Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-01-23
Delween the AriantIc and EPacitc coasts
Of the United States is reserved.
GONE TO THE u MEAr OF THE CASE.
Timed Beef Put Through Two Tests,
Analysis and Tasting.

Washington. Jan. 2s.-Chemist Wiley.
OF the department OF agriculture. has
reported to Secretary Wilson that an
examination of samples of canned meats
secured both in the open market and
from the war department., to determine
the presence of any chemical preserva-
tives, failed to disclose any traces o.
borax, boric acid, sulphites, sulphurous
acid salicylic or benzoic acids. The
presence of saltpeter was confirmed in
all the samples of corned- beef and So
called luncheon beef. but no trace of it
was discovered in the roast beef, though
common salt was present to a cons!d-
erable extent. The test was made un-
der an order of Secretary Wilson, and
thirteen samples were INSPECTED. eleven
purchased in the open market and two
obtained from the war department.
OF the former eight, from five differ
ent packing houses, were corned beef:
two packed by the Armour Canning
company, of Chicago. and the Armour
Packing company, of Kansas City, were
luncheon beef. and the other sample
roast beef. The report says: The con-
tents of the cans were in excellent
preservation, and the SUI e. ces of all the
cans were markedly concave, showing
that no decomposition had begun.
1t IS Il matter os common in
formation that in the preparation of
corred beef. salt and saltpeter are al
ways used. whether il be in a large
packing house or in a private family.
so far as can be determined by
chemical analysis the samples of meat
examined were eEtire.y appropriate for
use as food Preserved foods
are not to be preferred ito the fresh
articles n fhnSa
is not possible for the articles in fresh
state to be supplied IL It is high
ly important that some cbmpetent sd
pervisirg agent be always present to
inspect the packages WIDEN they are
opened, in order to detect any failure of
complete sterilization in their prepara-
ton, or any evidences of incIpient or
advanced decay il their cpntents.'
The war commission Saturday had
practical test of the qualities Of timed
beef. Two cans of beef were purchased
IN the market. taken to the commits
sion's room, opened right before the
commissioners and the contents tasted
by the members of the commission.
Each member declared the meat had a
good flavor and taste
Paymaster Thomas H Hicks. u. 6.
N, assistant storekeeper iat the New
York navy yard, was a witness before
the war investigating commission Sat
urday. He testified that the timed
roast beef was satisfactory in the navy
was palatable and goodi Paymaster
Henry G. Colbert. of the navy. testified
to large purchases by him of beef for
the navy. The purchases we're from the
same firm which supplied the army.
He said the meat gave general salts
faction and there were nj complaints.
When asked ;f there wsr re any evil
dences of chemicals being5used he an
swered in the negative.
Professor Clarke, government chemist
who examined the powder submitted
by Surgeon Daily, said II contained
both boric and salicylic aid. He said
boric acid was not deleteripus, but that
salicylic acid was. Neithsf acid would
import a bad taste-which contradicts
Surgeon Daily.