Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-01-20
IN THE HOUSE.
Hepburn Pure Food Bill Under Discus
sicn-Laid Over Till Today.

Washington. Jan. 19.-The House,
today, considered the Hepburn Pure
Food bill but did not complete it. When
the House was ready to adjourn, on
motion of Hepburn Il recess was taken
until 11.J5 tomorrow. This course will
retain the bill before the House with
out interruption for consideration. to-
morrow. Just before the recess an
amendment coming from the Demo-
cratic side was adopted inserting the
word ''Wiliully" relative to the sale of
prohibited adulterated goods by re-
taile:s, which would make it incun-
bent on the government to prove
knowledge on the part Of the retailers
that the sale of such goods was con-
trary to law. The principal speeches
of the day We're made by Hepburn and
Mann in favor of the bill and Adamson
and Clark in opposition.
When the House convened. Hepburn,
Rep, Iowa, chairman of the committee on
Interstate and foreign commerce. asked
unanimous consent for the consideration
of the pure food hill, but objection was
made by Smith, DEM, Ky.
The House then proceeded with the call
of committees.
Hepburn moved. on completion of the
call of committees, that the House go into
committee of the whole for the conSd-
Grafton of the pure food bill. His motion
prevailed. Lawrence, Mass, taking the
chair. 1t was agreed that there should
be four hours debate.
Mann Rep. ILL.,. of the committee on
interstate and foreign commerce. in
charge of the bill, opened the debate
upcn his desk was an array of bottles
and Jars containing liquids and preserve,
The bin, he said. practically was the
| same as that passed at the last session
| and it had the approval of government
officials. Holding up one bottle then an
| other. he said the bill proposed to smut
! out these articles because they contain
| certain foreign substances for colorinG
| or preserving.
| Adamson. Dom. Ga. speaking in oppo-
| sitiCn to the bill. elaborated the views he
! expected in the minority report. lie said
| such legislation was unnecessary as local
! communities had ample power 20 correct
| evils.
! Shackleford. Dem. Mo. while favor
| ing much contained in the measure. OPP
| posed certain features of it. lie said lie
| was opposed to legislation which would
| give a government official rowc! to fix the
| standard and say what was wholesome
and what was unwhoesome food.
| Sherley. Dem. Ny. questioned Mann as
| to whether the bill prevented blend in
| WHISTLES.
Not if the fact is stated On the label. -
was the reply. and the same answer was
| given BarthCldt, Rep. Mo. who asked il
| it would prevent the manufacture Of beer
| from corn.
| Clark. Dem. Mo. opposed the bill on
| the ground that it was too radical.
l An argument which mot the enthusiaS-
| tic approval of the minority size in favor
Of reciprocity with Canada was made by
Sullivan. Dem, Mass. II" declared that
such a treaty would defeat the Chamhe~-
| lain free trade idea between Great Bri-
| tain and her colonies
bartlett. Dem. Ga. opposed the bill
and Hepburn Rep, iowa, closed the de
| bate in its favor.
| Several amendments to the bill offered
| during its reading We're lost. except ore
| offered by Stevens. Texas making it nc"-
| esSary for the government to show will
| fur intent to deceive Oh the part OF the
defendants under the measure.
| This amendment was adopted by q vote
| taken tell2rS of los to 1o0 On motion of
| Hepburn. the House took n recess at 81
o'clock until lib y. NJ. tomorrow.