Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1891-10-16
A MILLION A YEAR.
Lottery and Prize Schemers used to
sell Alum and Ammonia
Baking Powders.

New York concern, manufacturers
OF an ammonia baking powder. boasts
that its yearly profits are over million
dollars, While, perhaps, none of the
makers of alum powders individually
can show SO large earnings vet their
profits are enormous.
A business so profitable, will always
attract TO itself those whose greed will
cause them to utterly disregard the ef-
feet their traffic may have upon the
health or life of others.
Alum baking powders are introduced
largely by gifts, prizes and lottery
schemes. A piece of glassware or china,
chlld's wagon, pewter spoon or some
other article of attractive appearance
but OF small intrinsic value or cost is
given with each purchase or a number
Is attached to the can which entities the
customer to similarly numbered article
or to a prize of some kind. 1t is in
some such way as this that the trade in
alum and ammonia baking powders s,
which has now attained such giant pro-
portions and their consumption bv the
public which has reached an extent
which is truly alarming.
The highest authorities of all coun-
tries condemn the use of alum in bread
without reserve. In America the most
distinguished physicians, chemists and
hygienists have declared that the traffic
IN alum baking powders should be sup
pressed by law. In England and France
where the subject of pure food and Its
effect upon the system has been more
fully considered and made the subject
OF extended experiments by the scientists
so serious matter is the use of alum in
bread or other food considered TO be, that
most stringent laws have been enacted
to prevent it. These laws are rigidly
enforced, and the sale of alum baking
powders would not be permitted for an
hour. Any one who attempted to make
them for use in food, or attempted to
use them for raising bread, biscuit or
cake would suffer severe penalties.
The ill effects upon the system of food
raised by alum baking powders are the
more dangerous because Of their in
sidlous character. It would be less dan
gerous to the community were it fatal at
once, for then such food would be avoid
ed; but their deleterious action, because
imperceptible at first, is no less certain.
The puckering effect which alum has
when taken in the mouth is familiar to
everyone. Physicians say this same ef-
feet is produced by it upon the delicate
coats of the stomach and intestines.
What housewife would take home to
er family can of alum or ammenia
powder if she knew it. such powders
not only undermine the system, but it is
pointed out that ammonia taken into
the system in even infnetisimal doses
day after day, imparts to the complexion
a sallow and blotched appearance.
1t is safe to discard all baking pow
ders sold with prize or gift.
What misnomer are the words "Ab-
soluteIy Pure" as applied to baking
powders. Two of the largest selling
brands, one made from alum, the other
containing ammonia, and both of these
drugged baking powders have stamped
upon their labels and circulars these
words absolutely pure, as matter of
fact they are absolutely Poor" as
shown by official examinations.