the loaf and raise the price of the loaf at the same time to suit the fancy of the baker.

It may be that competition would not permit such a public dis- aster to endure forever, but the busy public does not always take time

to analyze such matters, hence it is very easy to build up an unfair

prejudice against any particular trade, if the public feels that proper

protection is not afforded. And, indeed, with prices now apparently

high enough on the loaf, at least in public opinion, and with not much

chance of becoming less in the future, it is quite disconcerting to find

the loaf of bread in many cases shrinking to the proportions of a good-sized biscuit
116 BUREAU OF STANDABDS.

As to the workability of the proposition on the part of the baker, I think it is well proven that it presents no great difficulties, because

modern baking machinery is adjustable to a degree of accuracy that

will assure weight results easily within any fair tolerance established.

Again, if the establisliment of standard weight for bread in loaf

form were hurtful to the baker's business, how did they survive during the period of control by the United States Food Administration,

when a unit weight was fixed and insisted upon ? I am further informed that it would in fact be a matter of manufacturing economy if all were on the same footing as to uniformity

in weight of the loaf, as it would then be possible to use standardized

equipment, a very desirable feature in an}^ manufacturing business,

and with the weight proposition taken care of, it might be said that

it would leave more time for attention to the important matter of

quality, as well as time for determining what the price of the loaf

must be, part of which time must now be spent in weight juggling

and perpetual brain storm in an effort to bake a 14-ounce loaf that

will look as large as a 1-pound loaf, and thus resort to camouflage to make it attractive to the customer both as to size and price.

There is evidence enough to show that the bread-weight proposition is sure to come, and this evidence consists of both State and city

laws on the subject that are now coming into existence, and if all of

them are not more or less defective, it at least can be said that they

do not agree, and I know of no two city ordinances or State laws on

the subject that have the same provisions. Hence it must follow that

the troubles of the baking trade can not be made less by a variety of

laws and ordinances Avhich are as different as the varieties of understanding possessed by the law-making bodies that enacted them.

But the situation is here and must be met, and in my opinion the

only cure is to standardize the weight of bread loaves, thus meeting

the present public demands, giving the baking trade something uniform to work to, and thereby control, to a great extent, the matter

of unfair competition, and also enable the trade to escape the

pestering that results when a manufacturer is called upon to meet

the requirements of differently constructed laws on the same subject

matter that affect his business.

A good example of this situation exists in Minnesota. The cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, having a total population of about

630,000, are solidly built up to the city line of each other. Each city

has a bread-weight ordinance of its own neither one agreeing with

. the other, and this would mean, if the ordinance were being enforced

by the local authorities, that the bakers of either city would have

to be very careful not to cross the invisible dead line, because compliance with their own city ordinance would not mean compliance

with the ordinance of the adjoining city covering the same subject.

To show that the spirit of legislation and ordinance making along

the lines under discussion in this paper is a present-day affair, we may state that the Minneapolis and St. Paul ordinances here referred

to were both enacted only about two years ago. What may be found as to variation between city ordinances on

the subject very likely exists as between States, which presents an

intolerable situation when covering a commodity of such importance.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 117

It is not my intention to here propose what the established weight

of loaves should be, nor deal witii the matter of tolerance, as others

who are better informed can attend to that, but I will say that I am opposed to the proposition of labeling, and as I see the matter,

a legally established weight on loaves of bread would do away with

the necessity of stickers, labels, and other means to indicate the

weight.

The labeling of so many units must be an efxpensive manufacturing

feature in itself, when designing, printing, and actual affixing is considered, and all of this must be paid for by the consumer. It seems

that this would not be necessary if loaves were standardized as to weight.

I think the sanitary feature may also be considered, as regards

labeling, because while I admit that it could be done in the modern

factory in a sanitary Avay with machinery it has always been a ques- tion in my mind as to both material and methods used by the poorly

equipped bakeries in attaching labels and other insignia.

If it becomes necessary to fix the responsibility as to who made the

loaf, it seems to me that this could be easily done by having the

manufacturers name or identifying mark appear on each loaf hy

the simple expedient of having an embossed lettering in the baking

pan leave its impression on the finished product, as is being done by

certain bakers now. From the best information which I can obtain, it would appear

that the baking trade in general, that is, those who can read the

handwriting on the wall, are strongly in favor of the weight standardization of bread, and, indeed, Mr. Charles B. Thompson, editor

of the Bakers' Ke^dew, one of the leading authorities on the subject,

has advocated the weight proposition for the last 15 years. To sum up, then, I here enumerate what seems to me to be some

of the great advantages to be gained by the weight standardization of

bread.

1. The meeting of the demands of public opinion.

2. The controlling of unfair competition.

3. The securing of greater efficiency and economj^ in baking.

4. The placing of bread as the staff of life " upon a secure basis

where a loaf of bread means a legally established weight, and the same weight for rich and poor alike.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE ON WEIGHT STANDARDIZATION OF BREAD.

Following the reading of the above paper, some discussion was

had on the subject matter thereof, and a motion was made and

seconded to the effect that the chairman appoint a committee on

Aveight standardization of bread to study the matter and make a report to the next conference, this report to include, if deemed desirable, proposed legislation on the subject. This motion was adopted

by the conference.

In pursuance of the instruction contained in the motion, the chairman appointed the following to serve as the committee : Mr. Charles

C. Neale, of Minnesota, chairman ; Mr. D. W. Gregg, of Texas ; Mr.

A. W. Schwartz, of New Jersey ; Mr. Guy G. Frary, of South Dakota

;
118 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. F. G. Barnard, of Battle Creek, Mich. ; Mr. Charles M. Fuller

of Los Angeles, Calif. ; and Mr. Leo JS. Schoentlial, of the District

of Columbia.

NET WEIGHT, BY CHARLES G. JOHNSON, SUPERINTENDENT OE

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, STATE OE CALIEORNIA.

Mr. Chairman, delegates, and visitors, it is again my happy privilege as a weights and measures oiRcial to address you, and this time

with a greater sense of satisfaction, for I recognize this as a splendid

opportunity to express myself on a subject which 1 consider paramount in importance to all matters coming within the labors of our

institutions.

My views and opinions are based not upon experiments and theory

but the result of many years of practical experience and seriovis concentration. The first and most important duty of a weights and

measures official is to maintain and safeguard the highest possible

standard of accuracy in the weighing and measuring devices employed in his jurisdiction. To accomplish this he must have an intel- ligent and practical knowledge of specifications and tolerances and

must ascertain conditions by actual employment of standards.

The standards used in our inspection and testing work are to us

like the compass to the mariner ; they indicate our course of procedure

and determine for us the conditions of the apparatus which it becomes

our duty to safeguard or correct as the case may require, thereby

protecting and maintaining the accuracy of our national systems of

weights and measures. These systems are not alone of great national commercial importance, but they form the foundation of our commercial structure in our trade relations with the world. Accuracy and the permanency of

accuracy are to-day safeguarded in the manufacture of apparatus

by the enforcement of oar specifications and tolerances.

These safeguards, however, have only a limited effect upon the

human equations which express themselves in the employment of

weighing and measuring devices and which can only be regulated

by education and restrictive law. The accuracy of the scale does not guarantee the honesty of the weight recorded.

The paramount problem which confronts us therefore is the development of the moral force; the building up, of honest intentions.

This is the cooperation which we seek. When it shall have been

developed we will have accomplished that commercial integrity

which must be the foundation of our system of commercial ex- change. This integrity must express itself uniformly and must be

strong enough to overcome and defeat all mental, commercial, and

trade equations in conflict with the principle of net weight forming

the basis for settlement in the sale and purchase of commodities, irre- spective of character.

The principle of net weight forming the basis for settlement has

the underlying principle which inspired the enactment to the national net-weight amendment. The principle of this law is uniformly subscribed to by all self-respecting commercial institutions,

and it would be considered a most vicious practice to-day to include

in the declaration of weight on a can of salmon, for instance, the

weight of the container.
THIRTEENTH CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 119

If this principle is correct and accepted by responsible packers of

commodities in containers, why should the principle not be subscribed to by all persons selling any commodity by weight ? It is just as reasonable for the weight of the barrel to be included in the weight

of cottonseed oil as it is for the weight of the jar to be included in the

weight of the jelly, and it is just as reasonable for the weight of the

sack to be included in the weight of the walnuts as it is for the weight

of the wooden spool to be included in the weight of the hemp rope. The enactment of the weights and measures laws and their enforcement is calculated to suspend and eliminate all trade customs and

trade practices which conflict and defeat the principle of net weight.

If these purposes are not accomplished, the fault does not entirely lie with the commercial institutions practicing them, but with the

weights and measures officials who permit them to be practiced. The

fundamental purpose of weighing is to obtain a truthful record of

quantity on which to base the exchange of the commodity for money

value. On the truthfulness of such record depends the honesty of

the selling transaction, and it was for the purpose of safeguarding

the truthfulness of weight records forming the basis of settlement

that the weights and measures laAvs were enacted. True net weight

is the foundation upon which our system of commercial exchange

must rest, notwithstanding trade ciistoms to the contrary.

California law takes a firm and definite stand against the sale of

commodities gross for net. This custom is regarded as a menace

which defeats the principle of net weight. With reference hereto

California law provides in part as follows

No person shall by himself or his employee or agent, or as the employee or agent of another, sell or offer or expose for sale any produce, article, or thing

at, by, or according to gross weight or measure or at, by, as, of, or according to any weight, measure, or count which is greater than the true net weight, measure,

or count thereof. And also

When any product is sold subject to public ^yeighmaster weights, such weights

shall be the true net weight of the product. Net weight within the meaning of

this act shall be the correct or actual weight of the commodity, excluding the weight of the container. These laws express in definite and mandatory language the intentions of the legislature and delegate no privilege under any circumstances to the contrary. This department must, therefore, regard

the enforcement of these provisions of law as its plain duty.

The record of weight forming the equivalent for money value must,

therefore, be the true net weight of the commodity sold without evasions or reservations. Our standards of weight when forming the

basis for settlement in money value are of equal importance to our

standards of currency. Trade customs demanding privilege in conflict with these provisions of law must be defeated.

To include in the weight forming the basis for settlement the weight

of the container is an erroneous departure from the principle and

against it the law takes a stern and determined stand. To compromise the principle of net weight is a violation of a fundamental which

can only result in prejudice and injustice.

Grain sacks, fruit crates, berry crates, lug boxes, barrels, and other

containers are items of utility separate and apart from the com- modity which they contain, and their expense should be included in
120 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

the general cost of production and distribution or as a separate charge

or prorated in proportion to service obtained. Under no circiim- stances should they express themselves in the weight of the com- modity they contain where such weight forms the basis for the sale of the commodity.

All import duties are assessed on the net weight of the commodity

imported, exclusive of the weight of the container or packings in

which they arrive. This net weight is determined by actual weighing by Government inspectors, who transmit to the merchants their

net-weight, records, yet these merchants attempt to defend their sale by gross weight solely because it is their trade custom. Net weight means the true quantity for which the seller has a justifiable claim

in money value. A false record of weight is the direct cause of commercial misconduct. Poimds and ounces must be considered as equivalent to dollars and cents. In determining net weight we concern ourselves with the gross and

tare weights. The same degree of accuracy must express itself in

obtaining the gross as the tare. There are two distinct kinds of tare weights, one being the free container necessary in transporting and

delivery and the other that of carriers, vehicles, and such other containers as do not transfer in the sale of commodities. The common

law of equity regulates the latter; it is the former which demands

our concern and vigilance. If the tare of free containers be included

in the weight of the conmioditj^, you can not protect the consumer or

the purchaser against the practices which the weights and measures

laws are calculated to defeat.

We have here, again, for consideration the net-weight principle of

the net-container act. Grain and all other farm products in California are marketed in hemp sacks of a uniform size and weight.

The weight of these containers up to a few years ago was always

included in the weight of the commodity, forming the basis for settle- ment. It was no easy matter to obtain the cooperation of the producers of the State to recognize the net-weiglrt principle in the sale of grain, beans, rice, and other farm products.

Their contention was based on the aj)parent fact that it meant a

sacrifice on their part of their equity in the containers, which at the

time of promulgation of regulations had a market value of approximately 27 cents. When their attention was called to the fact that

they could hold the value of their sacks in the sale of their com- modity in an amount equivalent to the value of three-fourths of a pound* of the commodity which they contained they realized that they were making no great sacrifice'. They realized the fairness of the

regulations, for they aiforded them the necessary opportunity to protect their equity in the sacks.

It was customary for the mills to resell the sacks as second handed

to the producers at approximately 65 per cent of the price for new

sacks. The sack transfers by agreement or at an agreed-upon price

and is no longer considered an integral part of the commodity sold. Upon leaving Sacramento, a conference was held with representatives of the San Francisco Grain Exchange, warehousemen, and producers, at which they signified their approval of the net-weight principle and pledged their sincere intentions to rigidly adhere to and

observe the net-weight principle in the sale and purchase of grain

and other farm produce, interstate and foreign.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 121

This cooperation calls for our vigilant enforcement of the principle

in so far as our powers permit against the sale of commodities in

conflict therewith by interstate merchants.

California weights forming the basis for settlement in the sale or purchase of commodities must be the true net weights, and no other

weights will be considered honest weights when they form the basis

for settlement. This will be a fact in California even though it be

the only State in the Union enforcing it. and interstate merchants

doing business in the State of California must subscribe to this principle at least so long as I have the enforcement of the weights and

measures laws.

The national net-weight amendment is limited to apply to food in

package form. It is, however, not far distant when the underlying

principle of this law will be extended to every commodity sold in

containers whether it be corn beef or gasoline. It is just as important to protect the purchaser against fraud in the quantity in the sale of gasoline as it is in the sale of corn beef. This matter should be

apprehended by the weights and measures officials and the pioneer

Avork of the Department of Agriculture, by its enactment and enforcement of the net-weight amendment, should call for our cooperation

under State powers to extend this principle to commodities in containers other than food commodities.

With this purpose in view the California net-container act at the

last session of the legislature was amended to read as follows

The provisions of tliis act sliuU apply to foodstuffs and stuffs intended to be used or prepared for use as food or medicine for liuman beings, and shall apply

to any commodity when sold, offered, or exposed for sale in containers. We can without fear of serious contention approach this cooperation with a sense of security and satisfaction that only the power

of right can provide. We must consider ourselves the custodians of

these principles ; we must consider ourselves responsible for the protection of commercial honesty and integrity in the determination of

quantity' ; we must fearlessly approach and attack every practice that

encroaches upon or defeats the principle of net weight, otherwise we

fail in the purpose of our work and fail to justify public confidence.

Our service a few years back was confined to the inspection of

apparatus; to-day we have a larger field for additional useful and

practical work, namely, that of not alone causing scales and measures

to be honest in action and correct in construction but to cause the per- sons who use them to be honest in their employment. This is of paramount importance, for does not the dishonest employment of an

honest scale defeat the purpose of our work ? To effect a moral responsibility and to impress upon weighers the

importance of weighing and the serious necessity for accuracy in

weighing. I caused to be enacted in 1915 what is known as the " Public Weighmaster Act." This law practically covers the same ground

as that covered by the United States Warehouse Act of August 11,

1916, and as amended July 24, 1919.

The California act requires that all persons who issue a warehouse

receipt or a weight certificate of any character must qualify as a public weighmaster. By the enforcement of this law the State pre- sumes to represent at time of weighing the future purchaser or the

absent party. The department holds to-day bonds in the amount of
122 BUREAU OF STANDAEDS.

$1,600,000 guaranteeing the honest employment of scales and the

honest record of weights of 1,700 certified public weighmasters.

A uniform certificate known as the State certificate of weight and

measure has been adopted, which certificate must make record of the

true net weight of the commodity weighed and every public weighmaster understands that true net weight means just what the words

imply—a truthful statement of the actual weight of the commodity

exclusive of any foreign element which is not an integral part

thereof. It means honest weights without any evasions; it means

commercial integrity ; it means obtaining and maintaining the principle of net weight as one of the fundamentals of our service which

justify public confidence and the expense of our service. Net weight means honest weight in the commercial sense. The

exchange of commodities for money value by gross or any weight

other than by net weight defeats the principle on which our service was conceived and established.

THE STANDARDIZATION OF CONTAINERS FOR FOODSTTIEES AND

THE MARKING OF THE WEIGHT OF COMMODITIES IN PACKAGE

FORM, BY A. W. SCHWARTZ, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

Mr. Chairman, delegates, and guests of the conference, we are all interested in the very broad subject of standardization. Its application to everyday affairs, whether it be in the realm of manufacture,

commerce, transportation, or any other thread that forms the warp

and woof of our industrial fabric, promotes, as we know, an efficiency

that can not without it be attained. The war forcibly brought home

to us on this side of the Atlantic the fact that we were neglecting

this all-important topic, due, no doubt, to our feeling of self-suffi- ciency and never realizing that our resourcefulness would be taxed

to the breaking point. We were not, as a consequence, long in finding out wherein our deficiency lay, and though the lesson was costly

it may, like the proverbial "ill wind," eventually do some of us a

lot of good.

The subject assigned to me, therefore, namely, " The standardization of containers for foodstuffs and the marking of the weight of

commodities in package form," I feel to be one of importance and

deep interest to all of us, particularly when it is realized that the

packing of foodstuffs is a daily growing industry and the people of

the United States are gradually being weaned away from the old

custom of buying their commodities in the loose state, or bulk. We

can all remember when we took our " little brown jug " to the corner grocery for a gallon of vinegar or a quart of molasses; when we

bought a pound of oatmeal instead of a package of it; a pound of

soda crackers instead of a 4|-ovmce package of biscuits; when our

cheese was weighed out for us instead of being handed over the

counter in a jar or a foil wrajiper, and so on; but these conditions

are rapidly disappearing, and if things keep on in this respect there

will hardly be an article bought but what will be in package form

of some description. I might here go into a discourse on the effect this is having on our old bugbear high cost of living, for containers

cost money, and packing food adds to its cost, but this would be

getting away from my subject, and it is not my intention to take up
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 123

the time of the conference on a matter to which all of you, no doubt,

have given considerable thought.

The standardization of containers and a change in the present sys- tem of marking commodities in package form would eliminate much

of the confusion and opportunity of deception that now exists. One of the greatest problems that confronts the weights and measures official is educating the buying public to protect itself. The

housewife, through general indiiference and lack of application, is responsible to a great extent for the perpetration of fraud in short

weight and measure, and the people who can least alford it seem to show the least inclination to protect themselves.

iSo, if this follows in the weighing and measuring of commodities, how much more so does it apply to the purchase of goods in

package form—not that the question of fraud may enter more prominently into the matter, except, perhaps, through slack-filled or mismarked containers, but the fact that the people do not stop to read

the mark of weight placed thereon, being misled by what seem to be packages of similar size, and therefore these must, they think,

be similar in amount of content. Two cans of salmon, for example,

displayed in the windows of two merchants are pl-acarded, one

proclaiming a price of 18 cents, the other 20 cents ; apparently equal

in size as to can, but not, if the wrapper is closely examined, as to weight of contents. The housewife, as a rule, selects the cheaper

priced can, thinking she is saving in her purchase, but not realizing

that from 2 to 3 ounces more of contents could be had for the extra

2 cents. Of course, the argument is advanced that the public is getting what it pays for in the illustration just given, the question of

quality being eliminated—but does it? The standardization of containers and the marking of packages in

pounds and multiples of the pound only, abolishing the odd ounces

entirely, seems to be one of the solutions of the problem to help the

public protect itself. In the State of New Jersey, at the last two annual conferences of

the State association of superintendents of weights and measures,

the question of standardization of packages came up for discussion

and resolutions were passed asking that Federal legislation be en- acted to do away with the vast number of promiscuous sizes of containers extant. Complaints have frequently been made by purchasers that the

packages they received were not filled to capacity ; we know this

statement on their part to be true, and this is another matter wherein

lies deception. Therefore, in dealing with the standardization of

the sizes of cans and other- containers, provisions should be made

in any act introduced to make it mandatory for packers of foodstuffs to fill the various size containers to as near their carrying

capacity as possible, consistent with keeping the net weight of the

contents in conformance with the proposed pound or multiple thereof.

Our present system of having a can, bottle, or carton marked 3 ounces, 7 ounces, 11 ounces, 15 ounces, etc., is, to say the least, a

polite way of saying to the profiteer, " Help yourself," for we know

from investigation that the average person honestly believes that

lie is receiving one-fourth, one-half, three-fourths, or 1 pound of
124 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

commodity in the containers so marked, and we also know they

are charged and pay for the goods at the pound rate and not the

ounce.

It is believed that the sizes of containers should be such as to be

easily identified by the consumer; in other words, the variation

between sizes should be so easily apparent that there would be no

question as to the quantity that was received.

The whole burden of the deception as at present practiced in the

promiscuous sizes of containers in use falls heavily ujion the people who can least afford it, comprising the inhabitants of tenement

districts and the poorer quarters of cities, whei-e illiteracy is not

uncommon; it is to protect such as these and others Avho, as pre- viously stated, through careless methods of buying, do not protect

themselves, that such standardization of containers should be es- tablished.

The weights of the various vegetables in a State ready for canning

have alread}' been ascertained by the bureau of chemistry, I believe,

and it should not be a difficult matter to establish sizes of containers

for the different classes of vegetables, using the figures of the chemists as a basis for calculating the cubical contents that such containers

should have.

The law covering marking (our net weight container law) is being generally complied with, but it has many times come to our

attention that even with this good statute in force ways have been

found to deceive the purchasing public, the most glaring practice

being to underfill containers and subsequently mark them in some

inconspicuous manner, so that their true contents can hardly be dis- cerned without the use of a magnifying glass. We even found in

New Jersey one case where a Jewish concern was putting out a commodity in cans with the contents marked in Yiddish hieroglyphics; of course, we stopped this the minute it was discovered,

but it just goes to show the means that will be taken to mislead

people, the perpetrators usually pleading ignorance of the law.

In New Jersey we standardized the peach basket, prohibiting the

use of all odd sizes, such as 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, and 15 quart sizes ; also bottles for milk and cream were standardized, and no hardship was

]ilaced on the manufacturer, for it was not difficult to change the

forms used to conform with the law. It seems that this would

equally apply to the manufacturers of cans, bottles, and cartons if standard sizes were adopted by Federal legislation, and no hardship

would be caused them in making the containers according to the

regulations and specifications. Claims of hardship are, of course, always made when any innovation is introduced that may cause inconvenience to some one engaged in a particular branch of trade,

but this does not exist long, as it has invariably been found that

after things had really got to running smoothly there has not been

one of our weights and measures acts that has not worked to the

ultimate benefit of the manufacturer. For instance, with the adoption of our basket law the work of the makers was simplified, until

at the present time they have but a few sizes to make to conform

with our act; of course, they recognized the good points of the law

from the first, and complied without any opposition, as standardization meant to them what it would mean to the manufacturers of other
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 125

containers—more efficient and economical methods of production. I want to sa}^ here that our basket law has worked out fine and the

people in Xew Jersey are pleased Avith it. The basket situation I have taken as a criterion of what could be expected from the national

standardization of containers. Of course, we will have opposition—all good movements do—but then it is worth while to make

an effort, and the feAV who might rise against the enactment of such

a standardization law would be more than overwhelmed by the

number in favor of it, for, after all, it is a case of " the greatest good

for the greatest number," a principle, gentlemen, which the New

Jersey Department of Weights and Measures has always followed in

their consideration of any legislation within the scope of its work.

One of the main features that our investigations have brought out

is the unfair competition that at present exists between canners. They naturally try to undersell each other, and to enable them to do

this the tendency has constantly been to decrease the size, and con- sequently the weight of the can or bottle or box of the commodity

which they put up, or else to use an oversize container and put in

underweight. From such who have followed these practices we may

expect our greatest trouble in having a law enacted, but would it not be in line ^vith the policies followed by weights and measures men

all OA'er the country to protect the man who is trying to treat the

people right? We can do this by putting them both on the same

working basis, just as we would start two runners at scratch in a

race—and let the best man win. If he can not do it by fair means, we certainl)^ should not allow him to use unfair methods, particularly

when the ultimate consumer must pay for it, in receiving less than he

reasonably expects and pays for. The National Canners' Association, I believe, has already in- augurated a movement having for its aim the standardization of all cans used by the packers of canned products, and it certainly is a

step in the right direction.

The present system of marking the net contents on commodities in

package form is varied and rather difficult of comprehension to the

lay mind.

It is proposed that we do away with the marking in pounds and

ounces and make the marking in pounds and fractions, these fractions to represent common subdivisions of the pound, only, such as one-fourth, one-half, three-fourths, etc. Cartons should be standardized in pounds and subdivisions thereof,

the latter expressed in fractions, the same as for the cans and other

containers, the said subdivisions to be not less than quarter subdivisions of the pound. Should this involve the increasing of the

cost of packages of certain commodities now packed in cartons, on

account of increasing them over the present small sizes, say of '2 ounces, 3 ounces, or less, it is felt that it would be far better for the

public to pay the increased cost and be assured of the quantity they

receive being all they pay for tlian under the present state of affairs,

by which they are charged almost any price and still have no assur- ance of full weight. To give some concrete examples, I might state that in the city of Newark, N. J., on May 14 a visit was paid to the

Army and Navy food station, conducted by the municipal authorities,

and a survey of the canned goods made. The measurements of cans
126 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS.

and the marking of weight thereon were observed, with the following

results

California apricots, 1 pound 12 ounces ; diameter of can, 3J inches ; height, 4f

inches. Grape-fruit jam, 24 ounces net ; diameter, 3i inches ; height, 4f inches. Saur kraut, 6 pounds 6 ounces ; diameter, 6 inches ; height, 6J inches. Pumpkin, 6 pounds 13 ounces ; diameter, 6 inches ; height, 6f inches. Pears, 1 pound 4 ounces or over ; diameter, 3J inches ; height, 4f inches. Sweetened milk, 14 ounces avoirdupois ; diameter, 2| inches ; height, 3 inches. Sugar corn, 1 pound 4 ounces ; diameter, 3^ inches ; height, 4fs inches. Concentrated tomato soup, lOi ounces; diameter, 2i inches; height, 3il

inches ; selling for 9 cents per can. Nine different brands of canned tomatoes from Delaware, New

Jersey, and Maryland were found, all of these being packed in cans 4^ inches in diameter and 4J inches in height, and all selling for 14

cents per can. Five of these brands were labeled 2 pounds; two, 2

pounds 1 ounce; one, 2 pounds 2 ounces; and the remaining brand

had a dual marking, 2 pounds 3 ounces at the top of the label and

" Net weight, 35 ounces " at the bottom.

Five different brands of asparagus were examined, each being

packed in the same size cans, square shaped ; height, 6 inches ; width,

2|- inches; and length, 3f inches, and all sold for 35 cents per can. Four of these were labeled 1 pound 15 ounces, while the fifth was

branded 1 pound 14 ounces. The foregoing were all on sale at the food depot.

In one of the local stores the following were found

Tomatoes, marked 1 pound 12 ounces ; diameter of can, 3| inches ; height, 4J

inches. Apple butter, 1 pound IJ ounces ; diameter, 2J inches ; height, 4| inches. Tomato cream soup, 1 pound ; diameter of can, 2J inches ; heiglit, 4i inches. Lima beans, 1 pound 3 ounces ; diameter, Si inches ; height, 4A inches. Fancy shrimp, 5£ ounces ; diameter, 2tB inches ; height, 3i inclies. Green turtle soup, 4 ounces ; diameter, inches ; height, 2§ inches. Dill pickles, 1 pound 13 ounces ; diameter, 3i inches ; height, 4i inches. California lima beans, 1 pound 4 oimces ; diameter, 3i inches ;• height, 4A

inches. Maine corn, 1 pound 4 ounces ; diameter 3J inches ; height, 4^ inches. Brussell sprouts, 1 pound 3 ounces ; diameter, 3-J inches ; height, 4ik inches. Kraut, 1 pound 13 ounces ; diameter, 3J inches ; height, 4J inches. Breakfast foods.—Prepared wheat : 1 pound 8 ounces ; height, 8 inches ; width,

2i inches ; length, 4^ inches. Prepared farina : 1 pound 12 ounces ; height, 7f inches ; width, IJ inches

;

length, 4J inches. And so on indefinitely.

No attempt was made to reweigh contents, or to figure out the ca- pacity of containers in cubic inches. The sizes and varied markings

as given are introduced merely for the purpose of illustrating the

diverse methods used and the variance in contents of cans of same

capacity, and serves as a forcible argument in the contention that a reform is needed and that standardization is the solution to the

problem.

Our investigations have extended over a period of two years, and,

in fact, were well under way previous to the conference of the New

Jersey Weights and Measures Association at Atlantic City in 1918

when the resolution advocating the standardization of containers for

foodstuffs was first introduced and adopted.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, 127

The propositions are feasible, unquestionably just, and should

work out to the complete satisfaction of everyone. We in New Jersey, therefore, feel that the time is ripe for the introduction of such

Federal legislation that will bring about the desired end in both the

standard containers to be adopted for various commodities, and also for a reform in the present system of marking net contents.

DISCUSSION" OP SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR LIQUIDMEASURING DEVICES (Continued).

8

The Chairman. We will now pass to the consideration of the specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring devices.

Mr. HoLBRooK. The first specification which was laid aside yesterday was new No. 6, in relation to " Indication of delivery required,"

reading as follows

All liquid-measuriug devices shall be so designed and constructed that the amount delivered will be clearly and definitely indicated by automatic means, and the indication of any delivery shall take place only when the full discharge has in fact occurred. In order to refresh the minds of the delegates, I will state that that was laid aside because of the proposition of the small flow, sometimes

referred to as the dribble flow, which occurs when a piston pump is cranked back so that the piston reaches its initial position. At the

present time the full delivery is indicated on the graduated scale before the dribble flow has been delivered, and the committee on specifications was instructed to draft a proviso to be added at the end of

this specification along the lines of the proviso which I sketched out

yesterday to take care of the matter. The committee now has the

matter ready for presentation. The committee recommends that at the end of new No. 6 the following words be added

Provided, however, That the requirement that the full discharge shall have

been completed before registration shall not apply to the dribble flow caused by

the displacement of the piston rod during the return of the piston to its initial position, when a clear statement conspicuous- to the customer and adjacent to the indicating means is placed on the liquid-measuring device, to the effect that

the full amount can not be delivered until the piston or the pointer or indicator has been returned to its initial position.

The Chairman. You have heard this report on the No. 6, which,

as Mr. Holbrook has suggested, was deferred for further action.

Are there any objections to this as read? [After a pause.] If not, we will understand that it is to be accepted.

Mr. HoLBRooK. The next specification laid aside was new No. 7, in

relation to sensitiveness. The discussion on this specification had

been practically concluded, as I understood it, when Mr. Barnard

made the suggestion that the delegates would like to have in their

hands, for consideration last evening, the specification as recom- mended by the committee. These specifications were available yes- terday afternoon and were passed around to the members of the conference. If anybody has not a copy of the specification, there is an

additional supply here. The specification as recommended by the

committee reads as follows:

New No. 7—Sensitiveness.—^AU liquid-measuring devices shall be so designed

and constructed that they can readily be operated to deliver each quantity for

' For text of specifications and tolerances as finally adopted, see appendix of this report.
128 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

which a graduation, stop, overflow pipe, or other indicating means is provided,

within the tolerance on such amount hereinafter provided.

This specification shall be construed to require that in the case of all devices which have a graduated scale or dial or similar indicating means as the sole means of determining the amount of liquid discharged the length on the scale

or dial equivalent to the tolerance at anj' graduation must be readily appreciable when the character of the indicating element and its normal distance from and position in reference to the observer's eye are taken into consideration,

and in no case shall this length be less thaa 0.04 inch. For example, if a de- vice is designed and constructed so that (1) 1 gallon is the first graduation;

( 2 ) there is no stop, overflow pipe, or other automatic means of terminating the

delivery; (3) the graduations are equally spaced; and (4) if the cross section of the measuring chamber is the same throughout its length, the minimum

length on the scale or dial shall be 4.6 inches per measured gallon, the maximum

cross-sectional area of the measuring chamber shall be 50 square inches, and,

if cylindrical, the maximum diameter must be 8 inches. The Chairman. It seems to me this clears up the explanation of

No. 7. Mr. Reichmann. That does not include the proposed amendment

to this amendment that I gave the committee this morning?

Mr. HoLBEOOK. No; that amendment was struck off, and copies are available here in the form in v^^hich you wrote it, Doctor. Mr. Reichmann. There is a form, on which your committee was

agreed, which was different from that form. Is that available?

Mr. HoLBROOK. The final form is available.

Mr. Barnard. Mr. Chairman, I would like to submit for the consideration of the conference the following amendment, after the

words "less than 0.04 inch."

The Chairman. You refer to the document as distributed yesterday?

Mr. Barnard. Yes, sir ; the proposed new amendment by the committee. In line 10, second paragraph, strike out the period and in- sert the following

except in the case of graduations representing less than 1 gallon on devices having a measuring capacity of more than 1 gallon, and in this case the mini- mum length on the scale or dial representing the first deliverable gallon shall be 4.6 inches. Mr. HoLBROOK. To clear up the record, I may say that the committee has not passed favorably upon that amendment. Speaking for the committee, I think that I can say we think that sacrifices something, in that it does not require upon certain graduations rep- resenting less than 1 gallon the linear space which the committee

has considered necessarj^ in order to obtain deliveries within the

tolerance on such smaller graduations. However, this only sacrifices that 0.04 of an inch in the case of graduations on large pumps

or pumps of more than 1 gallon capacity that are less than 1 gallon

in size; it retains that measurable amount on all gallon graduations

and over. The committee feels, in the case of gasoline pumps, very

few deliveries are made in amounts less than 1 gallon; the way the

specification is presented it still requires that all graduations repre- senting less than 1 gallon must be so placed that they can be read

within the tolerance required.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, several of the delegates—after

having this other new form of No. 7, as distributed yesterday—care- fully took up this matter, and in the light of what was for the benefit

of the public, and what was in the line of good engineering practice,
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 129

and what was in the line of sound physics, adopted a form of amendment substantially similar to this. That was taken up by some dozen

delegates in a meeting after the theater, and this morning submitted

to the committee, and the wording passed about is the wording proposed by Mr. Holbrook, chairman of the committee, which we believe

is satisfactory. I think these are the essential facts, and therefore,

I rise to second Mr. Barnard's motion to insert that proviso in that

section 7. Mr. Holbrook. In order to keep the record straight, I must state

liere that this wording was prepared by the committee to accomplish

the objects desired by Dr. Reichmann, but that the wording is only

less objectionable than the wording originally submitted to us. The ChxVirman. We must then decide between two amendments,

the one which comes from the committee and the one which is offered

from the floor? Mr. HoLEROOK. No ; this is merely an amendment to the specification recommended by the committee. There are not two amendments

;

there is just one amendment.

The Chairman. I do not put it in that form. I understand from

your reading, jon present a ncAV form of No. 7, and these gentlemen

have offered a variation in the wording.

Mr. Ramsdell. It is not just clear to the manufacturers what is accomplished by this proposed amendment. In other Avords, we do

not understand it. We would like to have that made clear, if possible,

before you gentlemen take action on it. The Chairman. We will refer to the committee's report as a change

from yesterday, and to the amendment which these gentlemen have

introduced.

Mr. Ramsdell. We understand perfectly the new No. 7 as presented, but we do not understand just what is accomplished by this

proposed amendment, and what effect it is going to produce.

The Chairman. Will you gentlemen explain?

Mr. Reichmann. Yes; there are a number of measuring devices

now on the market, and it is very easy to conceive of a great many

others which could be made; therefore, of course, specifications of

that kind, must take in a great many things. Where a person would

use, for instance, a 2-gallon pump and wants to subdivide the first gallon into smaller divisions, such as a half-gallon or a quarter-gallon,

if you please, then the amendment allows them to do that, and they

must then also comply absolutely with the tolerance. But, if the

manufacturer can devise a means so that the divisions are readily

discernable and can be readily read, then all well and good, and he can do it. Now, if he can not make the reading so that they can be

readily read, and within the tolerance, then, of course, he can not do

it. But, as Dr. Stratton explained to you yesterday, whereas 10 years

ago no one would have conceived, for instance, or have attempted to make, gages or something else, by using wave lengths of light, now it

is an ordinary shop practice here at the bureau, and it is the shop

practice in several manufacturing concerns which I know of. Even

if they can come within the tolerance any other way, for the smaller

subdivisions below a gallon than by this limitation, that specification says it is impossible to make a readable device unless you have 0.04

of an inch.

10789—21 9

I
130 BUEEAU OF STASTDABDS.

Mr. Eamsdell. I understand then that this applies only in the case of an instrument having graduations between zero and one-gallon

mark?

Mr. Reichmann. Absolutely.

Mr. Ramsdell. If we have these graduations and can not show

within the tolerance on that graduated scale, we may apply a quantity

stop ? Mr. Eeichmann. I think so. Mr. Cokey. In other words, this adds words without changing it ? Mr. Eeichmanis^. Yes; only it makes it impossible to have any

graduations below the gallon, because it arbitrarily assumed that the

smallest readable distance is 0.04 of an inch.

Mr. HoLBRooK. Yes, Doctor ; but it absolutely does not prohibit

having graduations of less than 1 gallon on the pump ; it merely

requires that if quantities of less than 1 gallon are on the pump they

must show the tolerance on that amount equivalent in vertical height

to 0.04 of an inch.

Mr. Eeich^fann. That is exactly the point. Suppose you can devise a means, by means of gears or optical means or what not, so as

to increase that. I can readilj^ see how you could make an attachment

like the optical attachment on certain scales. Thirty years ago if you

wanted a mechanic to work to one-half thousandth of an inch very

few could do it, but now everybody does it. Mr. HoLBROOK. In that case if the graduations were magnified, you

would have 0.04 inch on the scale efiuivalent to the tolerance.

Mr. Reichmann. You might and you might not. Mr. HoLBROOK. I assumed it was the graduations you were speaking about.

Mr. Reichmann. Perhaps I did not express myself as well as I

should. You get my point, do you not?

Mr. Ramsdele. It seems to me what you are asking for here is just exactly what Mr. Holbrook explained to us yesterday. Where

we have a graduation on a quantity less than a gallon, and we can

not measure within the tolerance, we have got to have a quantity stop.

Mr. Reichmann. Yes; but on this particular specification, as drawn, the whole question of sensitiveness, the arbitrary establishment of what the eye can see or what the observer can see or what the

manufacturer can make, is assumed. All you want to do is to protect

the public primarily. Now, then, if you can deliA'er this—make a

deliverable quantity within the tolerance, and that presupposes you

will be able to read it—that is all that is desired. Now, that is what

this does. Mr. Ramsdell. If we can not read it, we can put in a quantity

stop at that point.

Mr. Reichmann. Certainly; and that assumes you can put your

quantity stop accurately' enough, but the other way it assumes you

can not put it in accurately enough. To leave that out, to me, means

that it prohibits your quantity stops below the gallon. I do not

think there is any question about that from a technical standpoint.

So far as expression is concerned, it clarifies it. I will stake my

technical reputation on it that that is true. The way this tolerance

is drawn in this particular specification, you understand, was entirely different from those that have been drawn for any other
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 131

weighing or measuring device, and the ease is exactly similar to a

scale, although perhaps some of the committee may not admit that. There is no other measuring or indicating device known in the

realms of physics and engineering that has a straight-line function

error as specified in this specification. T think it would be well if they did, but they do not.

JNIr. Barnard. I feel Mr. Holbrook, as representing the committee,

is Avilling to admit it is well enough to put language into this specification that will make it absolute and positive, if you please, instead

of inferring that something might be the case, because there might

be, in some particular State, a certain construction of that language

that might not be in keeping with what the committee might have in

mind. I think in fairness to the various pump manufacturers that

the language ought to be positive and complete, and that was my

object in presenting this particular amendment. We propose to comply absolutely with the tolerance as specified by the committee, and we think it is just and hoh^, and we think the language should be

complete in that respect, so that every inspector, all over the field,

will Imow absolutely what the committee had in mind when they promulgated that particular specification.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Whereas the language formerly was definite and

measurable, in my opinion, the addition of this language makes it unmeasurable and makes it a question of judgment. The committee

has thought that a man operating a liquid-measuring device and

a pui'chaser buying from a liquid-measuring device will be able to

tell, peihaps, by careful observation when a pointer upon a graduated scale does not come within O.Oi of an inch of exact coincidence

with the line. Therefore the}' have said that the tolerance in the

case of each graduation must be represented by 0.04 of an inch in vertical height at that graduation. Now, in relation to the gallon graduations and all quantities over a gallon, this amendment still retains

that requirement, but in the case of graduations of less than 1 gallon

it depends upon the judgment of the individual sealer as to whether

or not a man can set a pointer within less than 0.04 of an inch of the

graduation—and when I say within less than 0.04 of an inch of

graduation, I mean it shall not fail of exact coincidence with graduation by more than 0.04 of an inch. That is the idea of the committee.

This amendment requires if the scale is only 4.6 inches long for the

first gallon and stops are not provided on graduations below the first gallon that the pointer be brought more closely to the line, be brought more nearly in exact coincidence with the line, than 0.04 of an inch.

Xow, if we considered merely the inspector in testing this device,

that might be comparatively easy. The inspector reasonably, per- haps, under some constructions could set it within 0.01 of an inch of

the line, if you please, by a very, very, careful manipulation of the

device.

Now, the next step is, if a sealer takes a reading glass and finds out

that the pump delivers accurately when brought in exact coincidence,

a coincidence within two or one or less than one one-hundredths

of an inch, then the sealer is satisfied, perhaps, provided he does not

consider the delivery of the device in practice and the checking of

the reading by the purchaser. Now, if the dealer, after very long

and conscientious study, and by the use of a reading glass sets the
132 BTJEEAU OF STANDARDS.

IDointer in coincidence with the graduated scale to a degree finer than

0.04 of an inch—and there is no other error in the pump—of course, he may be able to deliver quantities within the tolerance. But we

still have to consider that the purchaser must check the setting established by the operator of the pump within a very fine degree of

accuracy, less than 0.04 of an inch—which is a little more than half

of a sixteenth, a little more than a' thirty-second. Now, if we sacrifice sensitiveness to too great a degree, it is going to be a fact that

the sealer in testing and that the dealer in setting and the customer

in checking the dealer's setting must carry reading glasses in order

to determine the exact coincidence of the pointer and line. Mr. Keichjiann. Mr. Holbrook \evy cleverly tries to give the impression that the onl}' way of getting fineness of reading is by means

of a reading glass.

Mr. Holbrook. You could use a microscope.

jSIr. Reichmann. A microscope is a form of reading glass. However, that is not true. Just from the standpoint of the consimaer, and

speaking as a delegate from the State of New York, I do not see why the public is not only benefited b}^ this, but also, as Mr. Barnard

sa3's, it simplj^ clarifies the whole situation. It is not arbitrarily

left to the sealer.

j\Ir. Neale. The specification would seem, under all conceptions

of the committee, to absolutely and forever wipe out all possible

measuring lines on the lower gallon, on the first gallon zero to one. Mr. Holbrook. I must interru^Dt 3'ou here

Mr. Neale. Please wait until I am through.

Mr. Holbrook. I beg jour pardon, Mr. Neale.

Mr. Neale. The proposition can, in my mind, be considered as analogous to scales that we are all familiar with, having the first pound with 16 ounces on it. Would you think of wiping out all the ounces and producing a scale with a blank pound, even though

the error was there and could not be seen by the eye ^ I defy any

man in this room, even though the error be there, to take a scale and t. see exactlv what appears in the ounces. Now, if a machine may be made, regardless of any reference to any

machine we have in mind, whether read by a glass or by the turn- ing of handles or cranks, so that it will show within the tolerance,

whereby a half gallon will test within its own tolerance as prescribed

for measuring devices, well and good. If it does not, it would fail of test, and would not be used commercially. I can not see why a measure of that kind should be arbitrarily proscribed, on the committee's assumption that it can not be done. I dare say the committee have seen all kinds of possibilities existing in this line of

measuring devices. If it can be done and can measure accurately to the half cubic inch, or to the cubic inch, or whatever the tolerance

may be, I can not see Avhy it should be forever wiped off by an

arbitrary decision of our own committee.

Mr. Eeichmann. I would like to hear from Mr. Ralph Smith on

this very point, together with the other features of liquid-measuring

pumps. I dare say there are no two men in this conference Avho

have devoted as much time to liquid-measuring pumps as have Messrs. Neale and Smith.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 133

Mr. Smith. Mr. Chainnan, the point that seems to me should decide this discussion is ^Yhether or not the device is capable of delivering Avithin the tolerance. I believe that the reason the tolerance

committee fixed upon the figure of 0.04 of an inch as the minimum

amount that could be conveniently read was that they wanted a device

to deliver within the tolerance. If some device can be so constructed

that it will deliver accurately within the tolerance prescribed, at a point on the scale where the tolerance is not represented by 0.04 of an inch, but by a lesser amount, it seems to me such a device should

be continued in operation. I believe if the first paragraph of this specification distinctly

required that the devices must deliver within tolerance, it would

take care of the situation.

The Chairman. The committee has brought in the report, which

the chairman of the committee has explained, and this amendment

has been offered and seconded, and unless there is further discussion

the Chair will put the question of the amendment.

(The amendment was put to a vote and was rejected.)

Mr. Eeichmann. Before announcing the decision, for the purpose

of the record, as a delegate from the State of New York, I want to

state, and I state this knowing that I am speaking with the authority and the sanction of Dr. Porter, the commissioner of foods

and markets of the State of New York, who is alwa^^s working for

the interests of the public, and also Mr. White, the director of the

bureau of weights and measures, who is working for the interest

of the public—I want to go on record that the State of New York

is not in favor of deletion of this amendment, because it is against

the interest of the general public ; it is contrary to good engineering

practice, and it arbitrarily assumes that the present construction is the only kind that is available.

The Chairman. There is a good deal to be said on both sides, and

I regret very much that the difference of opinion should arise, but,

nevertheless, we can not avoid that. But remember that each year we ought to feel free to correct the errors of the year before. This is a matter which will receive your serious consideration throughout

the year, and if we find that we have made a mistake Ave Avill not

hesitate to correct it. Mr. Barnard. May I ask for information, largely, that we are to understand now that from now on there are to be no graduations

below the gallon mark?

The Chairman. I do not understand it that way.

Mr. Barnard. That is my construction of the specification, and as

I understood it. That is going to be my construction in Michigan.

That is what the language says, and I think we should adhere to the

language, and that was my object in submitting this particular

amendment, so that Ave could be positive. That is my construction of

the proposition, and that is the construction I am going to put upon it. Mr. HoLBRooK. Graduations are allowable below the gallon marks

in all cases Avhere the tolerance is represented by 0.04 of an inch in

vertical height, or in all cases where stops are provided to limit the

stroke or limit the delivery.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, may I at this moment introduce

a resolution—and I do that in order to protect the good name of the
134 BUKEAU OF STANDAKDS.

Bureau of Standards, in advising the conference, in order that there

may be consistency in its attitude—that the specifications for scales be also arbitrarily designated so as to wipe out all graduations on

dials of scales, and on all indicating scales which do not have a toler- ance in which the minimum distance of division is prescribed. I make

that as a motion, that a committee be appointed by the Chair to revise

the tolerances and report to the "next conference, "so as to have a consistency in all the specifications adopted.

Mr. Baenard. I will support that motion, Mr. Pi-esident.

Mr. Ramsdell. Mr. Chairman, inasmuch as there seems to be such

a difference of opinion on this subject, is not this a question that could

be taken up and settled at your next conference? Let us not dispose

of it now in a way that may cause embarrassment to the sealers as well as to the manufacturers.

We understood yesterday Mr. Holbrookes explanation, and it seemed to make the whole subject perfectly clear to us, but if there is any question as to the interpretation that may be placed upon this

in different States you can readily see the confusion it is going to lead

to and the position in which it is going to leave the manufacturers.

What Ave want to know is what will be acceptable in -iS States and not

in 46 or any number less than 48. Mr. Frary. Mr. Chairman, the adoption of these specifications and

tolerances is a matter of considerable importance to a good man^^ of

us, because, as this gentleman has just said, the operations in the

States depend upon them. Now, I am not perfectly clear upon this new No. 7. I take it that it is applicable only when the graduated

iscale or dial is the sole means of determining the amount of liquid

discharged ; that if stops are provided, then this specification does

not apply to the instrument. Is that correct, Mv. Holbrook ? Mr. Holbrook. At any graduation at which a stop is provided the

pointer does not have to be brought into that degree of coincidence

with the graduation.

Mr. Frary. Then, in the illustration given in the last sentence of

the specification, we have an example, first, " if 1 gallon is the first graduation; (2) there is no stop, overflow pipe, or other automatic means of terminating the delivery," and so on. Now, suppose the

first graduation is not 1 gallon but one-half gallon, then this would

not apply, would it? Mr. Holbrook. Without a stop at the half gallon?

Mr. Frary. Whether there is or not, it does not say. Mr. Holbrook. You only need 0.04 of an inch at ithe first graduation for which a stop is not provided. I explained with scales on the

board here the other day that 4.6 inches per measured gallon was not required if there was a stop at the first gallon and no graduation

below the first gallon. If there is a stop at the quarter gallon and

half gallon and gallon, and no graduation below the quart, then

this length of scale is not necessary. Such a length of scale is nec- essary so that 0.04 of an inch in vertical height will represent the tol- erance at those graduations at which stops are not provided. If the

first graduation on the pump, for instance, at which a stop is not

provided is 3 gallons, then the length on the scale or dial equivalent

to the measured gallon, when the graduations are equal, only needs to be one-third of 4.6 linear inches.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEEGHTS AND MEASURES. 135

Mr. Reichmann. Under that proposition, the way it stands, unless

clarified in the way that has been suggested and which was voted

down, it assumes that the customary laAvs are primarily for the

benefit of the public on the basis of the old English law that devices

should not be manufactured wdiich are likely to facilitate the per- petration of fraud. This assumes a stop which the customer can see

but a stop can be put in there Avherever you want to, according to that interpretation, which I do not think is correct, the way I read it, if I can read the English language—but if he has something that he

can see he can put the stop wherever he Avants to. If he has a stop

which you can not see, then he can not put it in and let the public

know what it is getting. I think without that insertion, unless you wish to put on a blind

stop, so the public can not see what it is getting

Mr. HoLBROOK. The specifications require, Avhen stops are provided, the amount corresponding to each individual stop must be

plainly indicated on the pump.

Mr. Keichmann. Is not the Avhole object of all these specifications

the point Mr. Neale so ably put, that if you deliver the quantity

within the tolerance—I do not care whether it is a Aveight or a

gasoline measure, or a molasses measure, or Avhat not—tliat if it comes within the tolerance, that is all you Avant for the protection

of the public. That sounds to me like sound economics.

The Chairman. There is, however, I believe, this other question

as to the practicability of reading. SeA^eral times you have referred

to the question of a scale ; Avhether Ave should leave off the first di- visions of a scale. Certainly no scale Avhich has a total capacity

of 100 pounds should have its first division divided into ounces,

unless those first divisions, reading ounces, give you ounces Avithin

the tolerance. It seems to me that is clearly what Mr. Holbrook

has in mind. They are both right to a certain extent. The state- ment of Mr. Eeichmann is entirely right. Mr. Holbrook claims that

these devices should clearly indicate that that is the fact, so that

the man who buys can clearly read the fact. Is not that right, Mr.

Holbrook?

Mr. Holbrook. Yes. The Chairman. I have not called for a vote on this new No. 7. You have voted doAvn the amendment, and my suggestion is that we put the new No. 7 as the conmiittee has it to a vote, and if you

do not agree with that, vote it down.

Another proposition is to defer this until later. I am sure if you

get together and get to talking this over, you Avill agree upon something.

A Delegate. I do not quite see why this little controversy should

occur on the floor of the conference. As I understand it, this committee was appointed and is fairly representative. They haA^e consulted with the manufacturers, and they have accepted suggestions, and I really do not see why this matter should come up in

such form this morning. I am sure that we shoiilcl all leaA^e here

in perfect harmony and that there should be nothing but harmony.

NoAv, I believe that this little controversy can be straightened out

if these delegates who seem to haA^e a grieA'ance have a further conference with the committee, and we can act upon this matter a
136 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

little later on. I make the motion that this matter be taken up as a special order of business to-morrow afternoon, if it can be done,

and that action be deferred at this time.

(This motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. In reference to that the last speaker has raised ii question as to why this should be considered on the floor. There is an important point Avhich has an educational value. You hear these

discussions on the floor, and Avhen you come to interpret these rules

you will know Avhat is meant by those points.

Mr. Barnard. Speaking to the matter which the gentleman pre- ceding me has mentioned, I do not want any delegates here to infer

the thought or idea that I have any grievance with the specifications

and tolerances committee, because that is not true. I have the greatest confidence in the world in the judgment of Mr. Holbrook and

the other members of the committee. However, it is simply a differ- ence of opinion as to the phraseology and the language of that particular specification. Mr. Holbrook's idea is that certain language

should be used, which we think is not positive enough. So far as the

specification itself is concerned, we are in hearty accord Avith a great

deal of Avhat Mr. Holbrook says, but Ave believe it should be positively stated, so there will be no opportunity for misunderstanding so far as misinterpretation is concerned. I simply mention this to correct any erroneous idea that I haA^e any difference or grievance, so far as that is concerned, Avith Mr. Holbrook, because I haA^e not. The Chairman. I think we all feel the same way. There are bound to be differences of opinion. This discussion has been very

useful to me, and I am sure it must have been to others. Mr. Eeichmann. This is not a personal matter ; it is simply a ques- tion of whether we want to arbitrarily put something in a specification which will have to be upset again in the very near future.

When these scale specifications came up that same thing was brought

up, and it was decided by the conference several years ago, on the

broad principle that if you had a scale, a computing scale, for in- stance, that Aveighed up to 30 pounds, you established the tolerance

for the large graduations and the small graduations ; then, God bless the manufacturers, if they can liA^e up to this tolerance, let them

make it. If they can not provide ways and means for doing it, all well and good. As a matter of fact, if you tested to an ounce or

half an ounce on the ordinary computing scale they would not come up to tolerance. Is the public defrauded ? I doubt it ; I know they

are not. As a matter of fact, it makes a better looking instrument,

the kind of looking instrument that the commercial people of this

country want.

Mr. Neale. I haA^e known my friend Mr. Holbrook longer than I have most of the people in this room, and you could not hurt that big

fellow's feelings if you wanted to, because he has a hide like the

Pachyclermata. Our troubles this morning do not appear serious to the older members of this organization, and the newer members

ought to know that this is the place to fight out our quarrels. I have

enjoyed the privilege of being on committees, and have worked hard,

and they have worked hard to produce certain children of their

brain that they could not throw out of doors. But I would personally

feel hurt if we left this conference this morning, being one of many
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 137

which I have had the privilege of attending, with something hazy or with a feeling that there was not a unanimous consent about something we all thoroughly felt was right, so I will say again, so far as the committee is concerned—two of them I have known longer than

any other people in this room—I could hot take any personal stand

in the matter. The Chairman. There will not be any bloodshed over this matter,

but the time has come for luncheon, and there are two or three more

items that must be considered, so we Avill make this the order of the

next meeting. 1 hope the committee will get together with those wlio

are interested in this matter, and I feel quite sure you can come to some agreement. I am not at all Avorried about that. I have been

asked to adjourn the meeting for this afternoon, and I think it a very

good plan.

Mr. Ramsdell. There is No. 18 on here, that the manufacturers are very much interested in, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman. On account of somebody going away, do you wish

to consider the balance now?

Mr. Ramsdell. Yes. The Chairman. I am perfectly willing to do so. Mr. Johnson. I want to impress upon the members of the conference that your committee on specifications and tolerances is not

arbitrar}^ in any matter in which it is concerned. It has on every

occasion invited any member who is interested in the specifications

to confer with them in their deliberations, and we have spent very

nearly every evening and the entire Sunday forenoon deliberating on these matters. We only have the best interests of the conference

at heart, and I want to assure you, if there is any prejudice in your

mind that we are arbitrary, that is absolutely not the fact. We are open-minded in these matters, and we want to arrive at the conclusions which are absolutely right, or as nearly so as possible.

Mr. HoLBRooK. The tolerance committee will get together between

6 and 8 o'clock this evening, at room 507, in the Raleigh Hotel, and

anybody who wishes to be present and to present anything to the committee may do so at that time.

(A motion to adjourn being made and seconded, it was put to a

vote and was carried.)

(Thereupon the conference adjourned to meet at 9.30 a. m., Thursday, May 27, 1920.)

SIXTH SESSION (MORNING OF THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1920).

The conference reassembled at 10 o'clock a. m. at the Bureau of

Standards, Dr. S. W. Stratton, chairman, presiding.

DISCUSSION OF QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE PRACTICAL SIDE

OE WORK.

The Chairman. The meeting will please come to order.

Gentlemen, owing to the adjournment yesterday afternoon Ave overlooked, or rather postponed, several important discussions that were on the program. I am going to take up that discussion this

morning, devoting 10 or 15 minutes to each one of these three subjects

devoted to the practical side of affairs with which we are all con- cerned—" The practical side of weights and measures work, including methods of inspection for the detection of fraud " ; " The standardization by Congress of units of weights and measures and its relation to commerce " ; and " Sales of dry commodities by the hundredweight versus sales by measure."

Now, I Avould like very much to see this discussion confined, as far as possible, to the city and county sealers—those people who

come directly in contact with field work. I think here is a very

good opportunity for the delegates other than State delegates to say

what they haA^e to say, because they are directly poncerned Avith these

things. The first subject is the practical side of Aveights and measures work. I assume that Avill coA^er practical experiences—things

that you have found out, suggestions as to the correction of evils,

and so on. I haA'e no particular individuals in mind to call upon,

but, as I have said, I Avould like to hear from some of the local

sealers. Mr. GooDAViN. I rise, just to start the subject and get it going, to give them a little experience of mine—a little talk on my experience

in inspecting in my State. I Avill take a case arising in the city of

Providence. A year ago we adopted a system there by Avhich nearly

all goods were reqidred to be sold by Aveight instead of by measure,

reserA'ing, hoAvever, the right to the farmers to use the bushel and the

equivalent of the bushel, because we could not get the laAV through

without conceding that idea. I have taken great pains to investigate these new conditions arising from the sale of products by Aveight,

and it is Avorking out very satisfactorily in our cities, and, in fact, in

all of the large towns of the State. It is of vast importance to the

merchant as well as to the piirchasing public, and Ave are very much

gratified over it, and we think that Ave haA^e made a move in the right

direction. As you called on some of the sealers—the practical men

Avho have to do the practical work—I hope some of the delegates here

from the cities and towns of the different States will give us talks on

their experience. It is worth more than the talks of all of us who

do not do the practical work.

139
140 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Hill. My experience in this regard is somewhat peculiar.

Probably my superior officers—^the mayor and the commissioners

have given me more latitude than some of the rest of you have.

I say to you that I have had considerable experience that would sur- prise you. Living in the town, as I have, for 20 years, I have known

men that have been in buH^iness and thought that they were absolutely

honest, but after getting into this office—which had been neglected

in our town—I find some of these men there whom we thought were

absolutely honest so crooked that they can't lay straight in bed. I read the law of the city and the State and the United States laws,

and also got laws from some of the other States, and I got our law

down to a point where I thought I undei'stood it. We have a pretty

good State law there now, and whenever I catch a man violating that

law I notify him and tell him not to tell his troubles to me but to

tell them to the court. I made that go, and I am going to make it go. I do not care if he is the biggest man in our town, if I catch

him violating these laws, I will prosecute him as quick as I will

anyone else. I have no pets ; I am not running for any office and am

not going to run for any office. The press is with me in this, and

whenever I bring a prosecution against a man it has its effect. I say to you that where I had 2.5 complaints six months ago now I do not have 3. During my stay in office I have filed 96 complaints,

I believe, and got 39 convictions; and I say to the sealer, to the

weights and measures inspector, " Take hold of this strong ! " Don't

make a mockery of it ; don't tell a man he is violating the law unless

you mean to carry it through. If you do otherwise, you lose your

prestige, because the next time you tell him he will pay no more

attention to it than if you had not spoken to him. I want to say to you in this connection that this work that is being done in Dallas,

Tex., is being done by myself ; I haA^e no assistants. I am somewhat surprised to be here. If it had not been for the

director of this institution and other people writing to our mayor,

I would not have been here ; but I say to you that if other people will take an interest, that is what gets the results. We have a live bunch

in our city offices. If you will bear Avith me, I Avill give you a sj^nopsis of the work

that I have done in the last 12 months. I have inspected 1,703 gasoline pumps during a year and ordered adjusted 181, condemned 19. Scales, inspected, 3,819; ordered adjusted, 217; condemned, 61. Weights, tested and inspected, 2,694; condemned and confiscated, 117. Dry measures, inspected, 176; condemned, 9. Liquid measures, in- spected, 217; condemned, 19. I weighed 898 loaves of bread after

the bread law went into effect. I haA^e weighed 317 pounds of butter

since we have had a law on butter. We had more trouble with our

fuel than with any other thing this last winter. The trouble is that our wood is cut onlj^ about 3 feet 4 inches long. One man came to me and said, " What are you going to do about this law? " and I said, " You are going to deliA^er 128 cubic feet for a cord." He said, " We

did not buy it that way." I said, " I can't help it. Whenever you

sell a cord of wood and fail to deliver that 128 cubic feet, you go to court." He said, " I can't afford that." I brought it to the attention

of the mayor, and I said, " The wood is all cut short ; they will sell it by the load or stick, and they will not sell it by the cord, but if I can
THIRTEENTH COS-PEEENCE OK WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 141

succeed in getting them to sell it by the cord I will bring them to time." I "weighed 223 tons of coal and I found a great deal of it short. They will say, We started with so much," and I will say, " I don't know what you started with : then I go to the other end of

the line and Aveigh it. I got good results on coal. These people

want to get me out, but I say to you that before the}" get me out thej'

will have to get a new set of officials. I have the present mayor with me. and they must get a new mayor if they want to get me out. There is too much crookedness in the use of weights and measures. As I say, 1 filed 96 suits and got 39 convictions. I brought them out and got them into court and got them in the papers, and it had its desired etlect, and if you can get the desired effect by bringing suits

you have accomplished something, whether they pay a fine or not. In the 12 years preceding the time that I came in and took hold of it onh" three suits were filed. They are getting wakened up to the laws,

and you people who would have good results should write to our mayor and insist on the evidence. It will not be long until Ave will

not be fourth, fifth, or sixth in weights and measures, but we will be

second to none. The Chairman. I would like to get around to a number of others, so I would suggest that you submit the statistics in your statement. We would be very glad to have those on record.

" Mr. Hill. I have a complete report at home. I would like very

well to have it go on record, and I Avill send it to you if you will have

it inserted in the record.

The Chairman. All right.

Mr. Steavart. I Avould like to suggest that everyone who is going

to speak on a question read the topic, which is, the practical side of

weights and measures work. Included in this is inspection and what

is detection of fraud. Talk on this or keep your seat. Mr. Fuller. I would like to mention something we have found of

great benefit in inspecting canned goods. We have gone to the can- ning companies and they have given U5 cans of all different sizes to use as average weights, so that we would not have to cut open the cans to get tare Aveights.

We obtained a conviction against one of the largest companies on

butter, which averaged one-fourth of 1 ounce short per pound.

TheA' had been warned before, and I believe that continued warnings

lead to contempt for the department. After they haA-e been warned,

but continue these practices, you have to take them into court. The

attorney for that company Avanted to impress the judge with the size of the company, so he said. " Why. your honor, this company cuts 12,000 pounds of butter daily." The judge figured 12.000 pounds a day and one-fourth of 1 ounce short on each pound and imposed a

fine of $500, which they paid. During the last year we brought 144

prosecutions in Los Angeles and obtained 137 convictions. I do not

believe in trying to make any record on XDrosecutions. but I do belieA'e that you haA-e to bring prosecutions and get convictions to obtain

respect for the department and compliance with the rulings.

Mr. BoA'E. In my mind Ave have a proposition here that should be

discussed thoroughly. Yesterday with considerable interest I heard

Mr. Xeale read a paper on the weight of bread, and that particular

thing interested me for the reason that I represent a city and am
142 BUEEAU OF STANDARDS.

sealer of that city, and I hare had some experiences during my two

years in office, particularly on bread. We, very unfortunately, in the

State of Maine, have not what is called the " Net-bread law," and it pleased me when Mr. Fuller, from California, explained to the con- vention the splendid law that they have. I will say that in my city we

have a number of foreign bakers, such as Italian, French, and Jewish

bakers. Of course, it is not my intention to criticize them because

they are foreigners, but they handle bread in a very poor way. I have noticed that the French bakers and Italian bakers pile bread

in barrels and the loaves are handled by different jjeople ; and in one

place I noticed that the fishermen went to the barrel and helped

themselves.

Mr. Stewart. Mr. Chairman, I must insist that we stick to the

subject in hand.

Mr. BovE. I most respectfully request that the committee will draw

up a law in regard to bread that will be uniform in e,\ery State of

the Union. It is a very important matter. The Chairman. The committee has that in charge and, I think,

will suggest a law. Now, the time has passed for the first subject. I really intended to bring out new methods for the detection of

particular frauds that you come across, in order that the others may

benefit by them.

DISCUSSION or SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR LIQUIDMEASURING DEVICES (Continued).

9

Mr. Johnson. The committee on specifications and tolerances are now ready to wind up the subject matter that was referred over from

yesterday's program.

The Chairman. Is it the wish of the convention that we return

to that order of business? If so, we will i^roceed. I want to say in

starting out that we have already spent too much time on that, and we must not get into the habit of expecting that everybod}'^ must have

his OAvn waj'. In regard to this specification No. 7, the committee came in with what seemed to be a carefully thought out and prepared

report. Another side to this has appeared, and that is the reason for

bringing it up, in order that we should have a very free and open

discussion. A decisive vote Avas taken on this point yesterday, but

there seems to be still considerable misunderstanding as to what it really means. I have been surprised in talking with the members to find out how many did not understand it. Now, we can not afford to get into anything like a violent controversy over a matter of that

sort—we have had too many of them in the past. There are two or

three ways open to us. One Avould be to postpone—to do as we often

do in the preparation of codes, etc. The bureau has a large number

of codes and regulations under its supervision, and in a case of that

kind it is customary to write a regulation or a code " Tentative " when we wish to try it out. Sometimes whole codes are put out as " Tentative." Now. in starting out with this I am going to ask the chairman

of the committee, Mr. Holbrook, to make a statement in regard to it. Mr. HoLBROOic. I do not understand just Avhat kind of a statement

is desired. The committee this morning has come to the conclusion—

» For text of specifications and tolerances as finally adopted, see appendix of this report.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 143

and I believe Mr. Johnson can explain the conclusion better than I can—but it was to the effect that if this specification was going to cause a storm of conflict in the conference, the specification as written

by the committee might be adopted tentatively to be reviewed next

year. Mr. Goodwin. I hope there will be no transfer of this matter to another session. I think the time has arrived when we ought to enact this proposition for good and all time. I have been coming

here a number of years, and I have heard this subject discussed on

several occasions, and I The Chairman. Not this particular point.

Mr. Goodwin (continuing). And I earnestly hope that the specifications—the report of the committee—will be adopted now as a whole, and not carried over to another session.

Mr. Johnson. I believe that the delegates may have reached the

conclusion that it means the referring or the placing of the entire

specifications in the " tentative " class, but such is not the case ; it is only one particular specification, No. 7, which is a new one. We will

put it that way. It has to do Avith a new order of construction in a sense which may not be entirely either clear or feasible,' and inasmuch

as it is a new one and inasmuch as those that we have formerly

adopted have been tentative for a year, it seems almost to have been

the policy of the conference in the adoption or in the considering of new specifications to make them tentative for a year so as to see whether they are practicable and applicable, and with that thought

in mind I beg at this time to move that specification No. 7 be adopted

tentatively at this conference.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Mr. Johnson, so far as I have been able to follow

this discussion, there has no one ever taken the floor to disagree with

the first paragraph of specification No. 7. In fact, the majority of

people who have spoken have said that the first paragraph of specification No. 7 was very necessary and was entirely satisfactory. So

that, with your consent, I would suggest—and we could listen, then,

to any criticisms—that the second paragraph of new No. 7 be made

tentative for a year. Mr. Johnson. I will accept that as an amendment.

Mr. Neale. Mr. Holbrook, do you mean the first paragraph down

to the word " provided " ? It would not mean anything if you

stopped there. Mr. Holbrook. I do not get your point.

Mr. Neale. Which part do you include ? Mr. Holbrook. There are two paragraphs, are there not? We

suggest that the first paragraph be adopted and the second paragraph be made tentative.

The Chairman. The discussion is with reference to the second

paragraph only.

Mr. Holbrook. We suggest that this be utade tentative, beginning

at the point " this specification shall be construed to require."

Mr. Neale. Dr. Stratton has said that we are wasting too much

time; we have been working hard. I will say to the delegates that we have full faith in our tolerance committee, but when there comes

a disagreement in the Supreme Court it makes the fur fly, and when

in our minor institutions eminent scientists and physicists can not agree it is well that we sit back and hope they can come to some
144 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

agreement. I strongly urge, as one of the older members of this

conference, that this be made tentative for a whole year, and, believe

me, they have given us a lot of things in the rest of the document to keep us busy for a year. If this stole some of the benefits that we

would derive from their labors, I would be reluctant to agree, but we have got our tolerance, and more than we can possibly attend to without delving into something which we can not see. There are worthy arguments on both sides. Mr. Holbeoob:. Another suggestion has just been made by a dele- gate further to limit that tentative proposition, and I believe the sug- gestion is a very good one. The delegate suggests that the storm

center of all the discussion thus far has been around the graduations

for values which are less than 1 gallon, and, as far as I remember,

every man who has spoken to the specification has spoken only in

regard to such graduations as are less than 1 gallon. He suggests

that the motion be amended to say that this specification is tentative

only as to the values below 1 gallon.

Mr. Reichmann. While I recognize the technical maneuvering

resorted to, I think that last suggestion would practically do the

very thing that those opposed to the second paragraph of the specification are opposed to, and as a delegate from the State of New York

I again want to emphasize the statement I made yesterday: It is simply against the public benefit, and I believe Mr. Johnson's motion

to do away with simply the second paragraph will solve the problem.

It seems hard for me to conceive, having known Mr. Holbrook since

he was a youngster, that he is using the kaiseristic methods, which he

possibly is. Mr. HoLKROOK. I object to the personalities.

The Chairman. Just pay no attention to it. Mr. Holbrook:. I want the record to show my objection.

Mr. Reichmann. I want to rise to second Mr. Johnson's motion.

The Chairman. The committee has made what I think is a very

reasonable and proper motion in this case ; that is, that the disputed

part of this paragraph be made tentative and be held up for the

coming year. Let us take a vote on that proposition.

Mr. Barnard. As to that tentative proposition, if that matter was

to be construed in my judgment by the delegates Avho are here, who

understand that that portion of that i^aragraph is to be strictly tentative, it would be so construed, but I wish to submit to you that these

specifications are going out all over the United States, and in the

four corners of the various States there are sealers Avho never will

attend this conference, who will never have an opportunity to understand what the committee has in the back of their minds, and who are going to take this specification literally, just as it is written, and I wish to submit to yoil that you are going to have no end of trouble

in the various States. Now, time after time—I could mention them

if I saw fit—sealers from different sections of Michigan have writ- ten me, and come to my office, and asked for advice on certain specifications ; they came to me because they knew I had been to the national

conference and ought to know, if I did not know, something about it, and the construction that they placed on those specifications might

at the time have surprised you. Now, I want to submit to this con- ference that if the latter portion of that No. 7 is allowed to remain.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 145

though it is understood amongst us here that it is to be tentative,

you will find officials in the various sections of this country that will

not consider it so and will take it as it is written, literally,

and Avill attempt to enforce it, and you are going to have diffi- culty. Pump manufacturers are going to have difficulty. I can

not see the advisability of it. I will admit that I may be wrong, but

that is my opinion, and I, as a citizen of this country, have got the

right to express my opinion, and that is my opinion on this proposition; that if this second section of specification No. 7 goes out as it

is written here, even though it is understood amongst us that it is tentative, we are going to have trouble, and I believe as long as we

are here to-day that this matter ought to be settled once and for all. Why is it necessary, gentlemen, when you bump up against a little trouble, to say, " Well, let us back away from it " ? I believe in

going ahead and settling the proposition right now. That is what we are here for. We all know what we have got in our minds; we

all know that the specifications committee has worked for weeks on

this proposition, and they have admitted, if you please, from the

rostrimi, that they have no objection to the proposition, only they

do not want it in writing. I believe that we should go ahead and

settle this matter right now one way or the other. We have studied on it for a year. The Chairman. Are you a member of the committee?

Mr. Baknakd. I ara not; but I knew this proposition was com- The Chairman. I think you are overlooking one point. If this

goes out, if we adopt this tentative arrangement, that must be so stated; there must be a paragraph printed after this specification

that states it is tentative only. However, I want you to be satisfied about this. There are a number who believe we should finish this

and settle it up. But if there is any doubt about the matter, if there

is any reasonable division in regard to the thing, it would be bad

policy to force it through, and there is nothing wrong particularly in

letting it go over. Mr. Barnard. I Avould rather see the whole specification retarded

for one year in preference to seeing it go out half shot. Mr. Johnson. Just to clarify the mind of my friend from Michigan, when we return to our jurisdictions we are supposed to be suffi- ciently informed and experienced to understand just what the procedure was and what the intentions of the conference are, in scientific terms, if necessary. What I will do when I get home will be to take

each specification and make a draft of it, make a survey of it in plain

words, so that the men in the field who are not here will understand

just what the conference has done. My men all understand what

the word " tentative " means, and if they do not I am going to ex- plain it to them, so there will be no confusion as to their instructions or their interpretation of the intention of the conference with refer- ence to this particular specification.

Mr. HoLBROOK. For the sake of the record, once again, I want to

insert in the record the fact that I do not agree with Mr. Barnard

as to the admissions made by the committee in reference to this specication.

10789—21 ^10
146 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Feaey. The suggestion is to make this specification tentative ? The Chaieman. It is not the specification, but the second paragraph of it. Mr. Feaey. The suggestion to make the second, part of it tentative

is not at all new in matters of this kind. I am new in the weights

and measures work, but I have had some experience in food and

drugs matters, and it is the practice, and has been for years, for in- stance, in the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, which

association prescribes the methods to be used by all chemists in the

determination of quantities or actions brought under the laws of

all States, as well as the Federal bureaus, to adopt methods provisionally or tentatively. The words " provisionally " and " tentatively are used synonymously. It is the regular practice, rather

than the exception, when a new method is suggested or a new specification is brought up to adopt that method or specification as tentative or provisional for one year, and during that time it is tried out,

and then it is brought up the following year for final action—per- haps the final action may be put over longer than one year. The

same thing is done in connection Avitli the work of the committee on

definitions and standards. It is a joint committee, made up of members of the Department of Agriculture, Association of American

Dairy, Food, and Drug Officials, and the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. So this is no innovation to adopt a specification or a part of a specification tentatively or provisionally.

Eeally, however, it seems that this whole specification. No. 7, should

be adopted tentatively, rather than to make official the first paragraph

and leave the second paragraph tentative. I believe the two are

closely bound together. If not, why should they be put in the same

subdivision of No. 7? I think that they are interdependent; that,

therefore, if we are to make one paragraph tentative, we should make

both paragraphs tentative. No harm can come from such action.

The specifications which are adopted officially should be marked

" Official," and those which are adopted tentatively should be marked

" Tentative," and then there should be no cause for misunderstanding.

Mr. Ramsdell. The pump manufacturers, I think, are very anxious

to see harmonious action on this specification, as well as all others, and we feel that all the consideration that is required should be given the

subject with that end in view. We are a little anxious to know, however, that if this is adopted tentatively, what position it is going to leave us in for the rest of this year. Will the sealers accept such

graduations, stops, and overflow pipes as have been recognized in the

past until your conference finally and definitely passes upon this

point. I think that we would like an expression from the delegates on that point, so we may know where we stand, and will not be run- ning into trouble in the 48 States of the Union. I am not asking for

action at this time. I feel that all the consideration that is necessary

should be given to the subject in order to bring about harmonious

action. We want the same ruling in 48 States ; we are particularly

concerned about that. The Chaieman. I understand that tentative adoption always means

that that will be enforced for the year but with a view to revision at the end of the year. That is the usual interpretation.
THIKTEENTH COWFEKElSrCB ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 147

Mr. Irvine. It seems to me no harm can come from adopting this

specification as you have suggested here. I do not believe that any

man who is in the practical line of weights and measures work will

be so unreasonable that he would overlook a suggestion that comes from this department—in other words, from the fountainhead of

weights and measures. I think many of the delegates overlook the

fact that the practical men who are doing the weights and measures work are a reasonable set of men trying to do their honest duty and

to live up to the requirements and also follow instructions that come

from the fountainhead, and I do not believe there can be any harm

in adopting these specifications tentatively.

Dr. Stratton has informed the delegates and members present here

that a paragraph will be added in plain English that the specification is only tentative. I am very much in favor of adopting it tentatively, as the committee suggests.

The Chairman. I would like to know whether the committee will

accept the proposition to make the whole paragraph tentative.

Mr. Reichmann. Will you please define again what you mean by

" tentative " ? As I understood you, you said a tentative specification

is one that is in force until it is overruled. If that is the definition,

then you had just as well adopt the specification.

The Chairman. I am willing to adopt any ruling in regard to that. I presume " tentative " means " set forth," " suggested."

Mr. Reichmann. It is not in force?

The Chairman. It is to be tried out. Mr. Reichmann. It is not in force until it is acted upon?

The Chairman. That is up to the State official. Mr. Fischer. There is nothing new in the adoption of tentative

specifications by this association. When the specifications regulating ordinary weights and measures were adopted at first, they were

adopted tentatively. They were in use for a year before they were

finally adopted or made official, and during that time my recollection

of the matter is they were in force but -were not enforced with the

rigor with which they were enforced when they were finally made

official and finally adopted. Is that not your recollection of the

matter, Mr. Holbrook ? Mr. Holbrook. I think you are right.

Mr. Fischer. I think Dr. Reichmann can corroborate that state- ment.

The Chairman. The former speaker, Mr. Frary, said that the word

" provisional " is very often used. There is not any question that it is within the rights of any official to accept or not accept tentative or

provisional specifications. Is that not right, Mr. Johnson ? Mr. Johnson. Hardly, as I understand it. My interpretation

would be to the effect that the word " tentative " would be construed

to mean not mandatory, with the purpose in mind of trying it out to determine the advisability of it. It does not, from my point of view, mean that the specifications are applicable in the same sense that

those that have been adopted are.

_ I will say there is a personal option on the part of the manufacturer

as well as of the State to adopt a specification until such time as the

conference makes a definite and final approval of the specification.

Have I the committee's views on that ? Am I right from your point

of view, Mr. Cluett?
148 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Cltjett. You are. The Chairman. That is exactly as I tried to state it. Mr. Johnson. I believe we only have a few more hours left and we

do not want this thing to continue up to the closing period. We have

a number of other matters of equal importance before the conference,

and I call for the question. [Cries of " Question."]

Mr. Barnard. I want to say in connection with Mr. Johnson's defi- nition of the word " tentative," that if that is the way it is defined, I agree with it. The Chairman. The question is on the second paragraph properly

explained and marked " tentative " or " provisional."

(The motion was put to a vote and was agreed to.)

Mr. Stewart. There is another point in thi& specification that I have not heard anything said about, and in reading over it, it seems

to me it has been cut out. It is a very important one. The Chairman. In this specification?

Mr. Stewart. Yes, sir ; and that is section 13, as we had it in the

tentative specifications.

The Chairman. We are going to finish this up, and we will reach

No. 13 in a few moments.

Mr. Stem^'art. That will be satisfactory.

The Chairman. I think there are but two or three left. No. 13 may

be the next one. Mr. HoLBROOK. The next specification which the committee desires

to present is an amendment to specification No. 18. Specification

No. 18, in its original form, read as follows

Onlai one shut-off cock permitted in discharge line.—No more than one shut-off valve or cock intended to be operated by hand for the purpose of cutting off the

flow of liquid shall be permitted in the discharge line of a liquid-measuring pump, and in the case of liquid-measuring pumps with which hose or other movable delivery tube is used, or which require the use of a vacuum-breaking

valve, or equivalent device, any shut-off valve shall be located as near as possible

to the pump itself and not in the hose line or at the extremity of the hose. It is noted, let me state, in the report issued a day or two ago, that

the committee has not as yet completed the consideration of this specification. It has since been completed, and mimeographed copies of

these were run off and distributed to the delegates at the conference.

This new wording of old specification No. 18 reads as follows

Only one shut-off valve or cock which can be operated by hand for the pur- pose of cutting off the flow of liquid shall be permitted in the discharge line of a liquid-measuring device. A second shut-off valve or cock may be provided in the case of a liquid-measuring device equipped with a hose and designed and

constructed so that it must be operated with the hose full of liquid at all times, but such second valve or cock shall be so designed and constructed that it can

only be closed off by the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely separate from the measuring device itself, such as a wrench, screw driver,

etc., but not an adjusting pin.

This specification is not to be construed as allowing two shut-off valves or cocks in the case of devices in which the hose or any part thereof can be drained

of liquid after the actual mechanical operation of the mechanism of the liquidmeasuring device is discontinued, in any way except as follows: (1) By means

of the mechanically operated valve; (2) by delivering from the measuring de- vice more than the full measuring capacity thereof during the actual mechanical

operation of the mechanism thereof. When under the terms of this specification only one shut-off valve or cock

is aUowable, this shall be located as near as possible to the measuring device

itself, and not in the hose line or at the extremity of the hose.
THIRTEENTH CONFEREITCE OK WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 149

The Chairman". You have heard the substitute. Are any explanations requested ? Mr. Reichmann". I would like to ask if the gentlemen who represent the manufacturers agree to that ? Mr. Ramsdell. We have a condition to contend with here in Washington and Philadelphia and some other cities that causes us more or

less embarrassment. We are obliged to place the pumps on the

inside line of the sidewalk or back on private property, and

pipe under the sidewalk or have a swinging arm over the sidewalk to the curb, where delivery may be made. The usual method

here in Washington, and I think in Philadelphia, is to put the

pipe under the sidewalk to a pocket at the curb, and there we may

put on our hose and coil it up and leave it on the sidewalk. We have

to have a faucet or cock at the end in order to keep the line or the

hose full. We do not like that arrangement, but we had to submit to

it because of that ruling of the authorities. We would like your as- sistance in having that pump placed where it belongs, not only in

your interest, but also in the interest of the insurance people. Until we get that feature, we feel we have to have a cock at that end and

one at the pump, and we would like to see some proviso introduced

that would enable us to make such installation in Washington and

other places until such time as these laws are repealed. In the interest

of safety and in the interest of good measurement, the pump ought

to be placed where it is designed to be placed, but as I have already

said, we have to place them back sometimes on the inside line of the

sidewalk or on private property.

The Chairman. Is it not true, if you take a hypothetical case, if we adopt the specification here, and you found in some city an ordi- nance that is contrary to that, that you would have to obey the ordi- nance; but that the adoption of this specification would help you

bring about the change of the ordinance ? Mr. HoiiBRooK. May I ask you a question, Mr. Ramsdell? I take

it you are in favor of this specification except in circumstances where

laws or ordinances or regulations of the fire marshal exist, making

its application unenforceable ? Mr. Ramsdeix. Yes. Mr. HoLBRooK. Let me say, Mr. Ramsdell, that the next item will

be a point which covers what you have in mind.

The Chairman. You have heard the new number as read. If there

is no objection, we will consider it as adopted.

Mr. L. F. Johnson (representing S. F. Bowser & Co.) . I would like

to ask what is meant by " adjusting pin " ? Mr. HoLBROOK. That specification is taken directly from the scale

specifications where mechanical means are required. It is felt that

if a hole be drilled through a valve and a pin be put in to turn it, a pin in the nature of a nail or smooth pin, or what not, that the constant temptation will exist simply to thrust a pin in that and leave it at all times, and make it a manually operated valve.

Mr. L. F. Johnson. I understand that is in the shape of a shut-off

cock?

Mr. HoLBEooK. Yes. Mr. L. F. Johnson. I understand by that specification we can use

a hose, and if we were to use what we call a can-filling nozzle, we can
150 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

put one of these shut-off cocks on there Avith a loose handle, and use

that can-filling nozzle ? Mr. HoLBROOK. Provided there is no diversion of the measured

liquid, yes; because in that particular line there will be only one manually operated shut-off cock—that is the way I interpret your

question.

The Chairman. Will you take up the next one, Mr. Holbrook?

Mr. Holbrook. The proviso which I have just mentioned is in the

nature of a general note to be included immediatel}^ after the specifications and tolerances, and is to be headed

Conflict o f In IDS and regulations.—In the above specifications certain items appear whicli may conflict in certain .Inrisdictions witli present State or local laws or ordinances or regulations of the State or local fire marshals or boards

of safety. In such cases of conflict an attempt should be made by the weights

and measures officials to harmonize the two codes, and, in the meanwhile, it may be found necessary to suspend the enforcement of such specifications.

Mr. Reichmann. While I presume that the manufacturers agree to

that, therefore it will be agreeable ; yet, at the same time, I distinctly

believe that should not be a part of the specifications. If anything,

it should be a tentative part of the specifications, as I understand the

word " tentative," as defined by Mr. Johnson, but should it not be

in the form of a resolution, because necessarily the wording is in conflict with the other laws. Why should not that be in the nature of a note at the end of the hose specification.

Mr. Holbrook. This which I have just read?

Mr. Reichmann. Yes. Mr. Holbrook. This thing which I just read was thus explained

that it was to follow the specifications and tolerances and be a note

in reference to the application of the entire code, under the heading

of " Conflict of laws and regulations." This paragraph I have just

read is to come at the end of all the specifications. This not only

refers to the cut-off at the end of the hose, but also refers to the

specification in regard to the standpipe.

Mr. Barnard. Read that again, Mr. Holbrook.

Mr. Holbrook. The note?

Mr. Barnard. Yes. Mr. Holbrook. The note which is to come at the end of the toler- ances and specifications, and which refers to certain specifications

which can not be enforced in certain jurisdictions, reads as follows:

(Mr. Holbrook reread the proposed note.)

Mr. Reichmann. I move its adoption.

Mr. Barnard. I support the motion, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman. I hear no objection to it, and it will stand adopted.

Going back to the preceding one, new No. 18, one or two delegates

have asked for copies.

Mr. Barnard. I move the adoption of that one. Mr. Reichmann. I second the motion.

(The motion was put to a vote and Avas agreed to.)

The Chairman. You will proceed with the next one. Mr. Holbrook. The next specification recommended by the committee is as yet unnumbered and is to be included in its proper and

reasonable place. It reads as follows:

All liquid-measuring devices in which the accuracy of the readings of any

indicating mechanism is affected by parallax shall be so designed and con- structed as to reduce the errors due to this cause to a mlnimunj.
THIRTEENTH CONFEREiSrCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 151

The Chairman. You have heard this suggestion. [After a pause.]

If there is no objection, it will stand approved.

Mr. Barnard. Mr. Chairman, I think I am a little dull this morning. I did not get that at all. Will you read it again ? The Chairman. I Avould suggest that joxi take a seat over here in

front. (Mr Holbrook reread the specification.)

Mr. CuiiMiNGS. I would like to inquire whether that means in the

case of a graduated scale that it should be as near as possible on a

level with the eye of the reader?

Mr. Holbrook. As near as practicable.

The Chairman. Yes ; if there is nnj difference between the two. Mr. Holbrook. The next and last item is specification No.

—What was the one you asked about, Mr. Stewart?

Mr. Stewart. No. 13 is the one I have got here. That is the one

I am interested in. Mr. Holbrook. Original specification No. 13 read as follows:

Exhaustion of liquid supply.—All measuring pumps of which the accuracy

of delivery is affected by the lowering of the liquid in the supply tank to a

point at or near the intake end of the suction pipe shall be provided with a

device which will make the pump inoperable during the continuance of this condition, or shall be so constructed as to warn the purchaser and the operator

in a cons'picuous and distinct manner that the level of the liquid supply is so low as to endanger the accuracy of the measurement. In relation to that specification, the committee suggests that it be withdrawn as a specification and be included in a general note

to follow all of the specifications to the effect that it is the belief of

the conference that such a device is highly necessary and that it is to be expected that at some future conference an effort will be made to incorporate that in the specifications when it becomes apparent that

there are devices on the market to take care of that particular feature.

The Chairman. Does that cover your case, Mr. Stewart?

Mr. Stewart. That is the one I am alluding to, but it would not

cover my idea.

The Chairman. Let us have your idea.

Mr. Stewart. I want to say to the conference that thousands of

pumps will deliver gas whether it is there or not. We have had a

little experience with that in the State of West Virginia, emphasizing this statement that I want to tell you about. Down in the city

of Wheeling a man owning a garage left for a while and left an- other party in charge. After being gone for about an hour he re- turned and he said, "Well, did you do any business while I was

gone ? " The man said, " x es ; I sold a quart of oil and 10 gallons

of gasoline." The owner of the garage looked at him for a moment

and said, " Where did you get the gasoline ? " He said, " Why, out

of the tank." The owner said, " There has not been any gasoline in

there for six weeks."

Now, the point I am making is that there is no way to tell when

the tank is empty. The purchaser or the operator can not tell unless

he is noticing the end of the hose pretty closely. Now, this requirement should not be tentative. It should not be put off to some

future time—nothing is gained by that. These manufacturers can

put a device on there that will warn the operator and the purchaser

when such tanks become empty, and I believe they ought to be asked
152 BUREAU OF STANDAKDS.

to do it now. It may not appeal to the operator right now, but we

are weights and measures men, and it does not make any difference

to us whether the manufacturer altogether agrees with us or not; when Ave see that there is a chance for defrauding the public it is up

to us to defend the public. Such a device can be put on, and I think

it ought to be. That section 13 ought to be adopted just as it is in

the tentative specification that we have been operating under for the

last year. Mr. Eamsdell. Mr. Chairman, this idea is not a new one to the

industry, and it had attention from the industry long before it was

ever suggested before this body. We have spent a great deal of

money and time and effort to dcA^elop such an instrument, but

have failed. We are ready to do anything that is possible, but we

can not do the impossible. We may some daj' solve the problem, and

when I use the pronoun " we " I refer to the Bowser Co. and to our own company, and to the Wayne Co., wliich INIr. liean just tells me

has also worked over the problem. It would be very nice if we had

something that would automatically stop the pump, but it is an impossible problem to-day.

Now, we are heart and soul with you, gentlemen, in an effort to

see that the public gets what they want, and that they do not get

10 gallons of air when they pay for 10 gallons of gasoline. We do

not want that any more than you do. We do not know how to meet

that specification to-day- Therefore I think it ought to be deleted

until such tune as we can come forward with a device, and you can

rest assured that the competition in the industry is sufficient to keep

us all awake on all of these matters, and as soon as some fellow has

a device that will do that we will all know about it, and it will be

adopted very readily.

Mr. Goodwin. Mr. President, having had some practical experience

in this matter of pumps for a great many years I believe it is a simple

problem to solve anything, although, perhaps, it will not be a perfect

thing that will indicate as the specification reads that the gasoline or any other liquid in the tank is low while the operator is using it. This

should be adopted here and now in the interest of the general public

or the consumer. From practical knowledge I believe it is a simple

problem to solve. The Chairman. Let me ask you this question : In a case of this

kind do you think it is better to arbitrarily say right now that they

shall do it, or make the suggestion that they have an opportunity to do it in the near future ? Mr. Goodwin. I am willing to be liberal and give them time. I would like to say I have ideas on the subject that I believe could be

installed for that purpose, that would not only be simple but inexpensive. It is not a positive thing, but merely an indicator that the

gas or liquid in the tank has gotten to a certain place where it is dangerous to operate the pump any longer in the interest of the public.

The Chairman. Do you not think it would answer the purpose

if we expressed our approval of such a device ? Mr. Goodwin. Yes ; I think the specification as read by Mr. Holbrook covers the point.

Mr. HoLBROOK. The committee stands on their recommendation.

Mr, Goodwin. I think it ought to be acted on, if possible, or put
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 153

on the market as soon as practicable—as soon as it can be done—^by

the pump manufacturers, and as a protection, as I see it, to the

public.

Mr. Eeichmann. I move that we adopt it. Mr. Goodwin. I second the motion.

Mr. Stewart. I move to amend the motion by adopting section

13 as in the original specifications.

Mr. HoLBROoK. If we adopt that as in the original specification,

exactly the same conclusion is reached, since that was specially

starred last year, with the explanation that that specification was

not intended for immediate enforcement.

Mr. Steavaet. You can put a device on there to speak to the purchaser and operator of the pump. It is the thing I have thought on for a long time, and have never been able to think it out. I admit that I have not unj suggestion to offer; but since I have been

here I have seen such a thing exhibited right in this conference, and

it is over there now, to be seen. Mr. Eamsdell. There are two suggestions that the sealers can make

to the buying public that will go a long ways toward solving the

problem. I drive about a good deal in the New England States,

and I buy gasoline in all parts of these New England States, and

sometimes over in New York State, and there are just two things

that I do before I am satisfied with the purchase and pay for it and

go away. One is to see that the gasoline begins to flow when the

operator begins to turn the handle, and the other is that he puts it through the full stroke. When he does that I think I am getting all I pay for, whether it comes out of our pump or one of our competitor pumps. I am satisfied with the purchase if it comes out of

a pump made by a reputable concern, and there are a great many

rei^utable concerns in the business. I think, if you instruct the public a little bit, we will accomplish—I do not know that I should say

as much as will be accomplished by this specification, but I think

pretty nearly as much. Tell them to see that the gasoline begins to flow at the time the operator begins to crank, and that he put it through a full stroke. The Chairman. I think it is all right to make it possible for the

public to know and find out what they ought to know, with a reasonable degree of attention on its part. I question as to how far we can

go in making fraud impossible, or guaranteeing the purchaser the

right thing without his showing the slightest attention on his part.

Where would we stop if we went on with this principle of requiring,

for instance, that operators should give all that was paid for without

the purchaser ever seeing that the gas flows. (The amendment was put to a vote and was rejected.)

(The original motion was put to a vote and was agreed to.) Mr. HoLBROOK. It is suggested by Mr. Cummings, of Massachusetts, that specification No. 9 has not as yet been finally adopted.

That occurs on page 5. I do not know just exactly the status of that specification ; I remember it was taken up and considered, and an amendment was introduced, but whether the specification was actually adopted as it stands

I do not know. I do know that no action was taken on the amendment.
154 BUBEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Neale. The record will show the situation on that to be that

there was offered an amendment to new No. 9, and the conference will

remember that after some discussion Mr. Bean, representing the

Wayne Co., being interested in what was being brought before the

attention of the conference, was asked to produce it here to help

clarify the question as to the use of such a scale. My idea in bringing

it before this conference was not to take from the trade something

that might be valuable. It was rather calling it to the attention, if you please, of the weights and measures officials, so they would have a chance to crystallize their own idea about such a scale. That is al? there Avas to it. Hence, it never was acted upon. It is still open.

No. 9 has not been cleared up. It remains over for your consideration.

The Chaikman. Is there any objection to No. 9 as it stands?

Mr. Neale. There were only two lines to the amendment ; it is very

short, and I can read it. The Chaieman". Let us have it. Mr. Neale. Under the heading, " Indicating and registering parts," an addition was proposed after the word " ones," the last word of that

paragraph, and the addition was as follows

The graduations on lineal scales shall be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring chamber.

Now, the only object of that, according to my understanding, from

my own personal disfavor of those slanting lines, was that if it was

the idea of this conference that it was physically impossible to meet

the idea I had in mind of parallel lines, all well and good ; but I think

Mr. Bean should be given the privilege of discussing that now because

that is what the instrument is here for. The Chairman. What is the objection to the diagonal lines?

Mr. Neale. These officers all knoAv that this is an ingenious engineering principle. No matter what adjustment you make here [indicating on the device] you do not have to change the line up here, be- cause when you make that adjustment you will at some place intersect the proper line, if you please, at some point.

The Chaieman. The diagonal line is very frequently used to compensate for change of rate, and a lot of things; it is a very useful

device in many cases. Should it be objected to here? What is the

objection to it? Mr. Neale. I would really have to take this scale off. Mr. Bean. That point is rather blunt, as designed.

The Chairman. I do think these slanting lines should never be used

except in connection with perpendicular lines parallel to the axis of

the chamber. They never should be used except with straight lines

up and down.

Mr. Bean. Do you mean a vertical line parallel to this line or the

other side, and adjustable so as to be moved across and be sealed if it is so' desired ? Mr. Neale. The thing I brought before the conference is this:

The officers with whom I come in contact in my own State daily, and

the public at large, have looked at it and said, " Why are they ar- ranged that way ?

Mr. Bean. May I have the floor for a moment ? The Chairman. You may.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 155

Mr. Bean. I do not. dare to pump it, because I am afraid there

might be a little gas in it. I think the real objection that has been

stated is more to the pointer than to the scale. The distance between

the various graduations on any vertical line is always the same. This is a compensating device, so that when the pointer is set for any

graduation or any quantity, after the quantity stop has been sealed,

then the jDointer indicates correctly for every other quantity. I have shown here very crudely, with a piece of cardboard and a line, an idea advanced by Dr. Eeichmann which might do away with a great deal of trouble. We could put an aluminum flag on there with

a fine line, possibly making these lines a trifle finer than the end of

this line [indicating], which would intersect with each graduation.

We could also' have an adjustable sliding scale that would be moved

over there, so that the three would come in perfect coincidence.

The Chairjian. Would you ofi'er this as an amendment?

Mr. Neale. This appears regularly in the record as an amendment

to specification No. 9. Mr. Goodwin. I would like to ask you, sir, how much trouble it would be to you to draAV a horizontal line which would show where

the pointer ought to be when the quantity is delivered? Would it be a hardship to draw a horizontal line across the scale that would

intersect with the line now drawn, and indicate that the horizontal

line was to intersect with the vertical line ? Mr. Bean. The flag would constitute the horizontal line. Other

lines would not be practicable for the reason that that horizontal

line changes as the adjustments are changed by the sealer. That

would have to be a vertical line that would move over to some

particular graduation.

Mr. Feary. For an instrument for laboratory use, I can quite see that such an arrangement as this could be well used, but on a device

which is to be used by the general public, with an indicator which

is to indicate to the general public an}^ (juantity, I think it is most

objectionable, and experience in the fie.ld shows that, contrary to Mr.

Bean's statements, the operators operate it improperly. His own

demonstrator over here demonstrated it to me improperly day before

yesterday and laid himself open to a charge of improper use of the

device. It certainly is a most objectionable feature. I can see no

reason Avhy this—of course, it is not up to me to see the reasons, however—I can see no reason Avhy they should not be made as this

amendment proposes ; that is, at right angles to the line. Mr. Bean. I think, INIr. Chairman, that the objection would be met

by the use of the flag. This is a very important matter; it covers

the redesigning of the model.

The Chairman. This was discussed yesterday.

Mr. Bean. I would like to state, just briefly, that it covers the re- designing of 8 models, including 11 types. Those who are familiar

with industrial conditions to-day know that that would occupy a period of three j^ears, approximately, to make drawings and secure patterns for these parts. We have parts for several thousand pumps

in stock. I think an accurate survey of the use of the pump will

show that the percentage of misuse is extremely small, and the same

liability to error would occur with a scale carrying parallel lines. You have got the opportunity to go to both sides of the line. If we
156 BUREAU OF STANDAKDS.

agree to redesign the pointer so you can not use two sides of the

pointer, and use the vertical arrangements so that three points have

got to be brought into coincidence, I believe that every precaution

has been taken so they can not misuse the pump in the future. As

I explained to two or three gentlemen this morning, we were dis- satisfied with this pointer ourselves and started to redesign it several months ago. The Chairman. There is no objection to the pointer. That can be

easily fixed. It is a question of whether we should have diagonal

lines on the scales. If the motion was adopted, all you would have

to do would be to adopt the other scale. Mr. Bean. No ; we would have to redesign the whole. thing.

The Chairman. Not the whole pump?

Mr. Bean. Everything from here up [indicating] would have to be

redesigned, practically every part ; all the trips and gears would have

to be redesigned.

The Chairman. If it is not the proper thing to use you ought to redesign it. Mr. Bean. I believe it is proper.

The Chairman. You have heard the amendment. Are you ready

to vote on the question?

Mr. Neale. May I say, in justice to the manufacturer—

The Chairman. We do not want to work any hardship on the

manufacturers at all. Mr. Neale. I think I find in the specifications, which were en- acted after I proposed the amendment, a feature which takes care of the situation, perhaps, and, if that is there, with the consent of my

second, I will withdraw the proposed amendment to the specification.

Mr. Stewart. No ; let it go through.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, this is to the jDoint simply—if Mr,

Neale will grant me the privilege?

Mr. Neale. Yes. Mr. Johnson. At the time this matter was presented, I personally

recited my experience with it, and did record an objection, but I want to withdraw my objections as well, in view of the apparent in- tention on the part of the manufacturer to do certain things which

will, in a measure, correct it ; and I am sure the manufacturers have

a consensus of opinion to the etfect that there is an intention on the

part of the conference to hope for a correction in the future, and with

that in mind, the manufacturers will be cognizant of the disposition

of the conference. Any objection I had, as stated prior to that, I also withdraw.

Mr. Irvine. I move the adoption of the original section.

The Chairman. The amendment is before us ; it was seconded, but

I think the mover and the second have withdrawn the amendment.

As I understand, you withdraw the amendment with the consent of

your second?

Mr. Neale. Yes, sir. The Chairman. The motion before the house is to adopt it as re- ported by the committee. Are there any remarks ? Mr. HoLBROOK. Mr. Chairman, just one thing. If it is considered

that some other specification which has already been carried takes

care of this matter, I think the expression of the conference should
THIRTEENTH CONEERENGE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, 157

be gotten on this specific point, rather than to withdraw this thing

from the conference and not allow the conference to express their

opinion as to whether this is the right construction or not, depending

upon some other point in the specifications which may have been

overlooked, which might be considered to bar this scale. In any

event, does it not seem reasonable, this matter having been brought

up and discussed, that the conference, for the instruction of the

people who are going to enforce these specifications, should vote in some way upon this scale, rather than to depend upon a specification

to eliminate it, which has not been considered as affecting this scale up to this time, and which has already been adopted ? The Chairman. What is the part of the specification, Mr. Neale?

Mr. Neale. It is at the bottom of page 6, in the middle of the

paragraph.

The Chairman. That covers the case very well, but it does not in- clude the diagonal line. It says

Pointers and indicators are required to be symmetrical about the graduation

lines at whicli tliey may stand. Mr. Stewart. The way I read that, it does not cover that. I can

not see it, and it is not a question of what we may plan in some office

;

it is a question of what we meet in the field. You can go out here in

Washington, I believe, and find two of these pumps, and go to the

operator of one and ask him where the gallon or half gallon comes to, and he will tell you one thing ; and you go to the operator of another,

and he will tell you another thing. Now, I have had them do that

very thing, and that is the reason I think it ought to be changed;

and, if the mover of the amendment has withdrawn it, if I can get a

second, I move that the amendment be adopted.

Mr. Goodwin. I will second the motion.

Mr. Frart. It happens that I made that motion the other day,

and I am not willing to withdraw it. Mr. HoLBROOK. I still think this sentence which Mr. Neale reads,

in new No. 10, " pointers and indicators are required to be symmetrical about the graduation lines at which they may stand," does

not cover it with sufficient clarity to satisfy a court, and I believe we

might as well be clear about it now. If we want the lines to be parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the chamber, let us say so now.

Part of us are going to imderstand that the question is covered under

this, and we will go out and make rules and regulations accordingly.

Those rules will not be in the interest of uniformity. So, I think, we

should adopt the amendment as made the other day, or else reject it, and have a clear understanding of the matter. The motion made

the other day was to adopt Mr. Neale's suggestion to add the words,

" and all graduating marks on lineal scales shall be parallel to each

other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring

chamber."

The Chairman. Now, in looking into this I thoroughly agree with

what Mr. Holbrook has said. There is no use leaving this off here

because it is covered somewhere else. It may be construed properly,

but the language which covers it is not clear at all, that is

Pointers and indicators are required to be symmetrical about the graduation

lines at which they may stand.
158 BUKEAU OP STANDAKDS.

That brings up the question of what you mean by symmetrical.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. I may say that in writing that specification this

committee did not have this particular scale in mind.

The Chairman. If we come down to the last analysis as to what we

mean by " symmetrical "—and you would have to define your conditions—it would not be very easy. It would be pretty haixl to say

whether the j)ointer was " symmetrical " to a lot of lines ; so there is a doubt there, and I am inclined to think we had better take it up and

settle that amendment that Mr. Neale proposes.

Mr. Stewart. It has been moved and seconded.

Mr. Eamsdell. May we have that read once more? There was a word or two in it that I did not get.

Mr. Frart. I have it just as I wrote it the other day

That graduations on all lineal scales shall be parallel to each other and per- pendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring chamber.

The Chairman. All those in favor of leaving this wording as it stands will say " Aye," contrary " No."

The motion is carried.

Mr. ScHOENTHAL. In reference to the example which Mr. Stewart

drew, of two operators in the District of Columbia, one of whom

says the bottom and the other says the top, it shows that the operator can use either, and if he uses the top he is out of luck.

Mr. HoLBRooK. For the sake of the record, I would like to ask if that question was put in such a manner that it will be absolutely

clear. Was the amendment accepted or was it rejected?

The Chairman. It was accepted.

Mr. Johnson. I thought the vote was on the interpretation or meaning rather than on Mr. Neale's amendment.

The Chairman. His amendment was that those words read by

both of them should be added after the last paragraph, under specification No. 9, and that is the way it was put.

Mr. Goodwin. I move you, sir, that the original amendment as read shall be approved. I mean the specification as amended be

approved.

The Chairman. It is in order now to pass the whole No. 9 as amended. Those in favor of passing No. 9 as amended, and the

amendment is the adding of the words after the paragraph, " and the

graduations on all lineal scales shall be parallel to each other and

perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring chamber."

Is that clear, Mr. Johnson ? Mr. Johnson. Yes. The Chairman. Mr. Holbrook insists that the amendment has not

been voted upon, but it was very clearly stated that all those in

favor of adding those words to that paragraph would say " aye." I

will put that motion now with reference to the paragraph.

(The motion was put to a vote and was agreed to.) Mr. HoLBEOOK. It is to be suggested at this time in reference to specification No. 19 that a proviso must be added to that specification, making it unnecessary to drain the hose line in cases where the

specification says a valve at the end of a hose is allowable. That is purely formal; the conference has gone on record as in some cases allowing a valve in the end of the hose. A proviso should therefore

be passed to specification No. 19, to the effect that where the hose
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 159

line need not be drained under the'terms of specification No. 18, then

this specification as regards the draining of the hose is inapplicable.

The Chairman. You have a note under No. 19 ? Mr. HoLBROOK. No ; not as reworded. This specification, in brief,

required hose lines to be drained. The conference has now gone on

record as saying that some pumps may be operated with the hose line

always full. An amendment is necessary to specification No. 19, to the effect that when, under the wording of specification No. 18, the

pump is to be operated with the hose always full, then the hose need

not be drained under specification No. 19. Mr. Barnard. Is that particular specification under consideration

now?

The Chairman. This is a question of a note of explanation in

regard to No. 19, as I understand it? Mr. HoLBROOK. Yes. Mr. Barnard. I wanted to ask Mr. Holbrook whether the committee during their deliberations have considered the question of safety

at all? The question was brought up in the early meetings, after

Mr. Small's paper relative to the fire-hazard conditions. It was

suggested that we might consider the matter of safety as a special

point of interest, under a note or under a resolution, or possibly under

a specification, and I was wondering whether we had not overlooked

that and whether Mr. Holbrook and the committee had considered it. Mr. Holbrook. It has not been overlooked to the extent that

where there are any existing laws or ordinances of States and cities, or regulations of the State and local fire marshals, in regard to safety requirements, then it has been stated that the inspectors of

weights and measures will be unable to put certain of these specifications into effect until those conflicts in the codes have been re- solved.

The Chairman. I would go still further than that, Mr. Barnard,

and request these gentlemen to call the attention of the city officials to any ordinances Avhich are not directed toward safety, and so on. Let us do some constructive work along safety lines. Mr. Barnard. My reason for bringing that point up right now

was in order that we might work in cooperation and harmony with

the underwriters. As a rule they are a mighty fine bunch of fel- lows and good engineers, and if it is possible we should cooperate

with them.

The Chairman. I quite agree with you, and the statement of Mr.

Holbrook covered that. • You must, of course, conform to their regulations, and in your use of these devices and in the handling of this

inflammatory material a great deal of useful information can be

secured. I think you can secure more from those who have the construction of your ordinances, and it ought to be made use of. Mr. Stephens. I would say in this connection that when the underwriters came to discuss our machines this particular matter was

taken up with them, and they said the way our pump was operated was satisfactory. When Mr. Small was here yesterday I knew this

question would come up for discussion, and I took the matter up with

him, and he said, "We do not draw any special line on that, and

where it is safe we are satisfied."
160 BUKEAU OP STANDARDS.

They express themselves with reference to our particular machines

and pumps that they were really safer than the ordinary, because

there was no spilling of gasoline.

The Chairman. Is there any objection to this proviso? [After a

pause.] If not, it stands approved.

Now, I understand it will be necessary to 'pass on these specifications as a whole. That is customary. Will some one make a motion ? Mr. Barnard. I move you, sir, that the specifications and toler- ances as passed upon by this conference, section by section, be now

adopted as a whole.

Mr. Irvine. I will second that motion.

Mr. Smith. I think before the specifications are definitely adopted

by this conference, some understanding should be arrived at as to which of these specifications are to be immediately enforced, which

are to be nonretroactive, and matters of that kind. I think a definite

understanding should be had on that before action is taken.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, it was decided and agreed upon by

the specifications committee that each one of these specifications

will be carefully considered Avith the manufacturers and with the

various departments, and it will be guided in its determination in

that respect entirely, with the object in mind of doing what is right

and proper and practical. It would be almost an endless matter to take up each specification now, with that purpose in mind. Therefore, I crave the indulgence and the confidence of the conference in

their specification committee to do what is right and proper in that

respect.

Mr. Stewart. Now, we are adopting new specifications. We have

got hundreds of these pumps in our various States. Are these specifications going to apply to pumps which are now installed? The

manufacturers have pumps completed and ready to be shipped;

they have some in transportation now. These are to be installed.

Are these specifications going to apply to them? It does seem to me to be wise to set a time when all new pumps should comply with

these specifications, and also when they should be retroactive as to the pumps that are now installed.

The Chairman. I understand that these have been in operation

for a year as tentative specifications. Do you think it is necessary

to have still further time ? Mr. Stewart. We have the old pumps that have been installed.

These specifications have not been rigidly enforced; we have been

trying them out. That was understood at the last conference, and

if we go back home and enforce them we will put three-fourths of

the pumps out of business which are now installed.

Mr. HoLBROOK. Under the terms of Mr. Johnson's resolution the

recommendations of the committee as to retroactive specifications

and nonretroactive specifications would go out with these specifications.

Mr. Bean. In the case of this particular amendment regarding

this scale, if that was made to be enforced at once, it would mean

that our factory must close its doors to-night. I explained to you

that under the present industrial conditions it would be beyond the

possibility of any organization to redesign such a pump and get the
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 161

patterns and material under two or three years, and it not only

covers this one 5 -gallon piunjD which we are showing here, but it covers eight models, and includes eleven types. It would mean that we would close our doors immediately. I do not believe it is the

desire of the conference or of the Bureau of Standards to work any

such hardships on the manufacturer.

The Chaibman. Not unless it works an equivalent hardship on

the public. If it is a thing which works hardship on the public, it may be better to concentrate on one. Mr. Eeichmann. Does not that resolution of Mr. Johnson's cover

that point?

The Chairman. There is no disposition whatever to be arbitrary

about these matters. Mr. Eamsdell. Mr. Chairman, there is—and I think the committee

has it in mind—a great deal of equipment in the field, and roughly

speaking I should say it perhaps represents $100,000,000, and I pre- sume they are going to give that consideration. I dare say that the

manufacturers of pumps to-day have in stock, completed and in

their warehouses, and in process through the factories, perhaps, we

will say—well, our inventory is pretty large, and I presume the

others have a large inventory—so it probably runs into millions of

dollars, a great many millions of dollars, and we would like to have

that given consideration. We do not want to postpone this thing

any longer than necessarj", but we do want to have these things given

consideration when this question is considered.

The Chairman. These specifications may not affect a single thing

you turn out. Mr. Eamsdell. I rather think that may be so. I think that is what Mr. Johnson had in mind.

The Chairman. There has been a gradual movement toward this. The main parts have been covered in the past year. We still have

these outstanding questions. It is not the intention of the committee

or the conference to work any hardship in cases of this kind, but if we are decided that that is the wrong thing to do, then we must set about to correct that. It is not going to take any two or three years

to correct it, but at the same time we ought not to take the position

of having it corrected unless we can show a good cause for its rejection. Mr. Neale. I can not quite agree with Mr. Bean that it means an

extensive rebuilding of that pump. All that pump needs done to it at the present time is to do as other makers do. Take that chart off, which never meant am^thing. The pump still has its measuring

elements ; it has its stops, and more stops can be put on it. Indeed,

I can not see with the fixed stop, why it is so important there to have something to tell the public what he is getting. The operator

forgets it is only something to please the public although the operator uses it as a measuring device, universally or practically universally. Hence, if I owned that pump which is a splendid measuring

device, I would take that chart off if it is objectionable. Two screws

will remove that scale. However, as a sealer, I am going to comply

with what the conference says. Mr. Steinel. Even if the manufacturers allow these dials, they

ought to be taken off and not used at all. I have had many of these

10789—21 11
l62 BUKEAtr OF STANDAKDS.

dials taken off. We see scales with indicators and diagonal lines,

and they are eyesores to us. We have told our peddlers and junk

dealers for 10 years not to have indicators that are bent, and if they find these things they ought to do away with them. I would

rather see a pump without any scale at all on it than to see one of

these. The Chairman. I think, Mr. Bean, you ought to extend a vote

of thanks to these people for calling your attention to these things

;

and I think the manufacturers generally ought to take that attitude.

If I were a manufactvirer, I would come to this conference with the

idea of getting good suggestions, and it seems to me that these people

who are dealing with the public, who know what they are up against,

and what the people really do and think about, can give rather good

advice in these things.

Now, on the other hand, whatever change is made should be made

in a proper manner. We do not want any unnecessary hardship, of

course. I would like to see that condition brought about, for these

gentlemen here are giving you the benefit of their experience in order

that you may incorporate it in your equipment. That is what the

bureau does in all its work—we take up points which will be of

benefit to the industry as a whole. Now, who is better prepared to speak about this than these men who are using the things and testing

them every day? Is that not right?

Mr. Bean. To a certain extent, yes. Mr. Johnson. I agree Avith the Doctor's remarks, and from the

impression I have, I take it that that specification is merely tentative, as I understand it. Mr. Stewart. No ; nothing is said about its being tentative.

Mr. Reichmann. That resolution of Mr. Johnson's covers the situ- ation, it seems to me. Those of us who have had experience in ward

politics, and so forth, know lots of these things are handled that

way, and you have to see the boss. The principle is the same. They

should take all points like that up Avith tlae tolerance committee.

The Chairman. We have two resolutioijs before us. Of course, technically, we can have but one ; but two points are to be considered—Mr. Johnson's resolution in regard to the committee, and Mr.

Barnard's resolution in regard to adopting them as a whole. I think Mr. Johnson's point should be taken care of first. Mr. Johnson. It Avas not a motion. Doctor; it was simply an impression I have taken from the explanation you made in the matter. The Chairman. I referred to 3'our preAdous remarks, to the lati- tude given the committee in the preparation of the specifications.

Mr. Johnson. In order to make that perfectly clear, I beg to suggest that a resolution be prepared and introduced by the resolutions

committee, if that is agreeable, and then we will haA^e it in definite

form, and it will be clear. The Chairman. I wanted to get that point cleared up. Mr.

Barnard's motion to adopt the specifications as a whole is before you.

Those in favor say " Aye "

; contrary, " No." It is carried.

Mr. Barnard. It seems to me at this point there is one little matter

that we can all be harmonious on, and I think each and every dele- gate here will agree to it, and as I have been given to understand
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 163

by the chairman of the resolutions committee that it is not included

in their report, I am not usurping any of their prerogatives. I wish to move you, sir, that this conference extend to the committee on specifications and tolerances a rising vote of thanks. Gentlemen,

I have spent some 10 days in Washington previous to the conference,

and this committee has been working constantly and diligently, and

they have been subjected to criticism from every corner of the room

naturally, all goocl-natured criticism—and I think, ladies and gentlemen, that they are entitled to a rising vote of thanks. Accordingly, I submit that as a motion, Mr. Chairman.

(There were several seconds to this motion.)

Mr. Irvine. May I suggest that that motion include a vote of confidence ? Mr. Barnard. I accept the amendment. • (The motion as amended was put to a vote and was agreed to.)

DISCUSSION OF CONDITIONS AND REMEDIAL LAWS.

Mr. Stewart. This conference yesterday afternoon saw fit to take a

recess and, therefore, the members of the conference went out to various places, some to see the sights of the city and some to the

ball game, but I went to the market. I found some things down

there that do not compl}' with the specifications and tolerances being

used by the bureau, and I would like to ask a few questions.

The Chairman. What bureau ? Mr. Stewart. The Bureau of Standards.

The Chairman. We have nothing to do with that—no more than

what we have to do with what goes on in your State. Mr. Stewart. I just wanted to ask a few questions.

The Chairman. All right, if the representative of the District is here. Is Mr. Roberts here? I Avant to call attention to the fact

that we have still two papers on the program.

Mr. Stewart. I noticed them down there using the double-ended

measure, which is prohibited by the specifications. I noticed in use

a liquid quart measure for the sale of dry commodities, and I noticed

the selling of foodstuffs over a scale graduated to 2 ounces, and

several things of that sort. I just wondered whether the law is insufficient, or what is the matter?

Mr. RoBERT-s. Mr. Stewart, I quite agree that you saw things that were incorrect. These double-ended measures in the District of Columbia are specifically legalized by act of Congress for the District

of Columbia, and the weights and measures officials of the District have no authority to condemn them—in other words, we are compelled by law to approve them. The weights and measures law

of the District of Columbia does not grant to any official the authority to adopt and promulgate specifications. That covers what you

say about scales. I thoroughly agree with the inference which you

make, that scales with 2-ounce graduations should not be used in

selling foodstuffs, but, as the law now stands, Ave have no authority

to condemn them. I will say, further, that for some three years, I

believe, I have been making an effort to get Congress specifically to

revise our entire code of weights and measures laws. I will give you

a copy of the proposed measure.
i64 BTJKEAU OF STANDAIIDS.

The Cbcaieman. This whole discussion is entirely out of order.

Mr. Stewart said he wanted to ask a few questions, and I said he

might if the representative of the District was here. We have these

two papers to get off. Mr. Roberts. That bill passed the House of Representatives during

the last Congress, but died in the Senate. I had a similar bill re- introduced early in the present Congress. I have revised it to some

extent and improved -it some. It has again passed the House of

Representatives—it passed last Monday.

Mr. Stewart. I would like to have this conference go on record as being in favor of the adherence of the District of Columbia to the

specifications put out hj the Bureau of Standards.

The Chairman. Are you willing to make that motion apply to all States?

Mr. Neale. I think the point is out of order.

The Chairman. Your point is well taken.

Mr. Roberts. I did not get that. Will you please explain it again ? Mr. Steavart. I said that I would like to have this conference go on record to the effect that the District of Columbia and all States, as far as that is concerned, should adhere to the standards of the

Bureau of Standards.

Mr. Roberts. If the conference were to do that the conference

would go on record as advocating a violation of law.

Mr. Irvine. May I have the indulgence of this conference for a moment? I just want to make the statement that the District of

Columbia has written all over the United States and asked for copies

of State laws in order that they might model laws for the District. I think, if they would go to the fountain head and ask Congress to

jDass the legislation recommended by the Bureau of Standards in- stead of going to the different States and getting a compilation of

useless laws—junk—they would get the things they want.

Mr. Roberts. I just want to say that I have not asked Congress

to pass any junk at all. I did ask Congress to consult the statutes of the various States and the ordinances of the various cities and the

model law prepared by the Bureau of Standards, and from those laws

I got many ideas that I believe were valuable in preparing the bill. I see no reason whj^ any man should not get all the information he

can, and he can object to what he believes is unwise and use what he

believes is wise.

The Chairman. I want to say that it is the desire of the bureau to

assist in every way we can. We can not go into any State or into the

District of Columbia and say " You shall do so and so," but we are here and will be glad to help you in any way we can. Mr. Roberts. I have consulted the bureau and have got some very

valuable assistance from the bureau. I have one letter from you that I was able to use to very great advantage in getting the bill thi'ough

the House.

CONSIDERATION" AND ADOPTION OF SPECIAL RESOLUTION.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, I move to suspend the regular program for the introduction by the chairman of the resolutions committee of a resolution wherein this conference is much concerned.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 165

The Chairman. A motion is before the house. All in favor say

" Aye." Contrary, " No." The motion is carried.

Mr. Mote. Is the conference going to meet this afternoon ? I have

a report here from the resolutions committee.

The Chairman. We will not have time now for the whole report,

but we will make it the first order of business after lunch.

Mr. Mote (reading) : Whereas the attention of this conference has been called to a pamphlet entitled

" Bureaucratic Control of Weighing and Measuring Devices,", issued by the

so-called American Institute of Weights and Measures ; and

Whereas many statements and accusations printed therein and directed against

officials of the National Bureau of Standards are known to this conference to be false and malicious ; and

Whereas the statement on the front cover of this pamphlet which reads as fol- lows : " In plain disregard of this law, the officials of the Bureau of Standards

have made it the central station of a vast organization of officeholders for the purpose of securing national and State legislation that will accomplish two

things—extend the power of these officials and make the exclusive use of the metric system compulsory in the United States," misrepresents a movement

for honest weights and measures, and by so doing has a tendency to retard

the activity of all weights and measures officials in the protection of the

public; and

Whereas the last paragraph of said pamphlet intimates that some improper

connection exists between the officials of the State of Massachusetts and the

officials of the United States Bureau of Standards, which statements are known to this conference to be false and untrue ; and

Whereas this conference considers the accusations to be an insult to the honesty

and integrity of all officials engaged in this work : Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Thirteenth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures

emphatically resents this unwarranted attack upon the officials of the National Bureau of Standards and others : And be it further

Resolved, That the delegates of the States represented at this, the Thirteenth

Annual Conference on Weights and Measures, express their implicit confidence

in the director and other officials connected with the National Bureau of Standards and go on record as being in entire accord with the constructive and protective work being carried on by them : And be it further

Resnived, That copies of this resolution be placed in the hands of those inter- ested in the subject of weights and measures regulation. Jno. M. Mote,

S. C. DiNSMORE.

W. T. White.

Francis Meredith.

R. W. Smith.

The Acting Chairman (Mr. Johnson). Gentlemen, you have

heard the reading of this resolution. What is the pleasure of the

conference ? Mr. Barnard. I move you that this resolution be adopted by this

conference.

Mr. Murray. In speaking for this motion I think that it might

be well for me to acquaint the conference concerning this onslaught

by Mr. Dale, who delivered his speech before the mercantile affairs committee in our Massachusetts Legislature. This pamphlet, which

bears the name of the American Institute of Weights and Measures,

is almost a verbatim report of his speech at that time.

A bill was introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature by the

State department of standards, with the approval of the Massachusetts Association of Sealers, that called upon the sealers of the Commonwealth to work in accordance with the regulations of the Bureau

of Standards. This Mr. Dale is a very cultured and educated gen-
166 BUREAU or STAKDAEDS.

tleman, apparently, and I was amazed at his tremendous and un- warranted onslaught on the Bureau of Standards. He spoke for

nearly a half hour, and throughout the entire speech not one moderate word did he say concerning the Bureau of Standards. Singular as it may seem, since this bureau has been in existence for so long, not one thing could he find to point to that they had done that was worthy of his praise. Our hearings are not ex-parte hearings

in a general sense, but they are in a partial sense. The supporters

had been heard in favor of the bill, and then Mr. Dale got up and

made this speech, which amazed the committee on mercantile affairs,

who were nearly all men of prominence in Massachusetts. I want

to say that we had no opportunitj' for attacking Mr. Dale's remarks,

because the committee would not allow us to do so, but had we had

an opportunity the State officials and I would have answered Mr.

Dale, and undoubtedly we might have disproved the statements con- tained in his argument against the bill. As it was, largely through

misrepresentation and the violence of the attack on the Bureau of

Standards, the bill was postponed until next year. I do not believe

that there is a man in this conference who could have stood idly by

for a moment in the attack that was made on the Bureau of Standards without challenging Mr. Dale, hut we did not have the opportunity. Immediately following the hearing some of us A-ery forcibly

expressed our opposition to and our contempt for Mr. Dale's speech,

but it evidently did not change his course. I iinderstand that thousands of these circulars have been sent all over the entire country,

and I do believe that we should pass this resolution, since perhaps it might affect any action in the future which would be disparaging

to the Bureau of Standards.

The Acting Chairman. I believe, gentlemen, that the conference

is of a mind in this matter. We might go on record as availing ourselves of the splendid admonitions given us last evening by Senator

Lenroot, when he said that constructive work must depend on intelli- gent men; this man has our sympathy, and that is about all. Mr. Irvine. To me it seems that this is an insult to every weights

and measures official who is trying to do his honest duty—to every

man engaged in the work—and it seems to me that it would only

be fitting and proper, inasmuch as this speech was made before the

Legislature of Massachusetts, for every official to write the Governor

of that great State against this autocratic piece of work, against the

action of this Institute of Weights and Measures, which is, I understand, backed up by some manufacturers Avho are afraid that they

might have to spend a few cents in case the metric system is adopted.

I suggest that we write to the governor expressing our opinions con- cerning this speech.

Mr. CuMMiNGS. Mr. Chairman, I wish to correct an impression

that seems to have gotten out here. This talk was not made before

the Legislature of Massachusetts, but before the committee on mercantile affairs. The Acting Chairman. All in favor of the adoption of the reso- lution please stand. [After a pause.] Those opposed kindly rise. The resolution has been unanimously adopted by the conference.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 167

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOLS, BY

JOSEPH J. HOLWELL, COMMISSIONER OE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF NEW YORK CITY.

Mr. Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen, before I read my paper of

1,000 words, which will only take a few minutes, I wish to say here

that I have not come to criticize the District sealer or the District of

Columbia. I am glad to note in the papers to-day that the House

has passed the bill which he has recommended, and I believe it is our

duty, we representing cities and States in this conference, to write

to our Senators and ask them, now that the bill is before the Senate,

to enact that bill. Two things which have impressed me during the past two and a

half years that I have been identified with weights and measures work , are the splendid though comparatively small body of men

and women in this country interested in the advancement of all measures for making possible true weight or measure in the purchase

or sale of commodities, and the large body of men and women who

are totally indifferent to tlie importance of this subject in the busi- ness and family life of this Nation.

My review of the work of my predecessors has brought me into

touch with the work and the accomplishments of their contemporaries

in the Aveight and measure field, and I have been surprised that

notwithstanding the smallness of their numbers and the lack of

proper financial support from 'their immediate official superiors

that they accomplished such wonderful results. I feel, however, that their achievements would have been impossible but for the wide publicity given to the work of weights and

measures by the press of this country. The newspaper men of

America have not hesitated to write up and denounce, if necessary, the individual or firm which attempted to practice short weight or measure in their commercial dealings, and to these men is due the

molding of a public opinion which approves honest dealing in

the purchase or sale of commodities arid is supporting weight and

measure officials in the execution of the law.

But I feel that notwithstanding the splendid strides which have

been made in weights and measures during the past score of years

that those who have been actively identified with the work have not

achieved the results which they would like to have accomplished.

During this period the budgets of many of our State and city

governments have increased enormously, but few substantial in- creases have been granted to weight and measure officials for the

proper execution of their work. The neglect of Government officials to appropriate sufficient money for the conduct of weight and

measure work may be attributed to two causes : First, lack of knowledge of the importance of the work; and, secondly, the indifference

of the great mass of the people. Without an organized, united demand on the part of the people, it is a rather difficult task to arouse

interest in those XDublic officials responsible for the appropriation

of the public moneys into channels relating to weights and measures. Weight and measure men have attempted to enlist the support of

the general public. Housewives' leagues have been organized and

the members of women's clubs throughout the country have been

appealed to for the purpose of educating as many as possible in thQ
168 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

importance of honest weights and measures, but without appreciable

results. This failure of accomplishment on the part of weight and

measure officials has not been due, in my judgment, to any lack of

efficiency, but the bigness of the problem of engaging the interest

of the country was too large a work for so small an organization to accomplish.

To create interest in weights and measures we must begin our work with the children in the schools. The 20,000,000 boys and

girls who are to-day attending the schools of America are the

men and women who will a few j^ears hence handle those commodities

which are sold or purchased either by weight or measure. In the curriculum of every grammar and high school of this country there should be taught the subject of weights and measures. Our educational authorities should be furnished with every kind of

equipment pertaining to weights and measures in order that the

school children may be able to visualize and to know readily the

difference between a half-pound and a pound weight, to know how

computing and other types of scales and measuring devices should

be operated, how food packages should be marked, and how to sell or purchase commodities by weight or measure. In teaching the subject of weights and measures to the school

children of America we will do more than merely teach them how to

sell honestly and how to purchase correctly. We will teach them at the same time the standards of honesty. In inculcating such principles in the minds of our school children during the formative and

impressionable period of their lives, we are raising the standards of

American citizenship. We will drive home the thought that the

merchant should be honest, and that the purchaser should be honest

as well. We will emphasize, too, the importance of accuracy and exactness

that the merchant must give honest weight and measure, and that

the purchaser must be alive to his responsibilities and insist that

he obtains the true weight or measure of the commodity purchased.

As an initial step in this educational program the mayor's bureau

of weights and measures of the city of New York has conducted

demonstrations as to " How to read the scales " in the city's 25 high

schools. To make these demonstrations a success the cooperation of

five of the large scale companies was secured, to the end that these

companies delivered scales to these schools which were worth over

$20,000, without charging a dollar for their time and the expense they

incurred in loaning their instruments. A remarkable fact brought

out by these demonstrations, which were given before 15,000 pupils

in the high school first-year class, was that not more than 50 of them

knew how to read a scale. Those children have been invited to at- tend further demonstrations in our Manhattan bureau testing sta- tion in the Hall of Records, and the classes which have responded

have become so interested in the Aveighing and measuring devices on

exhibition there that their teachers have had difficulty in terminating the sessions. This experiment in the city of New York demonstrates to my mind the vital interest that school children have in

the subject of weights and measures, if they are but given the op-

])ortunity to study it. With weights and measures as a part of

school work, an auxiliary could be organized in this country, which
THIKTEEXTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASTJEES. 169

would be one of the strongest forces for good government that we

could have in America. We would be training constantly along the

proper lines the future manufacturers, merchants, and housewives.

We would set a standard for business dealings for other nations and

peoples to adopt.

This educational program should enlist the support of all weight

and measure men. When I say " weight and measui'e men " I include not only the weight and measure officials of America, but also the men

who haVe put their capital into the manufacture of proper weighing

and measuring devices, the mechanical geniuses who have brought

these devices to such a state of perfection, and the men who make

possible their use in commerce by their ability to sell them. With

the adojDtion of this subject as a part of our schools' curriculum we

shall have done more to further the work of weights and measures

than anything previous!}- put forward by the weights and measures men of America.

The Chairmax. The, speaker discussed a very important point, and

that is education with regard to weights and measures. It is too bad that the school child has to wander through this subject without

am' special demonstration—without any special effort being made to teach weights and measures. MACHINE MEASUREMENTS IN RETAIL DRY-GOODS STORES, BY

F. REICHMANN, FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF WEIGHTS AND

MEASURES, NEW YORK STATE.

I had some slides to show you. but unfortunately the operator of

the lantern has not appeared on the scene, so I will keep you only for

three minutes and talk on machine measurements of fabrics, which,

as you perhaps Imow, has always been my hobby.

As 3'ou Imow. we are interested primarity only in the net result accomplished : namely, with what is actually given to the customer.

We are police officials to enforce the la.ws, to see that all the people

get all they are entitled to. The same applies to gasoline pumps,

or what not. To get an accurate measurement of fabrics is perhaps one of the

most difficult things of all the various commodities dealt with in the

retail trade, the reason being that you have elements of temperature,

humidity, the elasticity of the fabric, and the human element of the

handling, all entering into what is actually given, so that the defini- tion of a yard of goods—and. mind you. that that is an area measurement, assuming that the width is constant—the definition of a yard of

goods, which, so far as I know, has never been definitely established, we

can safely assume to be the area of those dr5'-goods fabrics when laid

upon a smooth table substantially without friction and without ten- sion to the goods—in other words, just as a dressmaker lays it on

the table to cut it out. The oldest form of measurement was probably the linear measure

a form of the yardstick. In order to simplify that the next step was

to use counter tacks. In a great many manufacturing establishments

mechanical means of measurement have been adopted. For instance,

packing machines, rewinding machines, and reeling machines. It has only been in the last few 3'ears that the mechanical measurement

of dry goods has come into general use in retail stores. All devices
170 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

on the market—there are several of them—follow the plan of having

a cylinder of definite circumference, the fabric being pressed on that

circumference, and as the operator draAvs the fabric over that little roll, it, by some mechanical means, then operates a train of gears and

registers the yardage of the goods to be delivered to the customer. These are generally combinecl in the retail machines with a pricecomputing device, which is a simple matter to connect. It is a simple matter to connect that train of gears, or whatever may be

used, to the device which will indicate the price at the same time the

goods are actually delivered. The great difficulties of the measuring

of goods are, first, the nature of the goods, and, second, that when

you consider the commodity delivered to the customer you can not

differentiate or separate the human element from the machine itself. It is an entirely different mechanical operation from other determinations. On an ordinary scale you lay your goods on the scale and that registers what is there. With fabrics going over a roll or

reel you still have the goods on the reel when delivering a part to the customer. The only analogy that I know of in a mechanical way

is a weight-computing cheese machine. It is assumed that the cheese

is uniform, and fabric is even less uniform than cheese. The matter

is one that I would like to go into further. I did not know it would

be so late, and I will take only a few minutes and read my paper later as I prepared it. All weights and measures officials will have to get

acquainted with this intimately, because mechanical measuring machines have come to stay, and they fill the same want for the drygoods merchant as an ordinary scale does for the butcher. Machines

for the measurement of retail sales of dry goods are going to relegate

the yardstick, etc., to the junk heap, and it behooves weights and

measures officials to become thoroughly acquainted with them.

The Chairman. The hour has now come for luncheon, and I would

request that you get back here promptly, as we have a number of

things to attend to this afternoon.

(Whereupon, at 12.45 o'clock p m., the conference took a recess until 2 o'clock p. m.)
SEVENTH SESSION (AFTERNOON OF THURSDAY, MAY 27,

1920).

The conference reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m., Dr. S. W. Stratton,

chairman, presiding.

The Chairman. The meeting will please come to order.

Is the chairman of the committee on resolutions present ? Mr. HoLBRooEi. Mr. Johnson has gone after him.

The Chairman. He is right outside somewhere. Is the chairman

of the committee on legislation present?

Mr. Smith. I believe that Mr. Gregg, of Texas, is the chairman of

that committee, and that he has not been in attendance at this conference.

The Chairman. It is the next committee that will be called on to

report, and I shall ask you to act as chairman.

The following telegram was received from Mr. Gregg explaining

his enforced absence from the conference

Austin, Tex., May 2^, 1920. Dr. S. W. Stratton,

President Annual Conference on Weir/hts and Measures.

Regret exceedingly that it is impossible for nie to attend this session of national conference. Legislature has just been called in extra session and important amendments will be proposed to present public weigher's law. It is thought best that I remain here to-day, as we have made wonderful progress under the present law, and we hope to be able to report to you results which

are second to none of our sister States. You have my best wishes for a successful and profitable session. Kindly express my regrets to the conference. D. A. Gregg,

Deputy State Superintendent.

Mr. Fischer is in receipt of a* note from Mr. Franklin Brooks,

a very well-known friend of honest weights and measures. This

communication will doubtless be of interest to the delegates. It is as follows

Larchmont, 6 Roosevelt Avenue,

May 16, 1920. My Dear Fischer : It's good to hear from a friend. Tour letter was welcomed. I hope that I

shall be able to attend the Weights and Measures Conference—the square-deal

convention—the golden-rule advocates—more important in the long run than

that other Weights and Measures Convention in Chicago in June. If, per- chance, I can not come, give my best greetings to the faithful and true—what

shall I call them—golden rulers? Some day our Government will have depart- ments of health and of standards, more important than transportation, wslv, etc.

I believe we will all live to see this. With kindest regards.

Hastily, but sincerely, yours, Franklin Brooks.

CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS.

Mr. Johnson. I have two resolutions to present if you wish to hear

them at this time. The first is a resolution which the conference has

171
172 BUBEAU or STANDARDS.

requested, having to do with the matter as to which specifications

shall be retroactive and which nonretroactive (reading) : KESOLUTION IN EE TIME OF APPLICATION OF SPECIFICATIONS FOE LIQTJID-MEASTJEING

DEVICES.^" Whereas the Thirteenth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures has

adopted specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring devices ; and

Whereas it is the opinion of the conference that some specifications should be

made retroactive, others nonretroactive, and still others should not be put

into force and effect until some future date ; Therefore be it Resolved, That the committee on specifications and tolerances be instructed to incorporate in the specifications and tolerances their conclusions in this regard

after consultation with manufacturers of liquid-measuring devices. Mr. Neale. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion being seconded it was put to a vote and was agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson. I have another resolution here that I beg to have

considered (reading) : EESOLUTION IN EE DESIGNATION OF DEPAETMENTS. Whereas the National Bureau or Department of Standards has been so designated by a congressional act and whereas the name Department of or Bureau of Standards has always been considered a national institution : Be it Resolved, That it be the sense of this conference that the name Department

of or Bureau of Standards be confined in its use and reference only to the National Bureau or Department of Standards. The Chairman. You have heard the motion.

(The motion was seconded.)

Mr. CuMMiNGS. Does that resolution have any bearing on the Division of Standards of Massachusetts that is established by Massachusetts law?

Mr. Johnson. I have referred this matter to Mr. Meredith and he

is thoroughly in accord with this resolution.

The Chairman. This is merely to guide you in the future. Are

you ready for the question ? Those in favor please say "Aye ; " con- trary " No." It is carried. Are there any further resolutions?

Mr. Smith. As an individual, and not as a member of the resolutions committee, I desire to offer for the consideration of the con- ference a resolution which I believe covers a matter of importance.

I hesitate to open up again the subject of liquid-measuring device

specifications, since they hai^e been finally adopted, and the matter

closed, but I desire to offer it in the nature of a resolution, so that if

it is the sense of the conference that this is a desirable proposition we might have the benefit of some official action of some sort to justify us in including the regulation in the specifications. I would

offer the following resolution

RESOLUTION IN EE SEALING OF NEW LIQUID-MEASUEING DEVICES. Resolved, That it is the sense of this conference that the correct position of such alterable devices as are described in specification No. 15 be determined by

a factory test, and that they shall be sealed by the manufacturers. My purpose in offering this is to provide for the interim between

the shipment of a pump and the time when the sealer is able to place

his official seal upon the adjustments, referring particularly to locali1" In accordance with the terms of this resolution the committee lias classified the

specifications and its conclusions are Incorporated in the specifications and tolerances printed In the appendix of this report,
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 1*73

ties where there is not a city sealer. In the State work it is fre- quently necessary for such a device to operate without a test for a considerable period. In my own State the law provides for a permit

until it can be tested. This, I believe, will offer a valuable safeguard

to the purchasing public during that interim.

The Chaieman. You have heard this resolution. The gentleman

wishes to offer it. It might be referred to the committee.

Mr. Neale. To put the matter before the house, I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. You have heard the motion, which has been sec- onded. Are there any remarks ? Mr. Neale. Mr. Chairman, the manufacturers have long been of

the mind that in addition to having provided means for sealing, it should be sealed as a protection against tampering in the field. If

these, after they are manufactured, can be thoroughly sealed, it gives

a certain dignity to it. The cost is slight, and it shows they are

testing them, and it does not leave them open for change when in- stalled in the country by others than the manufacturers.

The Chairman. Are there any other remarks?

Mr. Irvine. I would like to hear from Mr. Holbrook or Mr. Johnson of the committee as to what their opinion is on this proposition 1 Mr. Johnson. We accept it as a resolution, as it is only a recom- mendation for the consideration by the committee at the next conference. Is that your intention, Mr. Smith ? Mr. Smith. It is my intention, if the conference approves of this

sentiment, to incorporate that in any specifications which I might

promulgate or be instrumental in promulgating in my own State,

believing, as I do, that it is a desirable regulation. I might say

further that I would have referred this to the committee for their

attention had time permitted.

Mr. Johnson. If the resolution in any way binds the conference

or binds the conference committee, I do not believe it advisable to consider it. Mr. Smith. If I may repeat the wording of the resolution, it is that the manufacturer should seal these devices and should test these

devices. None of the specifications become effective in our jurisdiction until they are promulgated in our own States or cities, and if it

is the sense of the conference that that is a desirable regulation, I would like to have an expression of that sentiment as an assistance

to me in backing me up in promulgating such regulations in Wisconsin.

Mr. Johnson. I do not believe I would presume to speak for the

conference committee. I believe a resolution of that character should

have been submitted to the specifications committee prior to this

time, in justice to it. Do you not think so, Mr. Smith?

Mr. Smith. The matter was submitted in the form of an amendment, and I was informed that it was too late for the matter to be

handled as a committee matter. Consequently, I have presfented it in

the form in which I now present it. The Chairman. It has to do with the work of the committee on

tolerances, as I understand. If anjiihing is done or issued in regard
174 BUEEAU OF STANDAHDS.

to it, it would be in connection with the committee's report, would

it not?

Mr. Smith. I should be very glad to have this matter handled as a committee matter. In fact, that was my original suggestion and

desire, and I would be very much pleased to have it incorporated in

the final set. Since the conference has taken action on the set as a whole I think that is important.

The Chaibman. Anything affecting that ought to come through

the committee.

Mr. HoLBKOoK. Certainly there is no objection of the committee

to that regulation which Mr. Smith proposes, but the only question

which arises in my mind is, Should we, in the morning of the last day,

adopt the specifications as a whole and then in the afternoon reopen

them and have those who are not present here this afternoon, but

who were present here in the morning, see something which they never passed upon included when the report is issued? Certainly

if Mr. Smith merely desires the opinion of the members of the

conference as to the feasibility or practicability of a regulation

which he proposes, as a member of the specification and tolerance

committee, I might say that personally the regulation seems to be

all right, and if he just desires a statement from the conference

that it is all right for adoption in the State of Wisconsin I can see no objection to it. There might be some question, when it has been

considered that these things are concluded, about opening them up to insert something. If Mr. Smith did that it is very probable that

other members of the conference might suggest something on a very

much more important matter along the same lines, and it would not

receive sufficient attention from this handful of delegates whom we

have here at the present time.

Mr. Smith. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the sentiment expressed

by Mr. Holbrook, and that was the reason for not offering it as a

specification. I offer it as a resolution, to get the expression of

opinion of the men who are here.

Mr. HoLBEOOK. I will support the resolution, Mr. Chairman.

(The resolution Avas put to a vote and was agreed to.)

REPORT or COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS.

The Chairman. Is the chairman of the committee on resolutions

here ? Mr. Mote. Yes, sir. I would like to ask, first, Mr. Chairman, what

the opinion of the conference is. Are the resolutions which are to be

read to be taken up all at once or separately ? The Chairman. Separately.

(At this point Mr. Charles G. Johnson, vice president, assumed the

chair.)

Mr. Mote (reading) :

RESOLUTION IN EE STANDARDIZATION OF BREAD.

Whiereas the Tliirteeiitli Annual Conference on Weights and Measures realizes the imperative need of uniform standardization of the loaf weight of bread

in order to protect the purchasing public : Therefore be it Resolved, That this conference indorses the principle of a standard-weight

loaf of bread and urges the passage by the several States of legislation tending

to bring about the adoption of such a uniform standard.
THIETEENTH CONFEKEK"CE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASUKES. 175

The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. What is 3'our pleasure ? All in favor say "Aye ; " contrary, " No." The

resolution is adopted.

Mr. Mote (reading) :

RESOLUTION IN EE CERTAIN WORK OF THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Wliereas, the members of the Thirteenth Annual Conference on Weights and

Measures believe that the valuable assistance and advice which they have

always received from the National Bureau of Standards are based upon the

scientific research work conducted by that bureau, and believe that any

curtailment of this research work would seriously interfere with the practical field operations carried on by them in their various jurisdictions : Therefore be it Resolved, That we, the members of the conference, record our conviction that any diminution of the research work of the Bureau of Standards is to be de- plored, and that this research work should be further developed to the end

that the States and cities of the United States may continue to receive that

assistance and advice from the bureau so essential to the furtherance of our work.

The Acting Chairman. Gentlemen, you have heard the resolution.

It has been moved and seconded that it be adopted. All in favor say

" Aye "

; contrary minded, " No." It is adopted.

Mr. Mote (reading) :

RESOLUTION OF THANKS TO EDITOR OF " SCALE JOUENAL."

Resolved, That a vote of thanks be tendered by the Thirteenth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures to Mr. J. A. Schmitz, the editor of the Scale

Journal, for the splendid support and the valuable cooperation extended by

him to the weights and measures officials of the United States and to the weights and measures movement in this country.

The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. All in

favor say " Aye " ; contrary minded, " No." It is so ordered.

Mr. Mote (reading) :

RESOLT'TION OF APPRECIATION TO VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE BUREAU OF STANDASDS.

Resolved, That the Thirteenth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures

does hereby gratefully acknowledge by a vote of thanks their sincere appreciation

of the favors made possible by the untiring efforts of Dr. S. W. Stratton, Mr.

L. A. Fischer, the members of the Weights and Measures Division, and other members of the Bureau of Standards. The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. All in

favor say " Aye " ; contrary minded, " No." It is so ordered.

Mr. Mote (reading) :

RESOLUTION IN RE STANDARDIZATION OF PACKAGES. Whereas we, as weights and measures officials, realize that our present laws

requiring the quantity of the contents to be marked upon food in package

form fail adequately to safeguard the public in the purchase of commodities

so put up : Therefore be it Resolved, That tliis, the Thirteenth Annual Conference on Weights and

Measures, record its conviction that standardization of packages is vitally necessary for the proper and complete protection of the purcliasers of commodities so packed.

The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. Is there

any discussion?
BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Feart. Have you discussed the approval of the pending bill to amend the food and drugs act ? I think it ought to be commended

here. It is a splendid bill. It prevents the slack-filled and the

deceptive package.

Mr. Mote. The committee would be glad to accept an amendment

to this resolutioiA. Mr. Roberts. I think the gentlemen refers to the so-called " Vestal

bill." Mr. Mote. It is a proposed amendment to the national food and

drugs act. I do not thint it is the Vestall bill. It is No. 101 on the

House calendar.

Mr. Frart. The bill amends the definition of misbranding by in- cluding therein any container which is deceptive as to its form,

shape, or size ; and further provides that a package shall be deemed

to be misbranded unless it is filled as full as may be within good

c-ommercial practice—some words to that effect. This was spoken

of yesterday, or day before yesterday. This bill takes care of that

slack filling. It is a splendid bill, and I thought the committee had

it in mind, otherwise I would have mentioned it. It seems as though the resolution itself should carry something very definite

with regard to the legislation that the gentleman has spoken of. Mr. Irvine. If we could include in that all packages and their contents, I think all members of the conference will be in favor of a

resolution of that kind.

Mr. Egberts. I am inclined to believe that I am in entire sympathy with the bill that the gentleman mentions, but I do not know

what the title of the bill is. I thought, when he first mentioned the

bill, that I had read it. I also doubt the wisdom of the conference

indorsing the bill without having the bill itself presented to the

conference, and I think we should know that exact terms of the bill before we indorse it. The Acting Chairman. I think so, too. Mr. Roberts. I think we could pass a resolution to the effect that

this conference favors an amendment to the food and drugs act, which

would require merchants to discontinue the slack filling of packages.

The Acting Chairman. That appears to be of sufficient importance to warrant a special resolution. The Department of Agriculture has an entire bureau concerned with that question at the present

time, and they have made extensive researches throughout the United

States. Mr. Mote. The resolutions committee should prepare a resolution

and submit it later to be included in the records. We might later desire to refer to this legislation which the gentleman has mentioned

after we have had an opportunity to read the proposed act. Mr. Roberts. I might suggest that it would be unwise for the con- ference to indorse a specific bill unless they knew exactly what was

in the bill. I am inclined to favor such a resolution as is proposed

;

that is, a resolution favoring enactment of legislation of a certain

kind ; but I do not think we should indorse a certain bill unless we know what is in that bill. Mr. Schwartz. Will you not have that resolution reread—the reso- lution that is now before us for consideration ? (Mr. Mote reread the resolution.)
THIKTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 177

Mr. Schwartz. I believe that resolution is appropriate, and I move

its adoption. I think we ought to put ourselves on record for standardization of goods in package form.

The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. What is jouv pleasure? All in favor say "Aye," contrary minded, "No."

The motion is carried. If there is any other resolution necessary to cover this matter, it might be wise to introduce another one. Mr. Mote (reading)

UESOLUTION IN EE FEDERAL SERIALIZATION OF TYPE OF APPARATUS.

Resolved, That we, the delegates of the Thirteenth Anuual Conference on Weights and Measures in convention assembled, realizing the imperative need

that exists for uniform regulations governing the type and construction of weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices used for commercial

purposes throughout the United States, go on record as heartily indorsing leg- islation designed to secure serialization of the type and construction of suf.ri apparatus by the National Bureau of Standards. The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. What is 3'our pleasure? All in favor signify by saying "Aye," contrary

minded, " No." The resolution is adopted.

Mr. Mote (reading) :

RESOLUTION IN RE SALE OF DRY COMMODITIES BY' WEIGHT.

Resolved, That we, the delegates of the TTiirteentli Annual Conference on Weights and Measures in convention assembled, indorse the principle of the

sale of all dry commodities by weight in so far as this method of sale is practicable, and respectfully urge upon Congress the imperative necessity of enacting legislation designed to put this method of sale into force and effect throughout the United States. Mr. Egberts. I want to suggest one thing to the gentleman. Just

the last few words I wish he would read again.

(Mr. Mote read the resolution again.)

Mr. Egberts. Let me suggest that jou stop at the word " etfect,"

and strike the balance olf , for this reason : I doubt myself the authority of Congress to enact a law that would put in force and effect throughout the United States such a measure as the resolution suggests, although I have not thought about it much and I may be mistaken. But Congress can pass a law putting it in effect in a certain

territory. For instance, it can pass one putting it into effect in

Alaska and in the District of Columbia and in any other territories

of the United States. I am not sure, but I do not think off hand that

Congress would have the right under the Constitution to pass such a law and put it into force throughout the United States. The Acting Chairman. You have no objection to the principle of

the resolution?

Mr. Egberts. No; not at all. I believe that the adoption of my

suggestion would give it more force. Mr. Mote. The Congress has power and authority to enact legislation on anything that pertains to interstate shipments, and that is a very important feature so far as putting the act into force. If it were put into force we know the effect. Mr. Egberts. Congress can pass a law putting it into force and

effect so far as interstate commerce is concerned, and in the District of

10789—21 12
178 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Columbia and the Territories. I am heartily in favor of the resolution, and mj object is to strengthen it rather than to weaken it. I think it would give it more force. I merely suggest that to the

resolutions committee.

The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. All in

favor sa}^ "Aye"; contrary minded, "No." The resolution as read

is adopted.

In justice to Mr. Schoenthal, inspector of weights and measures

of the District of Columbia, I will say that he handed me a proposed new specification reading as follows (reading) :

PEOPOSED NEW SPECIFICATION FOK LIQUID-MEASURING DEVICES.

Liquid-iiieasuiing devices without liose attachment discharging oil or heavy

liquids through a nozzle shall be equipped with antidripping nozzles, or such

other mechanical apparatus as will instantaneously cut off the flow of liquid

and prevent dripping at point of dischai'ge as soon as the handle, crank, or other means of operating the device is brought to its initial position.

The conference will not have time to consider this specification,

and it will be referred to the committee to report at the next conference.

CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL RESOLUTIONS.

'Mr. Frart. I would like to propose this resolution (reading) :

RESOLUTION IN EE DECEPTIVE FOOD PACKAGES.

Rcfiolred, That this conference record Its approval of legislation intended to prohibit the sale of slack-lilled packages of food and to require that no food packages shall be so designed as to be in any manner deceptive to the purchaser

as to the quantity of food contained therein. The Acting Chairman. You have heard the resolution. What is the pleasure of the conference ? Mr. Irvine. Before Ave act on that re>^olution I would like to ask

a question. In your opinion, or in the opinion of the tolerance committee, would that exclude all of these deceptive pickle bottles and

things like that ? My idea is to exclude all deceptive packages, such

as some forms of bottles, packages with false bottoms, and cans with

lids that sink in a half inch from the top.

Mr. Frary. It would be impossible to mention all the items con- tained in the proposed bill. It is the understanding of the House

committee that the bill does cover those things.

The Acting Chairman. All in favor of the resolution say "Aye "

;

contrary minded, " No." The resolution is adopted.

Mr. Mote. I have been asked to present this resolution

KESOLUTION IN EE INTEKPEETATION OF WORD " TENTATIVE." Whereas a doubt exists as to the proper interpretation and meaning of the word " tentative " or " jjrovisional," and whereas it is the desire of the

(conference that said word or words be defined : Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the words " tentative " or " provisional " shall be considered

as synonymous, with the construction and interpretation as follows for the purposes of this conference

The words "tentative" or "provisional," as used by the conference, shall mean such contemplated use or usages to be complied with when possible, but

in no sense shall either be mandatory, obligatory, or enforceable.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 179

The Acting Chairman. Is that resolution agreeable to you, Mr.

Holbrook?

Mr. Holbrook. I see no objection to it. I think that was all ex- plained, though, this morning.

Mr. CuMMiNGS. I would like to have some explanation as to that

last word " enforceable." If they are going to be tentatively adopted,

they must be enforced to some extent or they will be useless. We

must have some period in which they can be tried out to see whether

or not they should be permanently adopted. Why not cut out the

word " enforceable " ? Mr. Mote. The other two words are A^ery binding as it is, " mandatory," " obligatory."

Mr. CuMMiNGS. If you cut out the word " enforceable," it would

leave it largely to the judgment of the individual inspector in his

territory, or of the State department in a particular State as to whether or not it should be enforced to any extent. Mr. Mote. I would like to hear an expression from Mr. Smith.

He has had very much to say about -these resolutions so far. Mr. Smith. I am quite willing to accept the opinion of the toler- ance committee on the wording. If it is agreeable to them, it is perfectly agreeable to me. The Acting Chairman. Gentlemen, you have heard the resolution.

What is your pleasure?

Mr. CuMMiNGS. Mr. Chairman, I am inclined to think that word

" enforceable " would make this particular specification ineffective. It might just as well not have been tentatively adopted. I would move

that the resolution be amended by striking out the last two words

" and enforceable."

(The amendment being seconded, it was put to a vote and was

rejected.)

(The original motion was then put to a vote and was agreed to.)

EEPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS AND THE ELECTION OP

OFFICERS.

Mr. Cluett. The committee on nominations recommends the fol- lowing names for officers of the conference for the ensuing year

For president. Dr. S. W. Stratton. For first vice president, Mr. Charles G. Johnson, of California.

For second vice president, Mr. Charles C. Neale, of Minnesota.

For secretary, Mr. Louis A. Fischer.

For Treasurer, Mr. Frank Wanser, of New Jersey.

Mr. Johnson (the Acting Chairman). I will declare the election

for the office of president of the conference in order.

Mr. Cluett. For President, S. W. Stratton. Mr. Barnard. I move you, sir, that the rules be suspended and the

secretary be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for Dr. Stratton

as president of the conference.

The Acting Chairman. We will suspend all formalities and declare that Dr. Stratton has been unanimously elected President for

the ensuing year. Dr. Stratton. I gave the vice chairman all the opportunity possible to show what a good chairman he is so that you might be influ- enced to put him in as chairman. Not that I object to holding the
180 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

office, however. I consider it a great honor, and am very pleased to serve; but I do not want you to feel that there is no one else in this

organization but myself who can fill the chair. I thank you very

much.

Mr. Cluett. For first vice president, Charles G. Johnson.

Mr. CuMMiNGS. I move that the same procedure be adopted.

The Chairman. All those in favor say "Aye "

; contrary, " No."

It is adopted and so ordered.

Mr. Cluett. For second vice i^resident, Charles C. Neale.

Mr. Smith. I wish to move that Mr. Neale, as second vice president of this organization, be declared unanimously elected. The Chairman. You have heard the motion. All in favor say

"Aye "

; contrary, " No." It is carried and so ordered.

Mr. Cluett. For secretary, Louis A. Fischer.

Mr. Johnson. I move the same procedure.

The Chairman. All in favor say " Aye "

; contrary, " No." The

motion is carried and it is so ordered.

Mr. Cluett. For treasurer, Frank Wanser.

Mr. Johnson. I move the same procedure.

The Chairman. All in favor say " Aye "

; contrary, " No." The

motion is carried and it is so ordered.

Mr. Cluett. As members of the executive committee, the officers to be ex-officio members, as follows

Messrs. Francis Meredith, F. G. Barnard, W. F. Cluett, T. F. Egan,

D. A. Gregg, J. J. Holwell, T. L. Irvine, H. A. Webster, J. W. Richardson, S. C. Dinsmore, C. M. Fuller, J. Sweeney, J. M. Mote, T. F. Mahoney, G. G. Frary, E. W. Smith, G. B. Stewart, W. T. White,

Leo Stuhr, A. F. Bove, W. F. Steinel.

(This list of names was written on the blackboard at the front of

the room.)

The Chairman. You have the list on the board. Is it your pleas- ure to vote on the whole number at once, or one b}^ one?

(A motion Avas made and seconded that the names be voted on col- lectively. ) It is moved and seconded that we vote upon these collectively

;

that is, that the ballot be cast for these members as a whole, for the

executive committee. All those in favor say "Aye "

; contrary, " No."

It is carried. We will noAv vote for the members of the executive

committee. All those in favor of these gentlemen as members of

the executive committee say "Aye "

; contrary, " No." It is carried

and so ordered.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, I want to express my gratification

to the chairman of the nomination committee, and, while on the floor, I take the occasion to make the motion that the committee be dis- charged with a vote of thanks.

The Chairman. Those in favor say "Aye " ; contrary, " No."

The ayes have it. I want to congratulate the committee. As the

work grows larger the preparation of the programs and the active

work will fall on the executive committee, and it seems to me that

this is a very good one. Is there any other unfinished business?

Mr. Mote. I would like to say that one of the statements made in

that pamphlet we discussed Avas to the effect that this was a body

operating without even a set of by-laws. I just wished to ask the
THIRTEEJ^TH COJTFEKEXCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 181

question whether or not it would be well that a committee be ap- pointed to draft a set of by-laws for this conference, or organization.

Mr. Fischer. I will say, ^Ir. Chairman, that at one time we had a committee of that kind and they submitted a report, and it almost

disrupted the organization. Whether we haye reached a point where we will stand for being organized or not I do not know. I can say

that I think we had better leave it where it is. The former difficulty

centered about who were members, who were not members, and

things of that sort. The Chairman. It was purely a question of drawing formal lines,

which might haye been objectional)le. especially in the early days

when we wanted to get the opinion of eyeryone.

]Mr. Stewart. I feel that we ought to haye, and I think it would

be a yer}^ good thing to haye, a set of bj^-laws, but I would most

earnestly oppose it now, because I am opposed to giving any recognition whatever to what might have been said in that pamphlet.

jNIr. Hill. An}" body of gentlemen that can get along without a set of b3"-laws is a whole lot better off. The Chair:\ian. The fewer the by-laws the better, and they should

be confined to the main essential things.

Mr. Barnard. I respectfully re([uest a report from the treasurer,

which I think is quite important at this time, and I suggest that,

after he has made his report, he proceed to collect dues, and that,

during that procedure, all doors be closed. REPORT OF THE TREASURER, PRESENTED BY A. W. SCHWARTZ

FOR FRANK WANSER.

The treasurer has been called away by telegraph this morning, so

tliat he is not here to speak for himself. He left with me a report of

the condition of the treasury for presentation to the conference.

The balance in the treasury is very small. Last year, as 3^011 will

remember. jNIr. Lincoln, who was the former treasurer, turned over

to the secretary, Mr. Fischer, a check for $62.35. Probably some members of the conference do not know how that was raised. I will

state that in 1916 we had a deficit on account of a proposed dinner, or something that went a little bit wrong, and we needed some money,

so a request for donations was made and we got a sufficient sum and

over to pay our indebtedness, and a balance of $62.35 remained. The

only expense which occurred last year at the conference was $12.50,

for printing of identification cards. That has been paid and there

now remains a balance on hand of $49.85. From that we must deduct the expenses incurred by the present conference, which will in- clude the printing of identification cards for this conference, tickets

for the banquet, the guests that we paid for at the banquet, and

any other incidental expense that may come up. The figures are

as follows

Receipts, by check from Mr. Lincoln, former treasurer .$62.35 Di.sbursements, to Roberts & Co., printing identification tags, 1919 con- ference 12. 50

Balance on luind 49. 85 Frank Wansee,

Treasurer Annual Conference on Weights and Measures.
182 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

I think we ought to haA^e some rule or regulation whereby there

should be a fee, or something of that sort, to be coliectecl from the

delegates as they register on the day that they appear here. I think we have sufficient on hand to pay all bills that Avill be presented "to the secretary, who will send them on to the treasurer, but there ought

to be some way of getting a little reserve fund.

Mr. Barnard. I will say that there is another bill that I per- sonally held up. I was directed at the last conference to have

embossed memorial resolutions for owt good friends John C. Connors, John E. Willett, and James E. Smith. That has been done,

but I have held the bill up because 1 did not Avant to embarrass our good friend the treasurer. It seems to me that there ought to be some money collected at this time, and that those who are not present

be requested to send in their fees, because the bureaii has no approl^riation for these purposes. I feel that undoubtedl}' each and every

delegate would be willing to pay something for this good work that

we are carrjang on. I Avould make a motion that the registration fee be $1 and that it be collected at the present time.

The Chairman. All those in favor say "A5^e " ; contrary minded,

" No." The motion is carried.

(Whereupon a collection was taken from the members present.)

ANSWERS TO GENERAL QUESTIONS.

The Chairman. Is there any further new business? Mr. Meredith, of Massachusetts, wishes to present a matter regarding shipment of coal in carload lots. MINE-SCALE AND RAILROAD TRACK-SCALE INVESTIGATIONS OF

THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS, AND THE WEIGHT OF COAL.

Mr. Meredith. Mr. Chairman, shortly' before my arrival at the

conference attention was drawn to certain short Aveight in buying

coal in carload lots, and this apparently occurs either at the mines

or at the shipping point. Mr. Cummings directed my attention to the fact that at the last conference reference Avas made to the minescale investigation, and as these two things are intimately related I Avould like to make an inquiry regarding this investigation.

The Chairman. The Division of Weights and Measures has con- ducted an iuA^estigation of that sort. Mr. Holbrook, can you give us a brief statement ? Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Meredith, the mine-scale investigation covers,

];)erhaps, a little different field than 3^011 imagine. You were speaking of weights of railroad cars filled Avith coal shipped from the

mines to the dealer or consumer. The mine-scale investigation of the

bureau covers tipple scales on which coal is weighed, by means of

which weights the miners' wages are determined. As far as I know,

no coal is bought or sold or shipped upon a basis of tipple-scale

weights. The matter that you mention, however, is intimately con- nected with the track-scale inA^estigation of the Bureau of Standards.

The bureau has three equipments Avhich proceed around the country on a schedule testing railroad track scales, Avhich are used in buying

and selling commodities or which are used in determining the freight
THIRTEENTH CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 183

on goods shipped, all such material as is in carload lots. In that

investigation a xevj large number of coal scales are tested—scales on Avhich coal is weighed. Some of these scales are used exclusively

for coal and some for coal and other commodities also. The bureau,

with its limited equipment, tests all the scales possible each year, and up to the present time has tested some 3,000 scales, these being

located in every State of the United States; but, without very

A'oluminous reports, it would be impossible to tell the condition of

scales tested except in a general way. I may saj that about 40 per

cent of all the railroad and industrial scales tested so far have been

found to be Avithin the tolerance fixed by the bureau—which is practically the same tolerance as is fixed by the American Eailroad Association—and about 60 per cent of the scales have been outside of

that tolerance. The tolerance is 200 pounds on 100,000 jDounds, or two-tenths of 1 per cent. All scales tested by bureau equipment on some railroads have been found inaccurate. On one or two roads all scales tested by the bureaii equipments have been found accurate. The other roads necessarily lie in between. Some scales are usually

accurate and some are usually inaccurate. If you desire information

regarding the accuracy or inaccuracy of any specific scale or scales,

and will present the question to the bureau, your inquiry will be

handled with our records available. Very occasionally the inaccuracies have amounted to six or seven or eight thousand pounds, or even

more. Instances of gross inaccuracies, such inaccuracies that the

indication of the scp.le could not be depended upon in any way at all as an indication of weight, have been found in our investigation.

In many cases weights Avhich are determined to fix the amount of

freight charges are by agreement between buyer and seller, also used

in disposing of the goods. In justice to the railroads I think it can be

said that they do not accept the responsibility for weights used in

that way.

Mr. CuMMiKGS. I would suggest that, if they refuse to accept, the

penalty is diversion of the coal. There must be some remedy—what, we are seeking is a remedy, if there is one. Mr. Hill. I would like to ask a question. Is there any State in

which 2,000 pounds is not considered a ton of coal? The reason

I ask is this : Down in my town in the public schoolroom a teacher

asked what Avas a ton of coal. Some said 2,000 pounds, but one little boy held up his hand and said 1,600. His father was an old coal

dealer. Mr. HoLBROOK.- To ansAver your question, there is no State in the

Union which recognizes less than 2,000 pounds as a ton of coal. There are certain jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia,

Avhich specify 2,240 pounds to the ton. That is the old long ton

Avhich is still in use in one or tAvo jurisdictions.

The Acting Chairman. Mr. Meredith, has j^our question been

answered ? Mr. Meredith. Yes, sir. (At this point Mr. Johnson, vice president, assumed the chair.)

Mr. Steavart. I Avant to ask Mr. Holbrook where he thinks the

shortage comes in between the time the coal is Aveighed by the rail- road company and the place of delivery. For instance, you ship a carload of coal at one point, and when it is deliA^ered you may find

it tAvo, three, four, or even five tons short.
184 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

The Acting Chair]\jan. That subject would involve a great deal of

discussion. I believe I have a folio of something like three hundred

pages on that subject, Avhich was taken in a conference between the

Interstate Commerce Commission and the California State Depai'tment. If it is the intention of this conference to consider the weight

of coal at the point of destination, it might be Avell to consider it at the next conference.

Mr. Irvine. I would suggest that the committee take that matter

up as a matter for the conference next year. We have that condition

to deal Avith. Evei'v railroad man along the line gets his coal off these cars in transit. I think it Avould be a live subject.

The Acting Chairman. I Avould suggest, Mr. Irvine, that yow

prejDare A'ourself on that subject for the next conference.

Mr. Fischer. While Ave are on the question of coal, it seems to me

that it is Avell to bring up the ouIa' question that the committee has

receiA'ed for ansAver, and that is, Is the selling and deliA^ery of 1,800

pounds of coal and 200 pounds of slate and other Avaste material, for

1 ton of coal, a Adolation of the Aveights and measures laws, or should

these questions be settled hy ciA'il suit ? " The Acting Chairman. That is entirely a civil matter. Mr. GooDAViN. I had a case of that kind this spring. Complaint

Avas made to me in relation to 3 tons of coal Avhich had been purchased, and it Avas called to my attention that foreign matter to the extent of 700 or 800 pounds, more or less, had been delivered as coal. I Avas asked to investigate the case by the fair-price commissioner

of the Federal board in our city of Providence. I immediately in- A'estigated the matter and came to the conclusion that a fraud had

been perpetrated as far as the purchaser was concerned, but part

of the product had been used in the meantime, which made impossible

any prosecution. I Avent to the man who deliA'ered the coal and I told him my findings, and I said. " In yowr oAvn interest, in the

interest of the public, and in the interest of those people, a^ou ought

to make this thing good." He said: "Well, you haA^e a pretty good

reputation for square dealing ; supposing that I select you, and if the

other jDeople are agreeable, they may also select you as arbitrator, and

Avhat you say I am willing to abide b3^" I went to see the aggrieA^ed

party and he said, " Yes, we would be delighted to have you take the

matter up and adjust it for us." Noav. I did not weigh that foreign

matter that Avas in that coal that had been deliA^ered, but I merely

made as close an estimate as I could by careful surA^ey. and I went

back to the dealer and asked him if he Avould be willing to give these

l^eople 500 pounds of good coal for what was cleliA^ered for coal

that was not coal. He agreed and the purchaser also agreed, so I adjusted the thing satisfactorily without any further friction. I

find that the dealers as a general rule want to be honest. They

have cooperated Avith me in eA'^erything I haA^e asked them to do,

not only in coal, but in other materials, and we have been getting

good results Avith A^ery little friction in dealing with these different

subjects, and we haA^e had satisfactory results for all concerned.

The Acting Chairman. Mr. Goochvin. the handling of that matter

demonstrates your efficiency. While it did not come within the scope

of your Avork, you handled the matter tactfully and rendered a

service. Are there any other questions?

(At this point, Dr, Stratton, president, resumed the chair.)
THIRTEENTH CO^TFEEENCE OlS WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 185

SALES or DRY COMMODITIES BY WEIGHT.

Mr. Stewart. We have the question of dr}^ commodities by weight

by Mr. Johnson, of California. We are listening for that. Mr. Johnson. I treated of that matter, Mr. Stewart, under the

pa]3er which I introduced. That Avas covered.

Mr. Sn?WART. I thought it was to come up yesterday afternoon and

we broke off this morning before we reached it. Mr. Johnson. The paper I gave covers that subject, and while

I did not want to make a statement, I believe from inquiries I have made, that the purpose of the paper was fairly well understood and that there is a sufficient amount of material in the paper

to call for the earnest endeaA^or on the part of the Aveights and

measures officials to take that fundamental subject seriously. I hav^e advocated, not alone in the conference liere, but publicly and on

eA'ery occasion, the complete abolition and complete suspension of our dry system of measurement. That is an expediency measure- ment Avliich grcAv up at a time before there was the up-to-date and

modern equipment for the purpose of determining quantity that we have to-day. and Ave find in employing our more modern equipment that the old system of dry measure is entirely a conflicting ele- ment and does much to confuse the public. You can draAv a conclusion Avhen you contemplate the fact that in a quart liquid and a

(juart dry there is a difference of approximately 9 cubic inclies. In

States Avhere dry measure is jii'eA'ailing you Avill find that there are perhaps 75 or 80 different Aveight equivalents per bushel of specific

commodities. We find in Pennsylvania, I believe, that they have

something like 42 different legal standards of the bushel measure- ment when it is applied to different commodities. We find that

sugar beets have a standard weight of, say. 40 pounds in Arizona, 38

in Missouri, 45 in Illinois, and on various commodities different States have different Aveight equivalents for the bushel: so. consequently, that can not be determined by aA^oirdupois Aveight. EA-en

if Aveights per bushel Avere unified thi^oughout the States, it would

not saA'e the inconvenience. I belicA^e that Avhile the forefathers

Avho determined the matter and haA'e long since passed into their

final reAvard serA'ed humanity Avell. they hnve left this old monument behind, which I believe calls for entire relegation. So far as

Ave are concerned in California, Ave do not sell commodities by the

bushel, by the peck, or by the half peck—the dry measure is an unknown quantity to us. Mr. Frary. How ai'e vegetables marketed?

Mr. Johnson. They are all sold by the pound. EA'erybody weighs

on good scales in California. The hundredAveight avoirdupois absolutely replaces the bushel measure. Mr. CuMivriNGS. I Avould like to ask you, Mr. Johnson, hoAv do

you regulate the sale of green A-egetables, such as spinach

?

Mr. Johnson. That is all sold by net weight. We haA'e done something there Avhich some of the delegates are not cognizant of. I

Avanted to appear modest in this matter, because we work in California all tlie time on this matter. We do a number of things that

might be of interest. We have standardized butter. You can not buy

a package of butter except in one of the standardized sizes. The

standard barrel of flour has been fixed on a net-weight basis of 196
186 BL'REAL' OF STANDARDS.

pounds. You can not buy a i8-pound sack of flour. Also, we regulate the sale of imported olive oils in the regular subdivisions of the

gallon. Potatoes have been standardized in sacks in amount not less than 100 pounds. All of these matters have been gone into very

thoroughly. We have standardized the amount of green peas in

sacks at not less than 68 pounds. When a sack of green peas is sold

it means not less than 68 pounds. Whenever a sack of onions is sold

it means not less than 100 pounds. The reason for that is this: We

find that the entire production of onions is confined to two classes of

people, tlie Portuguese and the Japanese, and early in the season

tliey sell onions by the pound. Then, when onions become plentiful,

they start to sell by the sack, and not by the pound. So. consequently,

they would haul onions in to-day and say, They are still $3 a sack,"

and would disjDose of them at that figure, because buyers Avould be

very anxious to get them on account of the demand for fresh onions.

To-morrow there would be more onions hauled, so they would say, To-day the price is ^^'2.65.*' but the sacks were growing smaller

and smaller, until we have had TO or 71 pounds to the sack. Now

whenever anvbody buys a sack of onions it means a quantity of not

less than 100 pounds, and tlie price is fixed accordingly. So when

we refer to selling a sack it means a certain number of pounds, avoirdupois weight, and nothing else. We have also standardized the sale of wood. Formerly there was no standardization of wood. Everybody sold by tier, armful, or sack full, and in those clays we would

ha^-c to telephone to the woodman and ask what constituted his particular wood measure. He would say, " I sell 82 cubic feet to the

cord." and we would have to go and make the inspection on that

basis. To-day to sell a cord by any other method than by the standard cord measurement is to violate the law.

Mr. CrM:\nxGs. To return to green A'egetables : Do market gardeners have any distance to convey them to the market?

Mr. JoHXsox. Xo: California is productive all over the State. Mr. CrMiiiXGS. With such commodities as spinach and dandelions,

do you think they might shrink 4 or 5 per cent in the weight?

Mr. JoHxsox. We base all settlements at the destination point.

In other words, we would make allowance for shrinkage to the consumer. Mr. GooDWix. Mr. Johnson, will you please give me tlie definition

of a cord ? Mr. JoHxsox. A cord means 128 cubic feet of wood.

Mr. GooDwix. How about a cord of stone or of manure?

Mr. JoEtxsox. I never heard of those units. T]ie Chairmax. You can submit that question to Mr. Fischer and

his assistants and they can not answer that. Mr. JoHxsox. In California the cord has been established for no

other purpose than for selling wood.

Mr. Irvix^e. One thing was particularly drawn to my .attention by

Mr. Johnson's remarks: that was the necessity for standardization.

Take that standardized barrel of flour. When they ship it to California they put it up in 24^. 49. and 98 pound sacks. Mr. Mote. Regarding packages of flour. I just wanted to say that

in the State of Ohio we started to make a survey at one time with

regard to packing of flour, and to us it was amazing the number of
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 187

large mills in the State of Ohio that were marking their packages

244, 49, and 98 pounds net weight when packed," and to find hj

an investigation throughout the State that a large majority were

packing it gross weight instead of net. I had occasion to go into one

of the largest mills in Ohio, which at that time AA^as packing and

selling in sacks 500 barrels of flour a day. The particular grade of

paper sack that they were using for the quarter-barrel or J:9-pound

sack we found AA'eighed nearly 5 ounces, or something less than 1^

pounds was the weight of the four paper sacks Avhich constituted a barrel. In other AA^ords, that companj^ AA'as gaining about 6:25 pountls

of flour a day, all due to the fact that they Avere packing at gross

AA'cight and selling for net. I AA'ould be glad to knoAA- of the ex- perience that some of the other gentlemen haA e had in regard to that

kind of flour packing.

Mr. Neale. In Minnesota shipments are largely interstate. In some of the outer territory mills I haA'e found that in the last j'ear

they haA'e rather forgotten the enactment, and in some cases they are going back to the basis of gross-Aveight packages.

The Chairman. Is there anything further?

Mr. Steavart. Just to get the sense of the conference on it, I AA-ould like to ask one question. Is there a legal ton in any State AA'here the

State legislature has not standardized the ton?

The Chairman. There are a large number of tons, but I think

only tAvo haA'e been standardized by laAv, 2,000 pounds and 2,240

pounds.

Mr. Steavart. In some States they just promiscuously call Avhat

they please a ton. That was true in West Virginia until they standardized the ton and the legislature said that a ton should contain

2,000 pounds and that all contracts should be accordingly construed,

etc. It was the first time in the history of the State that Ave had a standard ton. The Chairman. Most States have standardized on one or the other.

Mr. Neale. It is mighty interesting to hear Mr. Johnson, of California, speak of conditions brought about by the changes in Aveights

and measures in California. It strikes me to inquire hoAV he benefits

by changing ingeniously from the standard bushel to the sack?

Mr. Johnson. I said in my remarks that a sack of potatoes was a quantitj^ not less than 100 pounds. We fixed the minimum Aveight.

There Avas a time Avhen potatoes were Avorth $5 a hundred pounds, and

all legitimate merchants Avere selling potatoes at market value. Certain ingenious gentlemen Avould advertise in the papers potatoes at $2.40 a sack, and of course every housewife Avould immediately re- member that she had paid $5 or $6 for a sack. These people Avould

send you a sack containing 48, 50, and 60 pounds, thereby using that

medium of deception to the confusion of legitimate industry and

legitimate merchants. There is no maximum standard at all, but

the minimum standard is 100 pounds. In barley, bran, or oats also

Ave established a uniform fixed standard.

Mr. Gordon. Mr. Johnson, what would you do in case a merchant

should advertise at so much per basket?

Mr. Johnson. They do not do that in California.

Mr. Gordon. You have said that you have adopted a hundred

pound sack. If an ingenious merchant said so much per sack, and
188 BURKAU OF STAKDARDS.

,you adopt a niinimiun weight per sack, and some other ingenious

merchant woidd come along and say so much per basket you could

adopt a minimum Aveight per basket.

Mr. Johnson. AVe do not have that condition to meet. When we

come to it Ave Avill try and meet it. The ChairjiAN. Is there any other neAv business ? jNIr. Schwartz. At this time I might state that the sum of $48 has

been collected from the delegates and visitors present, and the list of names lias been turned over to Mr. Fischer for checking purposes.

Notices Avill be sent out to all those Avho Avere not present to send in

their dollar. Mr. Johnson. I want to leave one tliought Avith the conference, and

that is this—that it has always been my policy in concerning myself

Avith Aveights and measures laAvs to in CA'ery instance construe them

as in favor of the consumer. This is a consiimer's institution. It

is intended to fortif}' and protect those Avho are least able to protect

themselves, or Avho can least afford to lose. The merchants can al- Avays protect themselves by reason of OAvnership, but the consuming

public can not. That is an element Avhich calls for our first serious

and special concern. It has been said that Ave must fix a standard

for a basket, and I do not personall}^ care Avhether they pack berries

in a basket of 36 cubic inches displacement or 40 so long as they

give the public an equivalent of the Aveight standard.

The Chairjian. It has ahvays been interesting to me to knoAV hoAV

the AYest has started at neAv things. One of the first electric tractioa

lines I ever saAv Avas in Los Angeles. I do not think I eA'er saAV goods sold by capacity measures in California, and I haA'e been going

out there for 30 jenvs or more. Generall}^ the selling of goods by

Aveight is in practice, but you Avill find it very difficult to introduce

that same thing in the East. Nevertheless, joii can trace the de- velopment of the line to the East, and it is not going to be a very

long time imtil the practice of selling goods by weight will be all over the country.

Mr. S'teavart. I just wanted to thank Mr. Johnson for doing the

A ery thing that I Avanted him to do. The Chairman. I think that this conference has gone on record in

regard to this selling hj Aveight several times in the past. Is there

anAihing else under neAv business?

STANDARDIZATION OF BREAD.

Mr. IrA'Ine. May I ask, in the States or cities which have a stan- dard Aveight bread law, if such laAv contains the provision that if the

loaf does not conform to the standards prescribed around its sale, it Avill be prohibited even if its particular weight be stamped thereon

also if any cities have such a proviso for stamping the weight

thereon, and, if so, is that law satisfactorj'

?

Mr. Barnard. The ordinance states in our city that a loaf of bread

must be 1|, 2, or 4 pounds. If it is not up to that weight we investigate the baker.

Mr. DiNSMORE. Our State laAv in Nevada requires that if the loaf

Aveighs more or less than 1 pound, then it must be labeled with its true net weight. That is not satisfactory, and at the next session of
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 189

the legislature I hope to see an amendment made that will standardize the loaf to 1 j)ound and 2 pounds.

Mr. Austin. In Detroit we have an ordinance providing for the

stamping of loaves of 1 pound, 1^ pounds, 2, 4, and 8 pounds, without

any provision for marking of loaves of any other weights, and the

stamping of loaves of one of the above weights is the only condition

under which it is permitted to be sold in conformity with law. In

cases of violation of law, correction is made or prosecution is had.

It seems to have been very satisfactory for a number of years. At

one time there was a sliding scale by which they marked the net weight when baked and, after a few years of using that system, they came into such confusion that the dealers themselves were very glad

to abandon it and return to the law requiring a standard loaf. STANDARDIZATION OF PACKAGES.

Mr. STUI^K. There is one question that I would like to ask. That is in regard to the net weight—just what it covers, what you had in

mind. We find small packages that are marked in grams—55 grams

for instance. We have other packages marked If ounces. We find extracts marked in drams. I would like to know if that point has

been covered by resolution.

Mr. CuMMiNGS. The one in regard to standardization of packages

I believe would cover that. The Chairman. You could not prevent the marking mentioned if they choose to do it. Mr. Stuhr. You will find them marked in grams—55 grams, for

instance—in dry measure and in the case of liquids in drams. I think there should be a standardization, with enough difference in

the standard sizes to make them readily discernible. Where they

have almost every denomination that man can think of you can not

tell the difference.

The Chairman. Fiftj^-five grams is nearly 2 ounces, and the 2- ounce package Avould be the same to the eye. I think likely that is the reason for the marking of the 55 grams you mentioned. Probably it was some chemical preparation or drug, and it appeared in

grams altogether ; but there ought to be suitable equivalents.

Mr. Stuhr. This was powdered coffee. The Chairman. I think you will find those marks covered its ap- proximate equivalent. Are there any other questions?

PROPOSED LEGISLATION IN RELATION TO LIQUID-MEASURING

DEVICES.

Mr. Smith. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the committee on legislation I wish to present a matter Avhich was referred to me this

morning. Since it was referred to me I have endeavored to get in

touch with other members of tlie committee and have been unable to do so. What I have reference to is a copy of a proposition suggested

l)y Mr. Bean and representing the opinion of several pump manufacturers. This proposed bill is for enactment locally, and they desire the indorsement of the conference on the bill for this reason, that

it takes care of, or attempts to take care of, the installation feature

and contains provisions such as this—that the installation shall not
190 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

be covered up until after the pump, piping, and tanks shall have been

inspected. It also provides that the pump shall not be installed until a permit has been granted by constituted authority, and that it must

comply with the specifications and tolerances. The proposition seems

to have some valuable features. Personally I could not give any

expression of opinion as to its merits because I have been unable to examine it closely, and, as I have stated, the other members of the

committee have not seen it at all. I Avould suggest that this document

be referred to the secretarj'' for the purpose of having copies made

to be placed in the hands of the committee on legislation, for them

to examine and report upon at the next conference.

The Chairman. If there is no objection this suggestion will be

followed out. Before adjourning, I want to express my appreciation of the way

you have conducted this conference. -Certainly no other conference can compare with it as to extent of real information brought out. There has not been a day that we have not been discussing serious matters. It has been a realization of the dreams of some of us, who

were in this in the early days, that the time would come when the

conference would be composed of weights and measures men who

were meeting these questions face to face every day. NeA^er before

have we had as much useful information given. Our discussions have

been based upon experience, and that is why we can settle many of

these questions quickly. They have enabled us to use discretion in

the administration of ordinances and laws. I want to thank the

members of the conference for the assistance they have given me in

presiding over the conference.

Mr. Stewart. Has the secretary of the conference made his re- port ^ I understand that he did not have time the other day to do

it and that it has not been made.

The Chairman. I have not heard any secretary's report.

Mr. Frary. I move that the secretary's report be submitted.

Mr. Johnson. It has always been the custom for the secretary to include his report in the printed record, and I think that method

may be followed now. The Chairiman. I think so. If there is no objection, that will

stand approved.

ATTENDANCE OF DELEGATES FROM THE SOUTH.

Mr. Ferner. I have attended every one of the conferences that

has been held, and in one respect it seems to me that they have not

been successful : There have been very few delegates here from the

South. It seems to me that we ought to get more delegates from

that section, and I believe that the conference should, in its invitation,

lay special emphasis on the desire for the presence of southern dele- gates. The conference should particularly invite them. That part

of the country is one that still needs development in weights and

measures. The Chairman. I had thought, Mr. Ferner, that, as chairman of

the conference, I would prepare two letters, one to governors of

States Avho have sent delegates and the other to the governors who
THIRTEENTH CONFEllElirCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASUKES. 191

have not sent delegates. The latter would contain a brief summary

of Avhat was done, with the idea, if possible, of making them see the nature of the conference. Will that answer your purpose?

Mr. Feknek. Yes, sir. Mr. FiscHEE. We took particular pains to invite those States that

had never been represented before to send a delegate this year, but it seems impossible to interest them to the extent, of incurring the neces- sary expense.

Mr. Fekner. I realize that doubtless that has been done, but the

conference should adopt some resolution particularly urging that

matter. The Chairman. Have you any resolution to propose?

Mr. Ferner. I am not in a position to make a motion as a delegate.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, I move that the delegates from the

South be privileged to prepare a resolution, and let it be written in

the records that the southern part of the United States is very much

in need of weights and measures regulations.

The Chairman. The way to present it is to say that they had not

attended the conference and that we wished their assistance in these

weights and measures matters. I want to say, also, before we close,

that the bureau extends a most cordial invitation to those of you who

can do so to stay over a few days and spend them in the bureau, especially in the Weights and Measures Department. We would wel- come at all times of the year visits of that sort. If any sealer

finds it convenient to come to Washington for a day or two and

can come into our department and study the technical side of

weights and measures, we would be very glad to have you do so. Occasionally they come this way on a visit and several have stopped

in for a week or more, but I wish the custom might be universal.

With these remarks we will declare the conference adjourned.

(Thereupon at 3.55 o'clock p. m., Thursday, May 27, the Thirteenth

Annual Conference on Weights and Measures of the United States adjourned.)

APPENDIX.

SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES EOR LIQUID-MEASURING

DEVICES AS ADOPTED BY THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF THE UNITED STATES.

FOREWORD.

At the Thirteenth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures

specifications and tolerances for liquid-measuring devices were

adopted. Also a resolution was passed instructing the committee on

specifications and tolerances of the conference to incorporate their

conclusions in regard to which provisions should be made retroactive,

which nonretroactive, and which should not be put into force and

effect until some future date. In complying with this instruction the committee issued, on June

22, 1920, " advance copies " of this material with an introduction detailing the terms of the resolution mentioned above, explaining the

theory believed to be proper in arriving at their conclusions, and

inviting suggestions. This material was sent to all persons attending

the conference and to all manufacturers of liquid-measuring devices.

Due consideration was given to all replies received before the con-

. elusions incorporated herein were reached.

This, then, is the final copy of these specifications and tolerances.

The specifications are divided by the committee into three classes

First, the specifications or portions of specifications intended to be

retroactive, which are in ordinary form; second, those specifications or portions thereof intended to be nonretroactive, which are itali- cized ; third, those specifications or portions thereof limited to take

effect July 1, 1921, and thereafter to be nonretroactive, which are bracketed and carry an appropriate footnote in each case. For an explanation of the terms used above the following paragraphs are quoted from the former specifications and tolerances

adopted by the conference

Classification of Specifications.—The following specifications * * * shall be divided into two sets, the first to be retroactive and to apply to all apparatus

immediately upon adoption of the specifications, the second to apply only to new apparatus. For the purpose of administration the following classes of apparatus are

established

Class 1. * * * Devices which, after the promulgation of these specifications, are manufactured in the State, or brought into the State. Class 2. * * * Devices which are in the State at the time of promulgation of these specifications, either in use or in the stock of manufacturers of, or dealers in, such apparatus.

All the specifications shall apply to apparatus of class 1. The specifications printed in italics shall not apply to apparatus of class 2, and therefore shall not be retroactive. The attention of delegates and manufacturers is directed to the

fact that the committee on specifications and tolerances always holds

itself ready to take up and consider arguments presented by anyone

interested, whether these are directed to the necessity of new specifications or to the amendment of old specifications. While the com10789—21 13 193
194 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

raittee is, of course, entirely without power to make any changes in

the specifications and tolerances as adopted by the conference, nevertheless, if the reasons advanced in the manner indicated appear to be sound or the objections well taken, additions or amendments to take care of the matter will be prepared and included in the report

of the committee to the next conference. In so far as it is found

possible the committee will also interpret the specifications or answer

questions concerning them. Communications along these lines should

be sent to F. S. Holbrook, committee on specifications and toler- ances of the annual conference, whose address is Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C, for transmittal to members of the committee.

Respectfully submitted.

F. S. Holbrook,

Chakles G. Johnson,

William F. Cltjett,

Committee on Specifications and

Tolerances, Annual Conference.

Page Eefeeences to Discussion of and the Numbering of Specifications.—The tabulation given below shows in the case of each

specification the pages in the body of the report upon which discussion of the specification occurs, for the convenience of the reader

interested in the explanations brought out in the discussion on the

floor. The numbers assigned to specifications in this appendix and the

numbers carried in the body of the report are different in some cases, since the latter numbers are those Avhich Avere carried in the report

of the committee, and on account of the addition of new specifications on the floor it has been necessary to renumber certain of the

specifications in order to obtain consecutive numbers throughout.

Therefore there has also been included in this tabulation the number

assigned to each specification in this appendix and the corresponding

number occurring in the body of the report.

Number

used in Number

used in

report.

Page references Number

used in Number

used in

report.

Page references appendix. to discussion. appendix. to discussion.

1 1 67 14 13 95-96

2 2 67, 69 15 12 95

3 3 67, 69 16 14 96-98

4 4 67-69 17 15 98-101

5 5 69-71 18 16 101-102

6 6 71-76, 127 19 15 102

7 7 71-72, 76-81, 20 16 102

83-85, 127-137, 21 17 103 142-148 22 18 148-150

8 8 86-88 23 19 104-106, 158-160

9 9 88-94, 111, 24 20 106

153-158, 160-162 25 21 107

10 10 94, 156-158 26 22 107-108

11 New. 150-151 27 23 109

12 11 94 28 24 109

13 New. 95

Tolerances: pp. 110-111. General notes (o) p. 150; (b) pp. 151-153; (c) pp. 178-179. SPECIFICATIONS.

No. 1. Definition.—A mechanically operated liquid-measuring

device, hereinafter referred to as a liquid-measuring device, is a
THIRTEENTH CONFEEE]SrCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 195

mechanism or machine adapted to measure and deliver liquid by

volume. Such a device often consists of a pump, or a pump in combination with other mechanism.

No. 2. Permanence.—Liquid-measuring devices shall he of such

design, construction, and materials that they may reasonably be ex- pected to withstand ordinary usage without impairment of the

accuracy of their measurement, or the connect functioning of their

operating or indicating parts.

No. 3.^^ Plumb and Le-\tel Conditions.—[llie longitudinal axis of

the measuring cylinder or chamber shall be accurately plumb when

the device is in level.'] All liquid-measuring devices shall be in- stalled plumb and level and their installation shall be of such

strength and rigidity as to maintain this condition.

No. 4. Means Required to Deteesiine Jjestex..—Liquid-measuring

devices, the indications or deliveries of which are changed by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in

any position on a surface making an angle of 6 per cent or approximately 3 degrees with the homzontal, shall be equipped with suitable means by which the level can be detei^iined and established, such as a two-ioay or a circular level, a plumb bob, leveling lugs, etc. No. 5.^^ [Units of Deli\t<;ry.—Liquid-measuring devices shall have

the following discharge capacities per stroke or cycle, and these

only : One gallon; a multiple of the gallon; or a binary submultiple

of the gallon—that is, the quantity obtained by dividing the gallon

by the number 2 or a power of the number 2: Provided, however,

That a device may be constructed to deliver other amounts than the, above, corresponding to predetermined prices at a definite price per

gallon but in such cases the device shall be so constructed that the

price per gallon at which it is set at any time must be clearly in- dicated to the customer by automatic means.]

No. 6. Indication of Deli\"ery Required.—All liquid-measuring

devices shall be so designed and constructed that the amount delivered

will be clearl}- and definitely indicated by automatic means, and

the indication of any delivery shall take place only when the full discharge has in fact occurred : Provided, however, That the requirement that the full discharge shall have been completed before registration shall not apply to the dribble flow caused by the displacement of the piston rod during the return of the piston to its initial position, when a clear statement conspicuous to the customer and

adjacent to the indicating means is placed on the liquid-measuring

device to the effect that the full amount can not be delivered until

the piston or the jjointer or indicator has been returned to its initial position.

No. 7. Sensitiveness.—All liquid-measuring devices shall be so designed and constructed that they can readily be operated to deliver

each quantity for which a graduation, stop, overflow pipe, or other

indicating means is provided within the tolerance on such amount

hereinafter provided.

This specification shall be construed to require that in the case of all devices which have a graduated scale or dial or similar indicating means as the sole means of determining the amount of liquid

It is recommended that that part of the specification inclosed in brackets be not put

into force and effect until July 1, 1921, and thereafter be considered nonretroactive.
196 BUREAU OF STANDAKDS.

discharged^ the length on the scale or dial equivalent to the tolerance

at any graduation must he readily appreciable when the character

of the indicating element and its normal distance from and position

in reference to the ohserver^s eye are taken into consideration^ and in

nx) case shall this length he less than 0.01^. inch. For example^ if a device is designed and constnicted so that {!) 1 gallon is the first graduation; {2) there is no stop, overflow pipe, or other automatic

Tneans of terminating the delivery; (3) the graduations are equally

spaced; and (4) if the cross section of the measuring chamber is the same throughout its length, the minimum length on the scale or dial

shall be If..6 inches per measured gallon, the maximum cross sectional area of the measuring chamber shall be 50 square inches, and if cylindrical the maximum diameter must be 8 inches.

Note.—The second paragraph of the above specification was adopted tentatively only. For the conference interpretation of the word " tentative " see text of resolution adopted by the conference and incorporated under " General

notes " at the end of these specifications and tolerances. No. 8. Constancy of Delivert.—The amounts delivered by any

liquid-measuring device shall not vary from the standard by more

than the tolerances hereinafter provided, irrespective of the speed

at which the apparatus is operated, and, subject to the conditions of

the special test described below, irrespective of the time elapsing

between operations.

For the purpose of test the condition of the device shall be such

that a period of nonuse of one hour shall not result in an error of

the first delivery of the device after such period of nonuse greater

than the tolerance allowable on the smallest amount which the device

is designed to deliver, and a period of nonuse of six hours shall not

result in an error of tlae first delivery of the device after such period

of nonuse greater than 10 cubic inches, or in the case of a new liquidmeasuring device, 5 cubic inches.

Note.—In the special elapsed-time test described above allowance shall be made for errors due solely to a change in volume of the contained liquid re- sulting from temperature variations alone, since an error of this character is unavoidable in the case of volumetric measurements of this kind when the apparatus is standing unused. This change in volume due to temperature

variations is, however, small in amount for all ordinary variations of temperature, amounting in the case of gasoline to about 0.7 per cent for each 10° Fahrenheit change of temperature, or about 1.3 per cent for each 10° centi- grade change of temperature.

In applying the six-hour test it is recommended that the delivery

be not made through a hose, since the amount of gasoline necessary

to wet the inside of the hose will cause an additional shortage in the

delivery.

No. 9.^^ Indicating and Registering Parts.—Counters and graduated scales and dials used on liquid-measuring devices to tally

sales and deliveries to individual purchasers or to indicate the

amount delivered when any portion of the cycle or stroke lias been

completed shall be of such size and style and shall be so located and

disposed that they are clearly visible to and readable by the customer

from any position which he may reasonably be expected to assume. The graduations shall be of such character and arrangement that " It is recommended that that part of the specification inclosed in brackets be not put

into force and efCect until July 1, 1921, and thereafter be considered nonretroactive.
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 197

the major ones are clearly distinguishable from the minor ones;

[the graduations on all linear scales shall he parallel to each other

and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring chamber.

In all types of liquid-measuring devices which have a graduated

scale as the sole means of determining the amount of liquid dis- charged, the tvidth of the graduation marks sluill not exceed 0.0J{. inchJ]

No. 10.^^ Pointers akd Indicators.—All pointers and indicators

which when used in conjunction with a graduated scale or dial indi- cate the amount of liquid discharged or the value of the delivery at a predetermined price per unit of volume shall be so shaped that a

correct and accurate reading is given. [Pointers and indicators are required to he symmetrical ahout the graduation lines at which they

may stand.'] The width of that part of the pointer or indicator

which reaches to the finest graduation marks shall not he greater

than the width of such marks.

No. 11. Parallax.—All liquid-measuring devices in which the

accuracy of the readings of any indicating mechanism is affected hy

parallax shall he so designed and constructed as to reduce the errors due to this cause to a minimum.

No. 12. Graduated Scales to be Secuhed.—When a liquid-measuring device is provided with a graduated scale or dial, this scale shall be riveted to its supports or otherwise permanently fixed in

position : Provided, however. That in the case of liquid-measuring

devices of the gauge-glass type a sliding scale will be permitted when

the displacement of such scale is, by suitable means, automatically

prevented at all times when liquid is being discharged from the

delivery outlet. No. is. Numbering or Graduations.—Figures defining the value

of graduations shall he unifot^ly placed in reference to the graduation lines and shall he in regular sequence-; that is, sequences such

as 5, i, 2, 3, 4- shall not he per?nitted.

No. 14. Scales in Opposite Directions Prohibited.—The use on

a liquid-measuring device of two graduated scales reading in opposite directions and referable to the same indicating means shall not

be permitted.

No. 15. Lettering, Graduations.—-All markings, instructions, and

graduations required under these specifications shall he of such size,

design, and location that they will not tend to hecome ohliterated hy

dirt or oil, or for any other reasons tend easily to hecome illegihle.

No. 16. Return or Indicating Element to Zero.—All liquidmeasuring devices shall be so designed and constructed that the in- dicating element used in tallying deliveries to individual purchasers

is returnable readily to a definite and clear zero reading before the

next delivery is begun.

No. 17.^^ [Stops to be Positive.—When the stops or other strokelimiting devices on a liquid-measuring device are suhjecf to direct pressure, or impact, in the operation of the device, such stops sluill he of such construction that the permanence and security of their

positions is provided for hy a positive, non-frictional engagement of

the parts whose relative motions are to he prevented. Such stops

" It is recommended that that part of the specification inclosed in brackets be not put

Into force and effect until July 1, 1921, and thereafter be considered nonretroactive.
198 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

shall he so designed and constructed that adjustment within the

prescribed tolerances can he made.}

No. 18. Stop Mechanism to be Deeinitelt Positioned.—All

liquid-measuring devices designed to deliver two or more different

predetermined amounts by bringing into operation different stops or other means of defining the delivery, shall be so designed and

constructed that the position for the proper setting of each stop is definitely and accurately defined, inadvertent displacement from this

position is obstructed, and the delivery for which the device is set at any time is clearly and conspicuously indicated.

No. 19. Provision for Sealing.—-All devices, adapted to he altered

for adjusting or correcting the delivery of a liquid-measuring device,

shall he of such construction that they can he sealed, either separately or together, in such a manner that the position of none of them can

he changed without destroying the seal or seals: Provided, however,

That this shall not apply to such devices as alter the price and con- sequently the delivery of such a liquid-measuring device as is described in the ]y7^oviso of specification No. 5. No. 20. Use of Adjustments.—No adjustments of the delivery of a defined-stroke liquid-measuring device shall be permitted, except that

intended to produce a piston displacement per cycle of 231 cubic

inches per indicated gallon of delivery. Adjustments of piston dis- placement to correct for leaks, slippage, excessive length of pipe line, or other defects of the installation shall not be permitted.

No. 21. Diversion of Measured Liquid.—All liquid-measuring devices shall be so designed and constructed that no portion of the

measured liquid can be diverted from the one discharge outlet

through which delivery is being made or to be made during the operation of the liquid-measuring device.

This specification is to be construed to require that there shall be no means provided by which anj^ of the measured liquid can be di- verted from the measuring chamber or the discharge line to the sup- ply tank or elsewhere, during the period of operation, and that all valves in the supjDly line intended to prevent the reversal of flow of

the liquid shall be of such design and construction that their closure

is automatically effected in the use of the device. Also when two or more discharge outlets for the liquid are provided all outlets except

the one in use must automatically be tightly and completely closed

off during the period of discharge : Provided, however, That the

above shall not apply to the drain outlet from the filtering chamber

when such outlet is in plain view of the customer.

No. 22. Shut-off Valves in Discharge Line.—Only one shut-off

valve or cock which can be operated by hand for the purpose of cut- ting off the flow of liquid shall be permitted in the discharge line of

a liquid-measuring device. A second shut-off valve or cock may be

provided in the case of a liquid-measuring device equipped with a hose and designed and constructed so that it must be operated with

the hose full of liquid at all times, but such second valve or cock

shall be so designed and constructed that it can only be closed off by

the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely separate from the measuring device itself, such as a wrench, screw-driver,

etc., but not an adjusting pin.

This specification is not to be construed as allowing two shut-off

valves or cocks in the case of devices in which the hose or any part
THIRTEENTH CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 199

thereof can be drained of liquid after the actual mechanical operation

of the mechanism of the liquid-measuring device is discontinued in any way except as follows: (1) by means of the mechanically operated valve, or (2) by delivering from the measuring device more

than the full measuring capacity thereof during the actual mechanical operation of the mechanism thereof.

When under the terms of this specification only one shut-off valve

or cock is allowable, this shall be located as near as po^ible to the

measuring device itself, and not in the hose line or at the extremity

of the hose.

No. 23. Drainage of Discharge Line.—All liquid-measuring devices shall be so constructed and installed that they Avill provide for

the complete and rapid drainage, to a definite and uniform level, of

the liquid contained in the hose or outlet pipe, and will not permit a siphoning or a continuous trickle of liquid from the discharge outlet

after the operation of the mechanism is discontinued.

This specification will be construed to require that if hose is used

its inlet end shall be at least 6 feet above the normal level upon which

the receiving vehicle or vessel stands and the liquid-measuring device

shall be equipped with an automatic vacuum breaker or equivalent means to insure the complete and rapid drainage of the hose, that is required by the above. The hose shall be properly reinforced and

shall be of such length and stiffness that no movable portion thereof

will be readily disposed in such a way as to tend to retain liquid after

the operation of the device is completed : Provided, however, That

this specification shall not be construed to apply to devices which,

under the terms of specification No. 22, may be equipped with two

shut-off valves or cocks and are to be operated with the hose full of

liquid at all times.

JNo. 24. Limiting Height of Suction Lift.—No defined-stroke

piston-type, liquid-measuring device shall be so installed as to work

under a total suction head sufficient to cause vaporization of the

liquid for which it is used under the highest temperature and lowest

barometric pressure likely to occur. No. 25. Use Limited to Certain Liquids.—Liquid-measuring devices which will not give correct results except when used with liquids

having particular properties, as for example, high viscosity, shall he

conspicuously, clearly, and permanently marked to indicate this limitation. Such wording may take the form, ''Not suitable for gasoline

or light oils,^'' " Use only for molasses or heavy oils," or "For viscous

liquids only.'''' No. 26. Computing Charts.—The value graduations on all computing charts used on liquid-measuHng devices shall not exceed 1 cent

at all prices per gallon up to and including SO cents. At any higher

price per gallon the value graduations shall not exceed 2 cents : Provided, however, That nothing in the above shall he construed to pre- vent the placing of a special value graduation to represent each 5- cent interval. These special graduations may take the form of dots,

staggered graduations, or similar forms. They shall he so placed

that their meaning and value may he clearly understood hut they

shall not he placed in the space hetween the regular graduations.

No. 27. Fraudulent Construction Prohibited.—All liquid-measuring devices shall be of such construction that they are not designed

to and may not be used used to facilitate the perpetration of fraud.
200 BUREAU 01" STANDARDS.

No. 28. Metric System.—No specification contained in the preceding pages shall be understood or construed to prohibit the sale or use of liquid-measuring devices constructed or graduated in units of the

metric system*

The tolerance to be allowed on any liquid-measuring device constructed or graduated in units of the metric system shall be the same

as those specified on similar apparatus of any equivalent size or at an equivalent capacity in the customary system.

TOLERANCES.

The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all liquidmeasuring devices shall not be greater than 2 cubic inches per in- dicated gallon. Provided, however, that the manufacturers' tol- erances or the tolerances on all new liquid-measuring devices shall

not be greater than one-half of the values given above ; and provided

further that these latter tolerances shall also be applied to all devices

which are being retested after being found incorrect and subsequently

adjusted or repaired.

GENERAL NOTES.

(a) Conflict of Laws and Regulations.—In the above specifications certain items appear which may conflict in certain jurisdictions

with present State or local laws or ordinances or regulations of State or local fire marshals or boards of safety. In such cases of conflict an attempt should be made by the weights and measures officials to harmonize the two codes and, in the meanwhile, it may be found neces- sary to suspend the enforcement of such specifications.

(h) Device to Indicate Exhaustion of Liquid Supply.—The con- ference goes on record to the effect that it is its opinion that such

a device as is mentioned in the following paragraph is a highly

necessary one, and the conference gives notice that it is probable that

at some future time, when it becomes apparent that there are devices on the market which will accomplish the desired purpose, an effort will be made to incorporate the following paragraph in the specifications : All liquid-measuring devices, the accuracy of delivery of which is affected by

the lowering- of the liquid in the supply tank to a point at or near the intake end of the suction pipe, shall be provided with a device which will make the pump inoperable during the continuance of this condition, or shall be so con- structed as to warn the purchaser and the operator in a conspicuous and distinct manner that the level of the liquid supply is so low as to endanger the accu- racy of the measurement.

(c) Resolution Adopted Defining the Word "Tentative."—

Whereas a doubt exists as to the proper interpretation and meaning

of the word " tentative " or " provisional " ; and

Whereas it is the desire of the conference that said word or words be

defined ; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the words " tentative " and " provisional " shall be

considered as synonymous, with the construction and interpretation

as follows, for the purpose of the conference

The words " tentative " and " provisional " as used by the confer- ence shall mean such contemplated use or usages to be complied with

when possible, but in no sense shall they be mandatory, obligatory, or enforcible.

o