The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1907-05-10
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FARM DIsTILLATIoN.


One OF the most important pieces
of Legislation by Congress at the last
session was the adoption of Senator
Hansbrough's amendments to the free
alcohol laaw Many supporters of the
original measure had expected that it
would enable the farmer to manu-
facture small quantities of spirits for
use in running portion of his ma
chinery. To some agriculturists that
privilege would be more welcome than
any increased demand for their corn
by wholesale distillers. When there
fore, it was discovered that the proper
provision had not been made the Sen
ator from North Dakota took the lead
in a movement to correct the over
sight and was entirely successful. The
new law does not go into effect until
next September, but it will then be
permissible for anybody who complies
with regulations which the Commits
sioner of Internal Revenue is requir-
ed to issue to distil on his own prem
Uses a quantity of alcohol not exceed
ing hundred gallons (about two
barrels) daily. 1t does not matter
how little he produces or how much
of the time his still stands idle. The
all important thing is not to exceed
the prescribed limit in an interval of
twenty+four hours.
Before availing himself of the OPP
portunity, soon to be open to him
= ~, x,;l1 IN toin q VIC.
riety of information. For some of
this he must look to the head OF the
Internal Revenue Bureau. Mr.. Yer
kes alone can tell him how large a
bond he must give to guarantee the
government against fraud, what kind
Of storage tank will meet with the
approval of the government, how often
and under what circumstances the at
tendance of an inspector can be Sc
cured to release the product from the
tank, and what sort of poison and how
much must be added to the alcohol in
orde rto make it available for use
and exempt from tax. Certain other
facts-the price of denaturing sub
stances, for instance, and the differ
ence between grain (of ethyl alcohol
and wood Tor methyD alcohol-any
intelligent farmer can ascertain for
himself. Even then, however, it will
be injudicious to go ahead without
suitable instruction in regard to meth
DDS and materials. Practically ali
kinds of vegetation, including such
unpromising articles as sawdust and
dry chips, can by suitable treatment
be made to yield ethyl alcohol, but in
most cases the quantity would be too
small to pay Besides, what might
be an economical source in one re-
gion might prove wastefully eXpen-
sive elsewhere. Without helpful guild
apce the choice of materials, there
fore continuously disheartening mis-
takes may be made.
Foreseeing this possibility, Mr..
Hansborough has suggested to the Sec
rotary of Agriculture that a circular
be prepared for the enlightenment OF
such farmers as wish to attempt dis
tillation The plan is an excellent
one The Senator from North Da-
kOCa IS UOuUIlSSS aware IAdI 0OSo-
ments relating to the subject have al
ready been issued under Secretary
Wilson's auspices, but he may think
that they are so voluminous as to be
confusing to the novice. Other men
entertain that opinion, at any rate,
and have wished for more succnct
presentation of the matter and for
something more specific in the way
of advice. 1t is thought probable that
the Internal Revenue bureau will is
sue it's new regulations about July
1, or two months before the law goes
into effect If Secretary Wilson saw
his way clear to comply with Sena-
tor Hansborough's request, at that
time or even sooner, he would I'M
questionably help those interests for
the promotion of which his depart
ment of the government was esta-
lished.-New York Tribune.