Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-02-09
GERMANY HAD SOME EXCUSE FOR
HER EMBARGO ON FRUIT.
SAN JOSE SCALE DANGEROUS.
SECRETARY WILSON RECOGNIZED
THIS MONTHS AGO.
Asked Congress to Establish q Quar-
antine Against the States In
Which the Pest Has Gained
q FOOthOId-He Fayors
Fruit Inspection.

Washington. Feb S.-The officials Of our
agricultural department, while for diplo-
matte reasons they will not admit il. cannot
help but realize that Germany is more than
half right in placing an embargo upon
American fruit. for early in the present
session of congress Secretary Wilson caused
to be prepared and introduced in both
houses of congress Il bill which establishes
q quarantine against commerce in fruit be
tween certain of the states for the same
reasons that Germany has offered for her
prohibition. The subject was discussed in
these columns at the time. and Secretary
Wilson spoke freely OF the danger to which
the fruit interests of the United States
we're exposed from that little pest known
as the San Jose scale. which, somehow or
other. originated in California. but has
spread through different parts of the coun-
try 1t can be carried on fruit, or leaves.
or clothing or fuel. or anything else to
which it can cling. and when 1t is once intro
diced into a community it is difficult TO de-
tect it until it has completed its work OF
destruction. and is difficult to eradicate
without cutting down the trees TO wnicn
it has become attached.
While there is no positive evidence that
the San Jose scale has been communicated
to Germany, it is probable that such Is the
fact. and We have no right to complain II
means are taken for the protection Of the
fruit interests OF that country. Secretary
Wilson has recommended the appropriation
by congress of a sum of money sufficient to
pay the expense of thorough investigation
to ascertain where this pest exists and to
provide means for its eradication. 1t Is
known to be flourishing at present among
some OF the most prolific fruit sections or
California, and has appeared in New YORK.
Michigan and other parts Of the Uniteo
States He thinks the best way to protect
our fruit trade is to exterminate this in
sect in short order by cutting down ana
burning every tree upon which It appears.
He also advocates microscopical inspection
of all fruit exported from the United States
and the certification under the seal of the
government that it is wholesome and HARM
less. He would apply to the fruit trade the
same rules and conditions that are now ap-
piled to the exports of beef.
Secretary Wilson is a very strong believer
| in maintaining and elevating the standard
of American products. He would, If he had
his way, punish every man who attempted
| to sell or produce impure or adulterated
| food. He has vigorous contempt for hum
bug of every kind. and his old-fashioned
Scotch ideas of honesty are always excited
! to fighting pitch when he hears that some
| dairyman has been shipping impure butter
| or some diseased steer has been driven into
1 slaughter house.
Berlin. Feb S-An official newspaper to-
| day denies the identity Of the German
| blutlaus with the San Jose scale, on au,
| thority of tine president Of the pornoloSical
college at Geisonheim.
Thus far, the bundesrath resolution re-
| garding American fruit has been fairly ap-
1 piled. There has been only single case
| Of complaint. Eighty-one boxes OF Ameri-
can fruit stopped at Hamburg are alleged
| to be infected by the San Jose bug.
In the reichstag to-day, before the bud
get committee. Count Posodowski. minister
| Of the interior, said the San Jose louise, ac-
cording to American entomologists. was a
very dangerous insect. The federal govern
| ment, he added. had been obliged to act
promptly but considerably, and expert
| Investigations were proceeding. upon which
| the final decisions Of the government would
| be based.
Regarding the United States treatment
/ of German sugar he said negotiations were
| progressing, the result Of which must be
| awaited.
Baron Won Thielmann, secretary of the
| imperial treasury. admitted that the COM
| plants of unfair customs treatment Of
| German sugars were justified, and he
| thought that the revival of the American
beet sugar industry was especially injur-
| ious to the German export trade