New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-15
THE MILK SUPPLY.

That Dr. Darlington, the health officer of this
city, is beginning to profit by the numerous
discussions and investigations as to the best
means of protecting the milk supply from con-
taminatiOn was shown in his new set of rules,
approved by the Board of Health Wednes-
day afternoon. These rules are based upon the
general conclusion that contamination is most
likely to result from uncleanliness In the diaries,
carelessness Of employees. or illness of employees
or in their families. The regulations require a
practical health certificate from all who handle
the milk in any stage of its progress to the
dealer in this city
1t is wrong to suppose that the local depart
ment will of necessity be unable to control
conditions In dairies beyond its jurisdiction. or
course DR.. Darlington may illuminate against
careless dairy farmers all he pleases, and his
orders be ignored. A farmer in Pike County,
Penn may say to himself that he Will be
hanged if any New Yorker shall tell him what
to do in the way of cleaning up his place or
demanding that his employees shall be in good
health, etc. But when. after ignoring the or
ders from the Board of Health in the spirit OF
true independence, he finds in his mail re-
quest from his dealer 10 cease shipping until
the rules are complied with, the farmer may
decide that after all 1t would be well to place
some Importance upon the nicely printed mus
lin notices received from the far away New
York health office.
1t is thus that DR.. Darlington, refusing TO
permit the sale of milk in this city from
recalcitrant farmer. has a far reaching power
as effective as if backed by battleshps, armies
or courts And there will be no disposition on
the part OF the board to pass over violations
OF the new or old rules. or of rules still TO
be made One warning will follow a complaint
and that is all. The failure TO heed the warn
ing will mean the erection of a blockade against
the milk of the offending farmer. So far this
power has been most effective With this
weapon and through an increased number or
inspectors, Or. Darlington purposes TO safeguard
the citys milk, and If there should then be
shortage in the supply necessary to fill all de-
mands. the additional amount II from diaries
that through poverty or some other heavy
weight cause have been blacklisted, will have
to be pasteurized and marked accordingly.
DR.. Darlington must realize that back or the
recent agitation for pure milk there was an
irresistible public demand His seeming indlf-
ference to pressure TO compel an expression
of intention from him cannot have been due to
failure to recognize the urgency OF the situa-
ton He should know that his supervi-
sion of the diaries Will be watched with the
most insistent attention, and that should the
health Of the people suffer during the ensuing
warm period through defective milk supply,
he will be personally held responsible. He will
not be able To plead ignorance OF conditions.
He will have to face condemnation. for 1t will
be said rightfully that he knew the value OF
general pasteurlzation a measure OF safety.
and that he deliberately chose inspection and
close supervision as the better alternative.