Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-17
FAIR DEAL IN TRADE
Uniform Laws as to Weiqhts
and Measures Proposed.
STATE DELEGATES CONFER
Increased Efficiency as to Methods of
Enforcing Regulations.
MEET AT STANDARD BUREAU
Representatives Are Welcomed by
Director Stratton and Shown
Operations of Experts.
MEET AT STANDARD BUREAU

Uniformity Of weights and measures
not in the fine scientific GraGations in
voving millionths of miilimcter hut in
the homely matter of the right weight
| for pound of steak. and 10 false bot
| toms in strawberry boXes-was the sub
| ject of an important conference between
delegates from the various states at the
bureau OF standards today.
The big bureau that can measure the
weight Of a lead pencil mark sheet
of paper or the shade of a candlepower
| in an electric light globe is not wholly
welded TO this sort of refinement The
meeting today was to get square deal
for the man who trades at the corner
grocery store.
! Objects of Conference.
| Representatives. appointed by the gov
ernors of many states are here with the
object to promote uniformity in the va
| rious laws covering the weights and
measures in the various states. Most
states have such laws. There is already
nsderable uniformity. but there is n
decided lack of unanimity as 10 the
methods of enforcing them.
! One of the schemes that has been
preached for meeting the situation is to
| have a federal la " on the subject This
! is d matter that could come only into
q cademic conflict with the states rights
theory.
| If at the end of the conference how
ever. it is decided that any objection car
, he raised to this plan. il is thought that
the states will be urged t" adopt identical
| laws and each enfore them within its
own boundary.
the assembly hall of the bureau of stand
ards. The delegates were welcomed by
DR.. Stratton. director.
Delegates to Conference.
Tosc who had been appointed by the
governors to attend were +. Reichmann.
| Albany, ~ y: Daniel c. V Palmer. Bos-
ton, Mass: George IL. Pettis, Providence,
r. l.: benjamin r. Thomas. Columbus,
Ohio; J. Sutton Wall. Harrisburg. Pa.
I.senas G. Weld. Iowa City, Iowa: Philip
Cook. Atlanta. Ga; H. J.. p. Woolf. Ralt-
more. Md: w. c. Haskell. Washington.
d. G.: T. +. Hazen. 81. .JohnsburN. Vt:
r. G. Humphreys Mississippi: Frank \.
Julian. Mont gomery. Ma; r. l.. Bruner,
sing. Mich: %. J. Salisbury. Salt Lake
City. Utah: Edward l.. Brown. Lawrence.
Kan
The delegates were shown over the bu-
reau and expressed great interest in the
methods Of standardization. Tic institu-
ton is one Of the mos: thoroughly equip
ped in this regard in the world \ special
collection had been made for the benefit
of the visitors to show the Standardizing
scales and measures in use by the local
inspectors in different countries.
Stated Purposes.
The purposes of the conferences as set
forth are:
The object of these conferences is to
improve the inspection OF commercial and
trade weights and mea Sures in the diff
ferent states. and to make them uniform
throughout the Union. Also to promote
the adoption of uniform laws on the sub
ject and to increase the efficiency Of The
officers in charge of the state standards
by the exchange OF views and experiences.
The rela ton between questions pertain
ing to the standards and those arising III
connection with the regulation and inSDec-
ton of the weights and measures used in
commerce and ttade is 50 important that
cooperation between the officials haVin :;
these matters in charre is absolutely es
sential in order to secure uniform and
efficient results.
Not only is the public interested in hon
est weights and measures bat associations
Of dealers kennly desire that q uniform
system of inspection. be adopted which
would protect the honest dealers from
the dishonest competition Of short weight
dealers. The public and the honest deal
er alike. /. is coHtended. Will profit by Off
cial guarantee that the weights and meas
ureS o. common trade are accurate and
that the measurement of commodities
| placed sale is in accord with the best
standard practice.