The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-04-02


Of North Dakota. The report of this
commission has just been issued, and
is highly pleasing to the Minnesota
officials, who have all along declared
the accusations made by Senator Nc
Cumber to be unjust. The commits
sion's findings do not bear out the
senator's statements made in q speech
on the federal grain inspection bill,
though the commission also goes on
record for federal system of inspec-
ton.
The North Dakota investigation was
made by A. R. Thompson, M. o. Hall
and e. D. Washburn, and it was a
most searching inquiry, made under
instructions which called for careful
examination of such questions as the
Suction draft system in terminal ele-
vators, dockage, the disposition Of
screenings, and their value. The re-
port is thorough on these subjects,
and finds no wrong done to the grain
shipper which he is not able himself
to prevent. The courtesy of the Min
nesota officials is acknowledged, also
their frankness in giving the visitors
access to everything, and the North
'Dakotans say that their hosts "appar-
emily had nothing to conceal"
Distinction Not Understood.
The report says that North Dako-
'tans need to distinguish between the
public elevators and the terminals,
and the semi-public houses, which
handle the bulk of the grain and are
not prohibited from mixing different
consignments together.
This" says the report, "is a phase
Of the terminal grain business that
has been quite generally misunder-
stood by our North Dakota shippers
and farmers, who seem to think that
all the elevators of Minneapolis are
public houses, where the identity of
the grain must be preserved as re-
ceived." Some comment is made on
the mixing houses or grain hospi-
'als" which are not condemned. ION
the whole" the report says, "the grain
hospital system is a business practice
whereby inferior and unmarketable
grain is improved and made market
able" 1t is suggested that these
places would serve good public pur-
pose providing the profits they make
are indirectly reflected back to the
producer of the superior grades which
they handle. They are also bene-
iciaries of the sale of the screenings.
The report finds that dockage is in
creasing as grain becomes more foul
with other seeds, but in 1908 was only
an average of 1926 ounces to the
bushel. Screenings are now sold at
from 81 to SIS ton, and it is estimat-
ed that in this way North Dakota
grain raisers practically give away
100000 a year. In addition they pay
freight on all this volume of dockage
Tor which they get no money.
Should Keep It at Home.
1T may appear impracticable," the
commissioners say, "but nevertheless
the waste of this immense amount of
stuff, which is suitable for food pur.
poses for stock. would suggest the
idea that it should be kept at home,
and used by the farmers instead of
being given away and paying freight
IN the same besides"
The report explains the Minnesota
Inspection system in detail. It tells
how samples are taken, and in each
Ease saved for inside inspection, and
'or reinspection. when called for.
These are taken when possible while
IN route, samplers being stationed at
Willmar, Melrose. Staples, Cass Lake
Ind Sandstone. In this way inspec-
lion is generally made before the car
arrives at terminal, and appeal may
be taken without holding delivery of
The car very long. It is explained
that in case of appeals new sample
taken and inspected by board of
:hree men, appointed by the governor
ind not under the railroad and ware.
iouse commission. Grain dockage is
determined by finely adjusted scales
md sieves.
The state weighing system comes in
or chapter, which is also free from
criticism. Attention is called to the
Minnesota statute, which requires a
lard giving the outweigh to be placed
~ 1t can be looked into Immediately.
This is recommended as a good prac.
ice for North Dakota.
Suction Draft Necessary.
The Suction system" so roundly
condemned by the North Dakota Bank
'rs' association, was investigated and
tound to be a very proper and neces.
Iary process. The commissioners
!ound that suction is not applied be-
ore weighing, so no light grain is
ost, and the subject is then dismissed
n the following manner:
"A visit was made by our board to
Elevator &C" at Minneapolis, where a
lest was made Of the suction draft in
|ur presence. At this elevator we
discovered that the suction draft. as
We found it in operation at that time, ,
FIRST N. D. WOMAN EMeALMER. I