The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-01-05

u
Embarrassment In the Matter.
A committee representing the Mnneapo-
lis Retail Grocers' association, consisting
of George L. Dingman, John Powell. H.
r. Prytz o. P. Holman and J. P Brewer
Anchor, waited upon the governor yes
terday afternoon regarding the enforce
ment of the new baking powder law.
Mr.. BrowerAncher made something Of
scene. They called on the governor to
ascertain which Of the two rulings it was
alleged Maj Bowler had made was to be
followed.
The whole controversy arises over two
letters sent out by Mai. Bowler, the dairy
and food commissioner. The first was a
circular issued early in December, calling
the attention Of merchants to the new
baking powder law requiring the printing
of the formula of the contents on the out
side Of the package. The letter stated
that the law would be enforced vigorous
ly without fear or favor. Just before the
first of the year came around several mer-'
chants wrote the department asking what
about old stocks purchased prior to the
first of the year To one Of these letters,
written by Reynolds & Reynolds, of st.
Paul, Maj. Bowler sent a letter which
in conclusion reads as follows: Under
the circumstances feel warranted in say
ing that parties acting in good faith will
not be prosecuted by the department,
except to bring test case, should the
constitutionality of the act be questioned,
as 1t is rumored it will be"
The Minneapolis Grocers association
took this to mean a back down from
the majors first communication and
Immediately went on the warpath
Gov. Lind received the Minneapolis
committee, and Mr.. Powell stated that the
committee had called to see If the au-
thorities were going to enforce the law.
The governor assured the committee that
the law would be enforced. To this the
spokesman replied by submitting a copy
of the letter written to Reynolds & Rey-
nolds by Commissioner Bowler, stating
that firms selling old stocks in good faith
would not be prosecuted. Mr.. Powell as
serted that the letter opened the door for
all kinds Of violation Of the law, as he
could not see where the line would be
drawn between the sale of old stocks and
those purchased just prior to JAN 1. Then.
again, eight months notice had been CIV
en-, and he believed Maj. Bowler's letter
to Reynolds & Reynolds was evidence
that the law would not be enforced.
Maj. Bowler may have made a mistak k
in writing this letter." said the governor
but 1 know that he did 1t with vtew
to prevent an oppressive embarrassment
OF the people who are interested. Would
you have him drag $50 merchants into
Jail? One arrest has been made, and 9TH
ers will follow"
The governor then read the majors
| first letter, which, he asserted, stated the
policy Of the Administrations The COM
mittee was inclined to bubble with the
governor who thought that the law
should be enforced with discretion. He
did not believe in arresting every little
country merchant who had. perchance,
not heard of the law. and who had few
cans of unlabeled powder on his shelves
But the committee could not at any stage
of the discussion see where the line could
be drawn.
There is nothing to prevent you from
making complaint said Gov. Lind
F'Why. / know Of man who sold ---
baking powder this morning" said
Secretary Dingman, mentioning one Of
the kind which hasn't been labeled.
We'll" said the governor. reaching for
his pen, give me his name and l Will
see that he is prosecuted.
81 don't know as 1 am prepared to give
his name replied Mr.. Dingman.
eff you want the law executed, the
department stands ready to do 1t. Any
man who sells powder in violation OF Jaw
is liable to arrest. Maj. Bowler has eX-
planned the position Of the department in
language which 1 heartily approve"
but how about this second letter"
THAT does not change the policy OF the
department, even if Maj. Bowler did re-
cede from his original position in an in
dividual case. The law will be generally
enforced upon lines originally stated by
Mai. Bowler. And added the governor,
IF you are going to fight the matter out
in the newspapers, you can leave me
out"
The committee demanded that Gov.
Lind himself or Maj. Bowler state
publicly through the newspapers that he
would enforce the law.
ssI don't think it is necessary for me to
again take my oath of office before the
Minneapolis Retail Grocers' association,
replied the governor. I'VE nave passed
but two business days In the new year.
and two cases have been brought ana
others are being prepared. and, as l
stated, the department STANDS ready at ali
times to enforce the law. Mr. Dingman
refuses to disclose the name OIL d hio'oi 10"
witness
"Well." said Mr.. Holman, according TO
that second letter of Maj. Bowler, l can
On ahead and sell unlabeled baking pow
DER
''Will you do it?" asked the governor
ST don't think court would convict me
under the circumstances.
Twill you do it?" repeated the governor
MAI. Bowler has said that we can d's-
pose Of our old stocks.
"yyeIl. Mai. Bowler can't make law. Ii
YOU sell unlabeled powder tomorrow you
are liable to arrest
The committee rose and thought that
the department had Disseminated against
Mr.. Holman, in favor Of Reynolds & Rey-
holds.
1--WE didn't come over here as scrap
ping committee" concluded Mr.. Brewer
Anchor. who had during the whole discus
sion been verbose; but
Good evening, gentlemen" said the
governor. as he stepped into his inner
chambers, leaving the committee to with
draw.
During the forenoon similar commit
tee Of ST. Paul jobbers, headed by Z. Il.