The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-06-01
GRAIN MEN DEFEND
STATE INSPECTION
NO DIRECT ACTION TAKEN
AGAINST McCUMBER.
Tr1-State Grain Dealers Association
Takes Up Dockage Question, and
Secretary Quinn Shows Railroads Get
Thousands Yearly in Freight Paid on
Dirt, Loss to Dealers. -. ....

The Tri-State Grain Dealers asso-
clatlon, tho keenly alive to the import
ance OF the question of federal inspec-
ton of grain which Senator McCumber
its annual meeting today without posi-
tive commitment for or against the
proposition. J. L. McCauIl, in his
remarks covering a recent attack upon
the Minnesota inspection, defended the
department and voiced the general SEN
timent Of the members. A committee
was appointed to keep in touch with Che
ing it, for the advice Of the association,
beyond which no official action was
taken.
Discussed Dockage.
The thought of the members conferred
principally upon inspection methods and
proposed changes. President Bremen
touched upon dockage in his address,
Secretary Quinn read a paper represent
ing an analytical study Of the subject,
in it's local application, and members
sion that followed.
Mr.. Quinn touched vital spot, in his
discussion Of dockage on grain. The
contention Of the Wisconsin men do ing
business in Superior, who, some time
ago, argued against Duluth and for a
change in the inspection, was based in
part upon the claim that excess dock
age was allowed in some cases, and the
Der Of North Dakota for federal grain
inspection necessarily takes note Of
dockage as part of the system. This
claim of excess dockage allowance has
been part Of every argument against
the fairness of the Minnesota inspec-
ton.
Thousands Paid for Dirt.
Secretary Quinn presented some fig
ures showing the necessity for dock
age as protection for the grainbuyer,
who must take the grain as it stands,
dirt and all. In the 82,4S9 cars Of
wheat arriving at Minneapolis from
dockage allowances that on the average
amounted to IL pounds a bushel. Some
Of the grain was very dirty, some of it
comparatively clean. At sixty pounds
for the standard bushel the average al
lowance is considered moderate.
The necessity for some protection to
the buyers is shown by the net results
the transportation companies who col
lect freight on gross weights, and, with
out dockage, to the advantage Of the
sellers likewise, would strike at the
grain dealer. for the millers or con.
sumers of wheat will not pay for the
dirt, and someone has to stand the diff
ference. Estimating that each car re.
tanned 800 pounds Of wheat, a moderate
allowance, and taking ID cents as the
Quinn says, Hreceived $176,691.43 fol-
delivering dirt to the Minneapolis mar
ket, for which, however, the consignee
got nothing and the consignor in turn
had to stand dockage to protect the re
ceiver'
On the majority. of shipments the
ing locked three pounds or less bush
Ell, 5,037 cars 31b pounds or more, and
in extreme instances Of very dirty
grain there were dockages as high as
twenty-nine pounds.
Good Seed Trains.
During the operation of the goot
seed trains last season, under tn.
management Of the association, 49,
towns or stations were visited, AM
23,l0O farmers attended the lectures
About 100000 bulletins were distrib
uted. Results are shown in improved
methods, and increased interest in tn
on the part of the farmers. It is es
timated that the general average quail
ity Of the grain has been raised an
the yield Increased measurably as
result Of the good seed agitation;
Officers were elected as follows
President, F. E: Crandall, Mankatc
Mimi; vice president, J. M. Bennett
Flandreau, S. D.; secretary-treasurel
J. J. Quinn, Minneapolis; governin
board, A. A. Truax, Mitchell, s. D
George Shanard, Bridgewater, S. D
H. H. Minthorn, Bradley, S. D., P.
F. John, Clear Lake, s. D., Willial
Forfaith, Hackley, Mimi, George 4
Tate, Balaton, MINI.
Salesman at once. Hohman's 9th {