The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-10-31

1t will be observed that at Duluth for the
week ending Aug. q the percentage of con-
tract wheat arriving was 63.40 as against
1879 the week preceding, and 47.01 and 81
respectively for the two following weeks
From this showing and without analysis the
inference might easily be drawn that there
had been sudden shifting Of grades. The
fact, however, is that considerable contract
werat is shipped at times from Minneapolis
to Duluth to fill sales made In the latter
market when differences In prices between the
two markets show possible profit.
OF the 757 cars of contract wheat received
at Duluth for the week ending Aug a. over
2G0 cars of 1t were transferred from Mime
apolis to Duluth and represented either con-
tract or cash sales Of L northern whe5t for
August delivery. During periods Of light re-
ceipts at Duluth, when not sufficient to meet
requirements of the mills at that point, it
is common occurrence to bring wheat from
Minneapolis to supply pressing needs. AS
far as receipts from country points at Du-
luth are concerned, during the first four weeks
mentioned in the table, after allowing for
the Minneapolis shipments Of contract wheat,
the average receipts of contract whta at eaca
week were 45 per cent. This practically
all shock-threshed wheat. At Minneapolis,
during the same period, the average was
about 80 per cent. Since that time there has
been a marked Improvement in grades, the
receipts representing considerable stacked
wheat, and the percentage of high grade
wheat being increased from to IL per cent
no evidence to show any sudden stiffening Of
grades, as alleged, and this Is expressly de-
MED by the department.
PLAIN AS CAN BE.
The improvement in the showing Of the in
spections is owing to the very natural rea-
son that there has been improvement in
the character and quality of the receipts.
With the workings of the so-called ml!ers'
syndicate, the operations Of the country ee-
vator companies, or their instructions to their
agents, the inspection department. has moth
ing to do. Without any knowledge OF is
previous history, the inspectors grade the
wheat when it arrives at the terminal points
under established rules which were ad pied
as required by the law of tbs att, AMI
they determine the dockage, when in doubt,
by an actual test; if they are inaccurate In
either grade or dockage, a remedy is pIovid-
ed by reinspection and appeal.
The work of inspecting grain is done at the
terminal points. The grain Is there the
men who do the work are there, and there
you can find the system in full operation ev-
cry day, and these terminals are the only
points where any fair and satisfactory in
vestigatlon can be made; it cannot be done
250 miles from where the work Is actually
done.
RESENTs THE CHARGE.
During all the time the state inspection
department has been in existence there has
never been a specific charge of d shonesty or
corruption against any single employe of the
department. They have each taken the oath
required by the statute to faithfully and i'm
partially discharge their duties.
Scarcely a day passes that there are net
several shippers on track at Minneapolis and
Duluth examining personally the work as 1t
Is done; from these We hear no complaint.
Every one Of the inspectors bears an excel
lent reputation in fact, where they are per-
sonally known, their reputation for honesty
and integrity is equal to that of any mem
Der OF your committee In the community
where you live. Yet your committee without
such investigation as is necessary to form a
fair and intelligent opinion, has made a re-
you insinuate that every inspector on the
force is guilty of Partially and corruption
These men work for their living and their
reputation is as dear to them as yours is to
you. These insinuations are unmaniy and
cowardy and unworthy Of gentlemen Of
your standing. Yours very respectfully,
Ira B. NILS,
Chairman of the Railroad and Warehouse
Commission.