The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-28
MILK AND MEAT INSPECTION.

The interview with DR.. Harbaugh, the we'll
known veterinary surgeon of this city, which
appeared in our local columns on Sunday.
called renewed attention TO a subject which
has long attracted the serious attention of
every person who has either individually or
professionally been interested in the general
arrangements which have been or should be
instituted for the protection OF the health Of
the community.
That the establishment Of milk and meat
inspection would be wise precaution, es-
peciaFly at this season Of the year, no one will
dispute, and the only question is whether the
imperative demands Of the best sanitary regu-
lations do not require that this inspection
shall begin at once. II is fact recognized by
all who are competent TO give an opinion by
previous study or practical observation that
diseased or decayed milk and meat are both
causes Of the transmission of the seeds Of i'll
health 10 the human frame, and that these
causes are brought into direct operation much
more frequently than is supposed by persons
at large.
In all the principal cities of this country,
and in a number that cannot claim as large a
population as Richmond, in Norfolk for in
stance in our own State. the necessity of
careful inspection is admitted, and municipal
laws have been passed that provide for it
under terms which impose heavy fines in case
of attempted evasion.
This city seems TO find it q difficult matter
TO recognize with clearness and distnctness
that it is no longer a small town in which
comparatively loose methods as to tho preser-
vation Of the general health can lie followed
without being attended by serious conse-
quences. As our population grows in num-
Der, the volume Of food which it requires for
It's support increases, and with this increase
the need of inspection becomes more urgent
because there is greater temptation on the
part Of those who supply this food TO foist
what is diseased or adulterated upon the
public. Every large city has found this to be
the case and has sought to obyiate it by strict
regulations.
The day has arrived when Richmond should
initiate their example. An officer should be
appointed whose duty it shall be TO inspect
the diaries in the vicinity of the city. to eI-
anime the mich COWS, and also to make an ex-
animation Of the beeves that are slaughtered
for our market and the meats that are sold
here When an abattoir is established. step
that in itself will be highly conducive to bet
ter sanitary conditions in the city, meat in
spector will very probably be appointed ct
once. who can also combine with the duties
of this position the duties of milk inspector,
but it is very questionable whether 50 impor-
tant An Office ought not TO be created and filled
before the abattoir becomes an actual fact.
Whether we shall have meat inspector or
not. the need of a milk inspector at the pres
ent time is generally recognized The COM
paratively small expense which the appoint
ment of such an officer would entail would
be fully covered by the feeling Of greater
security which such an appointment would
insure feeling that would be entirely iusti
fed by the careful performance of the duties
Of the Office