Washington State journal and Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1906-1907, 1907-04-10
ALCOHOL ON THE FARM
BY Next September Farmers May
Begin Their Own Distillation

One of the most important pieces of
Legislation by congress at the last ses-
sion was the adoption of Senator Hans
brough's amendments to the free alco-
hol law. Many supporters of the origi-
nal measures had expected that it
would enable the farmer to manufac-
ture small quantities of spirits for use
in running portion of his machinery.
To some agriculturists that privilege
would be more welcome than any in
creased demand for their corn by whole
sale distillers. When, therefore, it is
discovered that the proper provision
had not been made the Senator from
Mort Dakota took the lead in q move
mem to correct the oversight, and
was Entirely successful. The new law
does not 60 into effect until next
Septsmber, but It will then be per-
missible for any body who complies
with regulations which the com mis-
sioner of internal revenue is required
to issue to distil on his own premises a
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 "A hours.
Before availing himself Of the op-
portunity soon to be open to him, the
farmer win need to obtain q variety
Of information. For some Of this he
must look to the head Of the internal
revenue bureau. Mr.. Yerkee alone
can tell him how large q 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 attendance Of
IN Inspector can be secured to release
the product from the tank, and what
sort Of poison and how much must be
added to the alcohol in order 10 make
it available for use and exempt from
tax. Certain other facts the price
of denaturing substances, for instance,
and the difference between grain Tor
ethyl alcohol and wood Tor metpyI
alcohol any intelligent farmer can
ascertain tor himself. Even then,
however, it will be injudicious to go
ahead without suitable instructions in
regard to methods and materials.
Practically all kinds of vegetetion in
cluding such unpromising articles as
sawdust and dry chips, can by suitable
treatment, be made to yield ethyl, but
in most cases the quantity would be too
small to pay. Besides, what might be
an economical source in one region
might prove wastefully expensive else
where. Without helpful guidance in
the choice of materials, therefore,
needlessly disheartening mistakes may
be made.
Foreseeing this possibility, Mr.. Hans
brough has suggested to the secretary
of agriculture, that circular be pre-
pared for the enlightenment of such
farmers as wish to attempt distillation.
The plan is an excellent one. The SEN
ator from North Dakota is doubtless
aware that documents relating to the
subject have already been issued under
Secretary Wilson'S auspices, but he
may think that they are so voluminous
as to be confusing to the motive. Other
men entertain that opinion, at any rate
and have wished for a more succinct
presentation of the matter and for
something more specific in the way Of
advice. 1t is thought probable that
the internal revenue bureau will issue
its new regulations about July l, or two
month before the law goes into effect.
If Secretary Wilson saw his way clear
to comply with Senator Hansbrough's
request, at that time or even sooner, he
would unquestionably help those in
terests for the promotion of which his
department of the government was es-
tablished. New York Tribune.