The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1894-12-12

every means employed to locate possible
discrepancy and a full report of the re-
suit OF the investigation Is made to the
complainant. AS evidence in support Of
the claim we make for close and correct
weighing, will say, that Of the thousands
OF cars weighed from elevators to mills in
this city, the average shortage per car
is only from 20 to 80 pounds and as we
employ the same men and use the same ia
cilities for weighing cars from country
points the results ought to be the same
NO discrepancy in our scales or methods
can long remain undetected on account
OF the constant out and in weighing of
commodities upon which we have state
weights at both ends
The department employs a scale expert
oI long experience whose sole duty is to
look after and test the scales and see to
II that they are kept in proper order At
the present time we operate 165 large
scales. Scales, to be reliable. must be well
housed ana properly taken care of and
looked after at frequent intervals; the fact
that they are correct on small draft is
not proof positive that they are so on a
large one.
p" hen numerous complaints Of shortage
nave been made from certain places in
the country, and no error can be detected
at this end, it has been the custom under
your Instructions to send our scale expert
to such places for the purpose Of testing
the scales and making a general investiga-
ton of the handling of grain at such
points, and l will say, that he has invari-
ably found
DEFECTIVE SCALES OR FAULTY
METHODS
and facilities al result of his inyestiya-
ton.
Summing the matter up, will say, that
we fully realize the great Importance Of
our position as disinterested representa-
tives of the state and spare no means in
endeavoring to do full and complete JUS
ice between shipper and receiver.
"Inasmuch as all scales upon which we
weigh are under the supervision OF a state
scale expert, l would recommend that pro-
vision be made by law exempting all ele-
vators and mills from paying the custom
ak fsSs to the city sea'er of weights and
"As in my former reports, 1 will lay
stress upon the fact that more vigilance
on the part of railroad companies and
others should be exercised, for it is posi-
tive fact that they do not confine them
selves to empty cars. This class of people
is responsible for most of the actual short
ages both upon in and out commodities
and cause US a great deal of trouble The
railroad yards in this city are very ex-
tensive, are located mostly outside police
patrol limits and in many cases unpro-
tected and therefore offer ample opportun-
tiles to those who engage in the business
OF pilferihg grain. Watchmen or special
police should be engaged to patrol these
yards which no doubt would in great
measure put stop to the evil.
Il would also suggest the enactment of
a law that whenever parties are found on
track, among loaded cars where they have
no business, carrying away grain in sacks.
such act shall be prima facie~
EVIDENCE OF THE LARCENY
of such grain. An act of this nature could
in my opinion, work no harm or injustice
to an innocent party. We have made
number of arrests where the guilt of the
arrested party has been morally certain
but owing to technicalities in the law have
been unable to secure conviction"
The total number of bushels of grain
weighed into and out of elevators and