Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1888-04-06
The Danger Before Us.

We have already alluded to the
Importance of housekeepers paying
N ore attention to the kind of baking
powder used in leavening their bread
This is matter to which we cannot
draw attention too often, because it is
something which involves the most
serious consequences to the general
body of mankind. Temperance apos-
ties tell us-and there is ample foun-
dation for the statement-that there
is disease, both moral and physical,
in the intoxicating cup; and in the
same way there is disease, slow per-
haps, but certain, in the leavening
agent which is employed in one. half
of the homes on this continent; sick
ness, perhaps death, in the bread we
eat at every meal-slow poison, plac-
ed there, too, by loving hands, by
mothers whose every thought is for
the health and happiness Of their chill
dren, by wives whose chief solace is
the life and comfort of their hus-
bands. The victim of intoxication
goes to his fate with full conscious
ness of what he is doing, but the vic
tim of the adulterated and poisonous
baking powder falls and knows not
whence comes the blow that struck
him. The certificate of chemists
with high-sounding titles have been
read in confidence; the toothsome
cake has been given in generous abun-
dance to the children; the daily bread
has been eaten in fancied security.
But all the time the poison has been
working its slow effect. There comes
spells of headache, loss of appetite, a
auttering of the heart; the child is
seized with an apparently causeless
cough, the coating of the stomach
is destroyed perhaps; one of the vital
organs is rendered almost useless; the
kidneys are attacked with Bright's
disease. The health of the child is
irreparably broken down; the adult
becomes a chronic invalid. These
are the doings of the modern cheap
baking powders that are composed of
lime, alum, acids and other vile
things.
In view of these facts surely all
housewives should exercise the care
that is, we know, now exercised by
some in their selections of proper
brand of baking powder. She who
does not do so, whether the neglect
is the result of ignorance or reckless
ness, cannot free herself from the re-
sponsibility for the health, perhaps
life, thereby endangered. No house
wife need be ignorant of the quality
and composition of the article which
she uses to leaven her bread, biscuits
and cake. The official reports of the
government chemists, who are certain
ly unprejudiced, have heen published
and show very clearly the quality
and strength of all the baking pow
ders in the market. The Royal Bak-
ing Powder, which is accessible at
every hand, is reported absolutely
free from lime, alum, phosphate acid,
or any injurious ingredients. 1t is
further stated by the most eminent
authorities on food hygiene that food
leavened with it is more wholesome
than when raised by any other meth
cd. Its use is therefore to be COM
mended. 1t is to be regretted that no
other baking powder, when there are
so many in the market, some of which
will find their way into use, is free
| from all of these substances. They
all contain either lime or alum. The
housekeeper who regards the health
of her loved ones should not only Or
der the Royal, but make personal ex-
animation to be sure that no other
brand is sent her in its place.