Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-01-21

House, 201 to 60, Passes the
Hepburn Pure Food Bill.
he Act Defines What Shall Be Con-
sidered Authorizations.
Speeches on Panama Canal Question
in the Senate.

washington, Jan. 20.-The House
passed the Hepburn Pure Food bill,
To-Day, on q rising vote POI to GS, its
opponents being unable to secure a
roll-call on the bill. The amendments
Of vest erday inserting the word will
fur with reference to persons who sell
adulterated or misbranded goods and
which would have compelled the gov
ernment to prove intent to violate the
Ia" by the vendors was stricken out
on yea and nay vote in the House.
The bill fixes the standards of foods
and drugs as to their purity, strength
and character and defines what shall
be considered authorizations or mis-
branding of foods and drugs. It also
prohibits Interstate commerce, i'm
poi tation and expectation of such mis-
branded or adulterated articles.
1t is proposed to enlarge the scope of
the bureau of chemistry to include the
bureau of foods and impose upon it
the duty of performing all chemical
work for the other executive depart
ments. This bureau will be charged
with the duty OF inspecting food and
drug products which belong to inter-
state or foreign commerce. The sec
rotary of agriculture is given author
tors, clerks and laborers as may be
necessary for the enforcement of the
act
The House reconvened at 11.53
A. NJ, in continuation of yes
terday's session and at once re
of rta
bill, proceeding with the reading of the
bill for the purpose of amendment I'M
Ger the five-minute rule.
Section was amended by striking
out the provision that the certificate
that the secretary Of agriculture show
ing the results Of an analysis in cases
where it appears that the act has been
violated, "Shall be admitted in evil
dence in all courts of the United States
for the further verification The
amendment was adopted only after a
long legal debate.
Hepburn said It was the purpose in
framing the bill to impose penalties
and not to get 4 measure without pro-
hibition or penalty as some dealers
might desire.
Speaking on Saction 6. Clark Mo.
tool, occasion to say that unless some
limitation was made federal speech
would swarm about the country in the
guise of inspectors.
Shackelford, Dem, Mo, made IN lln-
successful attempt to have stricken
from the bill Section /, which provides
that the secretary of agriculture shall
fix standards of food products. when
advisable. for the guidance of officials
charged with the administration Of the
federal laws. He contended that it
clothes 4 government officer with too
much authority.
On motion of Fuller. Rep, Ills. the
bill was amended SO as to take effect.
Feb. !, 1904.
Wadsworth's. Rep. n. y. motion to
rccommit the bill to the committee was
lost on n vote of III to 100.
The bill then was ordered favorably
reported to the House.
As soon as the hill was reported to the
House. Mr.. Hepburn moved an amend
mcnt eliminating the amendment made
on motion of Stephens, Dem. Texas,
which made it necessary to show "wilful
intent on the part of persons prosecuted.
The amendment was agreed to. liJ to l26.
The bill then was passed by rising
vote Of 20l to IS. the yeas and nays being.
refused
Mr. Hull, Iowa. chairman of the com
nIittcc on military affairs. reported the
army appropriation bill and gave notice
that he would call it up. tomorrow.
Mr. Payne. chairman of the ways and
means committee. reported Il substitute
for the Hitchcock resolution calling on
the secretary OF the treasury to furnish
the House information regarding the
number OF carriages furnished his depart
mcnt ut government expense.
1t was agreed to.
At 80 the House adjourned.