The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-11-25

three inspection districts show that but a
sngnt percentage OF cars arrive in bad condi-
tlon; as compared with the whole number
received. At Minneapolis, out of a total of
1858 cars which were inspected Ala doors
were found without seals, 242 cars in leaky
cond1tion, All open end doors and Iii open
size doors. AT Duluth, out of total of 49,
63S cars, there were 165 doors without seals,
four cars in leaking condition, open end
doors, and IL open side DOORS AT st. Paul,
out of 1,269 cars there were 81 doors with
out seals, one leak, one open end door and
"A open side doors.
COUNTRY WAREHOUSE LAW.
Chapter %, Laws of 1893, commonly known
as the Country Warehouse Law" at the
as merely experimental legislation and of
somewhat doubtful utility. Three years of
operation and experience under its pro-
visions has satisfied its opponents generally
that it was wise, beneficial and needed egis-
lation This branch of the work Is under the
charge of Mr.. R. G. Burdick who was the
first chief inspector of grain in this state
and whose many years Of experience in the
operation of country elevators as well as at
terminal points, renders his services in this
connection of the greatest value. His duties
are TO see that all country elevators on the
right Of way of railroads at interior points
which come within the purview of the law,
are duly licensed and operated in accordance
with its requirements and provisions In the
discharge of such duties he spends a portion
OF his time visiting country elevators, observ-
ing their methods, comparing grades and
OOChdSOs Will lHOSe DIT terminal points ana
investigating causes of specific complaint
which may have been formally lodged with
the railroads and warehouse commission.
The result is seen in a closer conformity by
country buyers to the standards in force
at terminal points, and generally improved
methods. The relations between tn farmer
and country buyer are characterized by an
absence OF much of the antagonism and
suspicion which formerly existed. Whenever
any 1oGbt exists as to tt G proper grade of
any lot Of grain at country points either or
both parties interested abe at liberty to sub
NIT sample of the grain to the chief in
spector at St. Paul, who determines what
such grain would grade at terminal points,
and who thus acts as an arbiter or adviser
in the settlement of disputes at country sta
lions. During the past season many con-
troverses have been adjusted by this method.
The total number of country elevators and
warehouses in this state at present operating
under the law is eleven hundred thirty-three.
In connection with this branch of the service,
and in accordance with the requirements of
Chapter 80, Laws of 1898, there Is constantly
kept on file for public inspection market
journals, showing prices of grain and farm
products in Liverpool, London, New York,
Buffalo, San Francisco Minneapolis and Du-
luth Weekly bulletins are issued and pub
llshed in leadir northwestern papers, show
Ing the prices paid in the different markets,
also the rates Of freight by lake, rail or
ocean and all other charges which would
attach to shipments from the Northwestern
markets to the seaboard and abroad.
A REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT WORK.
In the foregoing general review of the past
years work, it will be seen that this branch
of state administration is charged with i'm
portant duties and increasing responsibilities
Its business has assumed large proportions
1t necesstates careful methodical manage
ment in the selection Of employees and in the
discharge of its various duties. Its support
being derived from fees contributed solely
by those who are benefited by the services
performed, it is in no sense tax upon the
general public, but self-sustaining. AS an
n re dove anf In f1a
year Of its inception, there were but fifty
four persons employed, while at the present
time there are 145. The annual receipts Of
grain have increased during the same period
from 81, 653 carloads to 250,SO5 carloads. It's
annual earnings from $63, All. 20 to $241 942. 49,
Its expenditures from $62, 1880 to STA S0S. "a
to the owner Of grain for the combined service
of inspection and weighing has decreased from
one and one-third mills per bushel to two
thirds of a mill per bushel.
At the commencement Of the work in 1885
selections for the various positions in the
department were made from the best men
available. Many of the inspectors being
equipped only with local experience, found
themselves frequently in Quandry when con-
fronted with grain of different varieties from
sections with which they were not familiar.
Frequent errors and considerable dssatisfac-
ton resulted. 1t became apparent that if the
new system was to be of any practical
utility, it must be conducted upon some other
basis than chance appointments. The remedy
was clear, and was found in a system of
classification of employees a careful course
of training and education to be followed
by promotion as an incentive to faithful con-
scientious work. In the year 1889 on assum-
ing charge of the department, 1 ventured to
lay these views before the railroad and ware
house commission and found a ready ac-
quiescence and approval in the plan pro-
posed. Since that time the work has been
conducted upon this basis and whatever de-
gree Of Improvement and success 1t may have
attained is due, in my Judgment. almost Who'll
ly to the methods pursued The department
is now practically a civil service basis.
Its usefulness to the public was never before
so heartily acknowledged and recognized. The
several governors who have administered the
affairs Of the state during this period of its
evolution have without exception conceded
the necessity for such a system, and have
not attempted to urge new appointments
which could have been given only by displac-
Ing trained public servants, whose services
were indispensable to the successful operation
of the department. Your honorable board will
bear me out in the assertion that no executive
has treated the department with more con-
sideration in this respect than his excellency,
Gov. Clough Taking into consideration that
such system is universally conceded to be
a necessity In order to insure an efficient
performance Of this important work l feel
that l cannot too strongly urge the necessity
for such a policy or recommend it's continu-
ance.
The Minnesota system is recognized as the
best equipped in the United States, and it
has served as a model for newly established
systems in other states. The inspection,
weighing anu registration departments
integral parts of complete whole, and serve
not only g. check upon each other but upon
the transactions of the public warehousemen
In view of this fact receipts issued from
the terminal public warehouses of Minnesota
are regarded as the very best and safest Of
collateral by local and Eastern banks and
moneyed institutions and advances are made
upon this security below normal rates of in
terest.
In New York the utmost confidence is placed
in Minnesota grades and all grain purchased
hU NnfI NnTly is f06 al Hell n.
without question when accompanied by our
certificates of inspection. No other system
In this country enjoys similar prestige and
distinction.
HOW INSPECTED AND WEIGHED
Notwithstanding the system of state inspec-
ton and weighing has been in operation for
over eleven years, there are still many who
are not conversant with the methods of the
department as shown by frequent letters Of
inquiry concerning subjects which should be
familiar to every person connected with the
business Of producing or handligg grain in the
Northwest. Under the circumstances brief
review of the operation Of the system may
prove acceptable.
The inspection department is under the
supervision Of a chief inspector, who is ap-
pointed by the railroad and warehouse COM
mission, and is divided into four districts,
ST. Paul, Minneapolis, st. Cloud and Duluth,
each comprising district. In each of these
districts chief deputy inspector has direct
control of the work and has in charge as
many deputies and helpers as the work re-
qutres. Each district also has weighing de-
partment In charge Of state weighmaster
with such number Of deputy weighmen as he
may require.
All appointments are made by, or with the
approval Of the commission. All employees are
carefully selected, with due regard to age,
character, intelligence and general fitness for
the position to which they may be assigned.
Employees are divided into classes in &C
cordance with their length of service skill
and experience. New appointees are placed
in subordinate positions and promoted as
opportunities offer, and their progress in