River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-09-19
Wisconsin Food and Dairy Com mis-
sion.

anim0us vote the Wisconsin Legisla-
ture passed bill establishing this De-
partment as a state Office. In the con-
viction of those who have given the
matter any attention, the measure is
wise one. The state of Wisconsin
has become great commonwealth
with a thousand and one interests.
The clamor of our people for cheaper
food, for cheaper wear and for cheap
er everything has had pernicous re-
suit upon the purity of articles offered
for sale by our tradesmen. The peo-
pie ask for low-priced foods and in
many cases the merchants are unable
TO supply the demand with an honest
article, and fraud is resOrted to. The
merchants, in turn, must have goods
that are called for aud the manufac-
turer is drawn into the gap and makes
the spurious article. Although the
public in large measure is response.
BILE for the situation, the state steps
III anu FoAhhSSCiC " piOLCNV biO Suo-
toner. A man may cry never so loud
for cheap foods. but an instance is yet
to be cited where he has called for
fraudulent food, and it is no more
than just that he should receive what
he assumes he is paying his money
for. Again, the manufacture of food
stuff is taking the place of the pro-
ducer of food. 1t is the duty of every
state to protect the largest number
possible. An honest manufacturer
should be protected and fostered by
every community, but 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 extent of with
drawing patronage. A large part of
fraudulent goods are made outside the
state, where Wisconsin laws have no
force, which is a great compliment to
the honesty of Wisconsin manufac-
turers. The intent and purpose of the
law is that this class of spurious food
shall be placed beyond the reach of
the consumer. His health and longev-
ity should be protected at any cost.
Wisconsin men are becoming known
for Drawn and brain and the standard
ought to be maintained. The consum-
er is an innocent buyer. He places
forty cents on the counter and asks
for a pound of coffee. His package
should contain coffee and nothing else.
If he asks for sugar he assumes that
there is no glucose in il. If a 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 smaekS 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 technical
analysis of all human FOOLS drugs and
drinks. \ competent chemist has
been placed in charge who is both cap
able and willing to do his part toward
establishing a better standard. A
butter and cheese expert has taken
charge of the dairy department and
complete organization has been effect
ed to do good work. Fifteen thousand
copies of the laws relating to the du-
ties and powers of the department
have been distributed throughout the
state to manufacturers and dealers in
order that responsibl bic persons may be
in possession of facts which shall gov
ern 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 care
full estimate it has been demonstrated
that the factory has supplanted at
least twenty-five per cent. of honest
production. 1t is question of vital
interest to honest manufacturers and
honest producers that this infamous
business be called to halt. No state
department can reach its utmost eff
cheney without the cooperation of the
citizens of the state. If perfect un-
Outstanding could be established be-
tween the honest producer, the honest
dealer, the honest consumer, the hon
| est manufacturer. and this depart
ment, it would not be long before the
representatives of illegitimrte bust
ness 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 who has not already been sup
piled with the laws, who is a dealer
or manufacturer of fools or drinks or
drugs, can have a copy upon applica-
ton. Wholesomeness and conditions
pertaining to manufacture and pro-
duction. as well as adulteratiOn, are
noticed in the law with proper penal
ties. The Department will enforce
the laws rigidly. No person will be
shown any favor. The average Amer
lean is a law-abiding citizen, and, on
the whole, means to do right if he is
given chance. If they do not EN-.
brace it they are not good citizens and
should be dealt with as provided by
the statute. II. c. TH0M,
State Dairy and Food Commissioner.
The West Wisconsin Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church will
meet this week at Sparta. 1t is not
generally known that there are two
conferences of the NJ. E. Church in