The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-01-22
PURE FOOD BILL
Passed in the House-What the Bill
Provides For - No Amendments
Were Made-In the Senate, MIR.
Patterson Finished His Speech on
the Panama Canal Question and
Mr.. Plat Began One ON the Same
Subject

Washington, January 20.-Mr. Patter-
son today completed his speech on the
Panama canal question and Mr.. Platt
cCOnnecticuD. began one on the same
subject. Mr.. Patterson declared that
the President was largely responsible
for the revolution in Panama and an
rounced his decided preference for the
Nicarasuan route.
MI PIatt took this pronouncement
for Nicaragua. as the text for his rsz
marks saying that this preference for
the more northern route expla n I'd
away the mystery of the otherwise un-
explanation of opposition on the part
Of the Democratic Senators to Panama
treaty. Referring to the Presidents
declaration that what had been done
in Panama had been done as the man
date OF civilization. Mr.. PatteI son pre-
sented with approval a statement by
Mr.. SpOOner to the effect that tnat was
q new phrase adding: 1T was a. new
phrase, and the man who penned it
must nave been in a state of mental
eXaItaItion at the time, as others have
been on other occasions MahamOt,
Joe Smith and DOwie have moved in
such exalted spheres that they imag-
ined themselves as the very vice re-
gents of the Almighty. and it may be
that the President moves in the same
sphere"
Mr.. Patterson charged that the effort
to displaoe the Nicaragua canal with
the Panama canal was in the interest
OF those who wanted no canal at all
and who if they were to have any ca
nal wanted the one which would give
the least competition to the transcont. -
N~41;
aTagua canal could be completed in fif-
teen years less time than tine Panama
He would therefore vote against the
ratification of the treaty.
Mr.. Platt invited Mr.. Patterson to
introduce a resolution directing the
President to withdraw our ships from
iSthmian waters. He did not believe
that the Colorado Senator or any other
aenator would invite such a test of the
question. Going further, did MIR. Put
terson think that we should assist Co
lOnlbia in again securing control OF
Panama? He spoke of the United
States as the trustee of the commercial
nations of the world. and the agent OF
civilization in the effort to secure an
iSthmian canal.
The Senate adjourned until tomorrow.
THE HOUSE.
Washington, January 20.-The House
passed the Hepburn pure food bin on
a rising vote by q to IS. A roll call
on the bill could not be obtained. The
amendment of yesterday inserting the
word +.wiIful" referring to persons who
sell adulterated or misbranded goods,
and which would have compelled the
government to prove intent to violate
the law by the yenders was stricken
out on q yea and nay vote in the House.
Several attempts were made to amend
the bill, but no material changes were
made
The bill fixes the standard OF foods
and drugs as to their purity, strength
and character and defines what shall
be considered authorizations or m s.
branding of foods and drugs. 1t also
prohibits interstate commerce, impor-
tation and expectation of such mis-
branded or adulterated articles. 1t is
proposed to enlarge the Scrope of the
bureau of chemistry to include the
bureau Of food and impose upon it the
duty of performing all chemical work
for the other executive department
This bureau will be charged with the
duty of inspecting food and drugs pro-
duced for Interstate or foreign COM
merce. The secretary OF agriculture is
given authority to employ such chemist
inspector, clerk and laborerS as may
be necessary for the enforcement Of the
act.
The House adopted a resolution call
ing upon the secretary of the treasury
TO furnish the House with Information
regarding the number of carriages fur
nished his apartment at Government
expense.
The House adjourned until tomorrow