Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-13
A UNIFORM STANDARD
STATE SEALERS DISCUSSING
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

The convention of state sealers, which is
| in session at the bureau OF standards, Con-
necticut avenue and Pierce Mill road,
| northwest, began the session Of the second
day at 10 O'Clock this morning. Mr.. s.
w. Stratton director of the bureau, presid-
ed over the meeting. The first address
upon the program was by Mr. Lewis A.
Fisher chief of weights and measures d.
vision of the bureau of standards, who
took as his subject the laws of the differ
ent countries of Europe relating to weights
and measures. His address, which told In
detail of the work of the officials of those
countries, was most interesting to those
in attendance and was listened to with
close attention.
Director Stratton subsequently asked for
a general discussion of the subject, which
was entered into by Mr.. Reichmann of New
York, Mr.. Palmer of Massachusetts, Mr..
Richardson of Virginia, and Mr.. Pettus OF
Rhode Island.
Upon the close of their remarks Director
Stratton paid high tribute to the efficiency
of Mr.. Fishers part of the bureau of stand
ards. Mr.. Richardson of Virginia later
made a few remarks relative to a publi-
cation in a local newspaper which stated
that he had discussed the lax laws of the
state Of Virginia in the matter of weights
and measures. He called upon the assem-
Dlage to state II ne mad SAID anything Vi
the kind. and the general opinion was to
the effect that he had been misquoted. He
had the opinion of the convention fncor-
porated in the minutes as, he stated, he
did not want the people of Virginia to have
the opinion that he was in the capital city
saying things that were not complimentary
to them.
Cooperation With Bureau.
The question was then brought up as to
how the bureau OF standards could be
placed in such contact with the state seal
ers so that they would look to the bureau
for information in matters which might
come up in the course of their duties, and
which would seem to demand consulta-
ton among those who are experts in the
line In commenting upon the remarks
Director Stratton said in his estimation the
bureau of standards should be made the
clearing house for the ideas of all those
persons connected with the sealing depart
ments of the different states. Mr.. Stratton
stated that many of the instruments OF the
bureau, when sent to the officials OF the
states are locked up and rarely used. He
asked that the members of the convention
exert themselves toward having every
sealer submit to the bureau regularly his
apparatus for examination as to its cor
rectness and to visit the various assistant
sealers of the states and see that they did
their duty.
Laws of Massachusetts.
spoke at length upon the laws of his state
concerning weights and measures. He also
spoke of the need of instruction. and said
that 1t should come from the bureau Of
standards.
Director Stratton in reply said that he
would be glad to have the sealers of the
different states come to the bureau Tor
practical information. Continuing, ne saio
that perhaps the most important part or the
work of the bureau today was in the line
of instruction, and that he thoroughly
agreed that the bureau In this city should
be the source of all such Information: IN
conclusion he said: Il assure you that the
weights and measures division of this bu-
reau is to be the head of all Information for
sealers of the states of the country. Mr.
Relchmann of New York also made some
brief remarks relative to the way of get
ting the people interested in the work OF
the sealers and having the laws OF the
states more strictly adhered to by the dill
ferent tradesmen.
Shortly after noon the convention took
recess for luncheon. The session of the
afternoon will doubtless conclude the con-
vention.
Uniform Standard.
The question OF national legislation to
provide for the adoption of a uniform stand
ard of weights and measures throughout the
country was the principal subject of discus
sion at the first days session of the con-
vention of state sealers. representatives
from many states being present, at the bu-
reau of standards The project of federal
legislation was considered In connection
with the prospect OF active cooperation on
the part of the various states
permanent organization was erected
with the election of S. w. Stratton OF the
District of Columbia as president and l.. A
Fischer also of the District, as secretary.
Although a similar meeting was held last
year, no permanent plans Were decided
upon The delegates to this latter conven-
ton determined to make at least definite
step in the direction of permanent accom-
plshments.
Mr. Stratton. who is director OF the bu-
reau OF standards. presided at the opening
session. He gave a brief review of the his
tory of the movement. which has for its OBJ
ject the adoption of uniform standards Of
weights and measures, and discussed the
steps leading up to the establishment of the
bureau of standards Mr.. Stratton empha-
sized the need of decided and early action
by calling attention to the great diversity
OF standards In the various states, giving
rise to Inconvenience and embarrassment in
interstate trade.
Plan to Secure Cooperation.
II was pointed out that in order to obtain
the cooperation of the state legislatures II
would be a good plan for the delegates to
visit the governors of their respective states
and to lay the whole matter before the state
executives. The alternative method would
be to have the subject presented to Con-
gress for its sole action. In this connection,
however..it was suggested that the question
might be held to be wholly state matter.
The laws in Virginia the subject were
discussed by Mr.. john w. Richardson of
Richmond
The following delegates were present at
the opening session: c. j. Norwood Ken
lucky: III. l.. p. Wolf. Maryland; D. C. "
Palmer Massachusetts; W. A. Bayer New
Mexico f. Rechnnan. New York b. F.
Thomas Ohio: George H. Pettlls Rhode
Island. r. F. Hazen. Vermont: John w
Richardson. Virginia: w. C. Haskell S. W.
Stratton and J.. A. Fischer, District of CO.
lumbia.
Recommend Adverse Action.
The Cnmr1ai sssinnpf-s have ranorfad thu.