Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-09-26
WISCONSIN FOOD AND DAIRY COMMISSION.


TO THE EDIToR:-B an almost unan-
imous vote the Wisconsin Legislature
passed a bill establishing this Depart
ment as a state Office In the convic-
ton of those who have given the mat
ter any attention, the measure is wise
one. The state of Wisconsin has be-
come great commonwealth with
thousand and one interests. The
clamor of our people for cheaper food,
for cheaper wear and for cheaper every
thing has had pernicious result upon
the purity of articles offered for sale by
our tradesmen. The people ask for
low-priced foods and in many cases the
merchants are unable to supply the de-
mand with an honest article, and fraud
is resorted to. The merchants, in turn,
must have goods that are called for and
the manufacturer is drawn into the gap
and makes the spurious article. AL
though the public in large measure is
responsible for the situation, the state
steps in and volunteers to protect the
consumer. A man may cry never so
loud for cheap foods. but an instance is
vet to be cited where he has called for
fraudulent food, and it is is no more
than Just that he should receive what he
is paying his money for. Again, the
manufacturer of food stuff is taking the
place of the producer of food. 1t is the
duty of every state to protect the largest
number possible. An honest manu-
facturer should be protected and fos-
tered 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 withdrawing
patronage. A large part OF fraudulent
| goods are made outside the state, where
| Wisconsin laws have no force, which is
great compliment TO the honesty of
| Wisconsin manufacturers. 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 longevity should be protected at
any cost. Wisconsin men are becom-
| ing 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 q pound of coffee. His
package should contain coffee and moth
/ inc else. II he asks for sugar he
assumes that there is no glucose in it.
I If farmer makes an honost 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 pro-
nounces it good butter even though his
| 4. aft hn -
The state has purchased and fitted a
chhemical laboratory for technical
analysis of all human foods, drugs and
ldrinks. A competent chemist has been
placed in charge who is both capable
and willing to do his part toward es-
tablishing better standard. A butter
and cheese expert has taken
charge of the dairy department and a
complete organization has been effected
10 do good work. Fifteen thousand
copies of the laws relating to the duties
and powers of the department have
been distributed throughout the state to
manufacturers and dealers in order
that responsible persons may be IN
possession of facts which snail govern
their subsequent action. Many SEN
satiOnal statements and newspaper ar
ticles 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 es-
innate it has been demonstrated that
the factory has supplanted at least
twenty-five per cent of honest produc-
ktion. It is question of vital interest to
honest manufacturers and honest pro-
ducers that this infamous business be
called to q halt. No state department
can reach its utmost efficiency without
the co.operation of the citizens of the
state If a perfect understanding could
be established between the honest pro-
Queer, the honest dealer, the honest
consumer, the honest manufacturer,
and this Department, it would not DC
long before the representatives OF IL
legitimate 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 who has not already been sup
| piled with the laws, who is dealer or
| manufacturer of foods or drinks or
drugs. can have n copy upon applica-
| ton. Wholesomeness and conditions
pertaining to manufacture and pro-
duction, as well as adulteration, are
noticed in tho law with proper penal
ties. The Department will enforce the
laws rigidly. No pers on will be
shown any favor. The average Amor
lean is q law-abiding citizen, and, on
the whole, means to do right if he is
given chance. If they do not embrace
il they are not good citizens and should
be dealt with as provided by the statute.
II. G. THoM,
State Dairy and Food Commissioner.