The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-01-19
Tobacco Inspection.

As usual, at every session of the Legisla-
ture, the subject of abolishing tobacco inspec-
ton is again before that body. The system
Maryland engaged in the production of to-
bacco, a numerous and influential class.
They are the men who should be consulted
in this matter, not foreign shippers, specula-
tors and monopolists, not the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, or politicians or attorneys in
the pay of that or any other corporation. If
the tobacco planters want the system abol-
ished, let it be done; but not till then. The
opposition to the system comes from Balt-
more city, and such aid from the country as
the commercial interests of that city are able
to inspire. The reason for this opposition
the real reason, we mean, not the Ostensible
one-is not apparent upon the surface OF
things. 1t lies deeper, and has its origin in
an utter disregard of the Maryland planting
interest. The following accurate presenta-
ton of the case is by gentleman familiar
with the tobacco trade:
''This onslaught upon the tobacco inspec-
ton laws and warehouses is entirely unneces-
sary. Many years ago the State loaned its
bonds to pay for the warehouses and wharveS
for tobacco, and charged on every hogshead
of leaf that was inspected. Out of this very
charge, called outage every cent advanced
by the State has been paid back, and more
than 100000 has been received by the Treas
ury above the amount originally advanced
The property thus built up is very valuable,
and all vessels bringing tobacco have right
"a e 80. ott no tot
and all tobacco shipped from them is handled
free of charge If this property is sold, as the
late Governor recommends, the planters will
lose the right of having tobacco stored free,
and tobacco will have to pay wharfage, which,
of course, will have to be deducted from the
price paid for it. Unless the warehouses are
located ON the water front, drayage will also
be charged on all tobacco brought by vessels
All the tobacco shipped at present goes IN
lighters from the wharves of the warehouses,
thus saving the wharfage and drayage which
would be charged under another system
Since the present inspectors have been in
Office have not heard single complaint
about the character of the inspection, and
cannot imagine what is to be gained by chang
ing the system, which is probably the best
that can be devised for the planters, who get
their tobacco inspected, stored and shipped
cheaper than in any other city. With good
inspectors, as we now have, | am sure they
get as fair and good inspection as possible.
The commission merchants who handle to-
bacco are averse to change in the present
warehouse and inspection system. They say
that the large shippers would doubtless like
to see it swept aside and private system
adopted. The Maryland planters are now
better protected than the planters of any other
State. They can send their tobacco to mar
ket, and, if the market price does not please
them, store it free of charge until such time
as they can dispose of it to advantage. Under
different system they would be compelled to
pay storage, which would practically place
them at the mercy of the shipper"