The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-01-27
On the subject Of the Inspection of To-
BncPO.
Editor of the Dispatch 4:

I o tftC EuttD1 VI TIC f'DN''''
Having observed and carefully read the
three several communications published in
the Dispatch under dates Of January 18TH,
18th, and 18th, over the signature OF " Roa-
noke." we desire respectfully to reply to
some Of the points made therein,
His chief object seems to be the repeal OF
all inspection laws OH the subject OF the ill.,
spectiOn of tobacco, but we do not think
his position is well sustained by his argu-
ment. and he certainly docs not recognize
the will of the people OF the State who
raise and handle tobacco for sale, and must
have been ignorant OF the action taken by
the Tobacco Trade OF Richmond on the
Dist OF October last, and previously ana
since that time, il he thinks the matter OF
inspecting and sampling Of tobacco is n
thing OF no importance to the PLANTER
owner. or buyer OF tobacco.
If he thinks a planter can sell his tobacco
rs well Is he could horse or mule, he
must not be a tobaccC-man, nor one &C
Guainted with the business. We Will adm.
that many planters could 90 20 II they
could get the purchaser, the tobacco, ana
themselves together, where they could zee
all over the tobacco, rs they could over thc
mule or horse; but this is an impossibllity
under the present mode OF buying ana
selling tobacco.
What we have said already is, we think,
sufficient TO convince Roanoke or any
body else. that sampler or Inspector OF
tobacco is a necessity in some shape or
other. Now, the question arises, In what
shape that shall he to be satisfactory TO all
interested? We believe that good State
law is the best, provided it be liberal to
owners Of warehouse property, rigid ana
strict in its requirements OF inspectors, de-
defining carefully their duties, &C., so that
no misunderstanding can arise between
.hem and those they serve.
The inspector should DC impartial, non
political, Independent, and unbiased by anv
sort OF influences or responsibilities except
the faithful performance Of his duty be-
tween man and man under penalty OF losing
his office, notwithstanding the ridicule by
" Roanoke" on this point. No inspector
should be made responsible for any differ
ence between the sample and the package
from whence drawn, for two good reasons
first. because Just so soon rs he becomes re-
sponsibIe he is an interested party, and
would very naturally lean to his own pro-
lection, aS "self-preSeryatiOn is the first
law Of nature; second, because II, by
mistake unavoidable, he might get a sample
to represent better tobacco than oil con-
tanned in the package, the tobacco would
bring more money when sold than it, real
value, therefore the owner should be re-
sponsible, rs he would receive the adyan-
tage or benefit; otherwise the sample should
be taken rs u finaity "for better or for
WORSE" us man takes his wife, unless ac-
tual fraud be proven.
Stemmed tobacco Strips, or other to-
bacco, prepared, packed, and priced eX-
pressly for export, and not intended or
offered for sale by sample in this State,
when so prepared by a planter or buyer OF
loose tobacco, should be allowed by law to
be shipped or exported without being
forced through Il warehouse. We agree
with Roanoke on this point.
Nothing should be enacted in regard TO
western tobacco, as there is no inducement
for anybody TO represent il as Virginia to-
bacco, but, on the contrary, there is more
danger OF an attempt to represent Virginia
tobacco as western, and besides, il j. inn
polite to discriminate by law between the
product of one State and the same product
OF another.
The old colonial laws of the time Of
kings and fixed value Of tobacco should be
no guide now in this advanced stage of
trade for the foundation OF new law, as
neither the planters interest nor that OF
any other person can be subseryed by obSO-
lete requirements, and such a law now
would enforce its own violation. To ret
fair and honestly-drawn samples, with fair
and honest weights, are the chief objects
TO be attained by the passage Of any law
on this subject such rs will give satisfac-
ton to all parties concerned, protecting
every interest involved. Harmony and
goodwill among traders are the only means
by which success and prosperity can be
realized. With one appointment by the
Governor on the recommendation OF the
planters, and one on the part Of the owners
OF the warehouses at each warehouse, sat
isfaction and good feeling would prevail.
No inspector should be allowed 10 buy
OF sell any tobacco by samples, drawn by
himself or at his wasehousc; but should
be allowed TO sell any loose tobacco when
requested by the owner to do so.
This Is matter which should be care
fully considered, as the interest OF the
planters and dealers all through the State
is at stake, and their interest can be very
materially affected, 10th by the require
ments Of the law and the qualifications Of
the persons appointed TO perform the duties
prescribed by the law. We feel sure that
a law will he passed. and our object now
should be TO get the best one we can.
ALBENARLE.