Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-09-26

than just that he should receive
what he assumes he is paying his
money for. Again, the manufac-
turer of food stuff is taking the
place of the producer of food. 1t
is the duty every state to protect
the largest number possible. An
honest manufacturer should be
protected and fostered by every
community, but a man who sails
under false colors and makes an
article with his eyes open and then
sells it for what it is not, should
be tried and condemned in the
estimation of the people, to the ex-
tent of Withdrawing patronage. A
large part of fraudulent goods are
made outside the state, where Wis
consin laws have no force, which
is a great compliment to the
honesty of Wisconsin manufactur-
ers. The intent and purpose of
the law is that this class ofspurious
food shall be placed beyond the
reach ofthe consumer. His health
and longevity should be protected
at any cost. Wisconsin men are
becoming known for Drawn and
brain and the standard ought to
be maintained. The consumer is
an innocent buyer. He places
forty cents on the counter and asks
for pound of coffee. His pack
age should contain coffee and
nothing else. If he asks for sugar
he assumes that there is no glucose
in it. If farmer makes an honest
pound of butter, he cannot afford
to throw it into the open market in
competition with lard or tallow so
manipulated that his city friend
smacks his lips and pronounces it
good butter, even though his
stomach revolts after he is asleep.
The state has purchased and fitted
a chemical laboratory for a tech
nical analysis of all human foods,
drugs and drinks. A competent
chemist has been placed in charge
who is both capable and willing to
do his part toward establishing a
better standard. A butter and
cheese expert has taken charge of
the diary department and a COM
plete organization has been effect
ed to do good work. Fifteen
thousand copies Of the laws relat-
ing to the duties and powers of
the department have been distrib-
uted throughout the state to
manufacturers and dealers in order
that responsible persons may be
in possession of facts which shall
govern their subsequent action.
Many sensational statements and
newspaper articles have been made
in reference to adulteration of food
during the past year. Some are
largely overdrawn, but there is no
doubt that there is good ground
for complaint By careful estimate
it has been demonstrated that the
factory has supplanted at least
twenty-five per cent. of honest
production. 1t is a question of
vital interest to honest manufact-
urers and honest producers that
this infamous business be called to
halt. No state department can
attain its utmost efficiency without
the cooperation of the citizens of
the state If a perfect understand
ing could be established between
the honest DrOdIlcer the honest
dealer, the honest consumer, the
honest manufacturer, and this
department, it would not be long
before the representatives of illegi-
innate business would seek other
employment. 1t would add much
to the efficiency of the department
if every dealer and producer would
report to the office any case which
he has occasion to think ought to
be investigated. Any person WI
has not already been supplied with
the laws, who is a dealer or manu-
facturer of foods or drinks or
drugs, can have a copy upon
application. Wholesomeness and
conditions pertaining to manufact-
ure and production, as well as
adulteration, are noticed in the law