Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-31
TWO STATES ARE INTERESTED
INSPECTION OR ROSIN AND
TURPENTINE PROPOSED.
Bill in Congress Favored by Florida
and Opposed by Georgia-Charge
of Trust Raised.

With a determine ton to win mani
| tested by both advocates. and opponents.
the proposal for federal inspection of
naval stores designed to enter into inter-
state commerce, is proving to be a per-
picking problem for Congress. The meas
ure affects turpentine and rosin espe-
cally.
While the advocates are fighting to
have the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. bill en-
acted into law at this session, the oppo-
nents are not only attempting to defeat
such action by this Congress, but to hill
the entire proposition for all time
In the arguments that have been pre-
sented to the committees of the Senate
and House it has been said that the
federal inspection of turpentine and rosin
Is required to save the industry. and to
protect the consumer from frauds that
cannot be. or are not, prevented by such
state inspections as exist
Both bills were introduced by Florida
men and the arguments for the bill have
been presented largely by persons living
in Florida. 1t is therefore charged by
the opposition that the fight is largely
one between the states of Florida and
Georgia.
Arguments for the Bill.
Probably the most effective argument
so far advanced by the advocates of the
bill is that federal inspectiin alone can
save the industry. The state inspection
in Florida and Georgia. the only two
states that have authorized inspection. is
denounced as ineffective.
1t is argued that even if a state law
was effective in preventing adulteration
of turpentine and the grading up of rosln
while within the state, the possibilities of
| fraud while the products are in inter
state transportation, due to the fact that
% per cent is consumed beyond the south,
! are such that relief must be sought
! Besides the frauds said to be practiced.
! it is urged that under existing conditions
the American Naval Stores Company,
With headquarters at Savannah, Ga.
controls the market. and therefore that
independent producers being driven
out of the field. Hope is entertained. the
| advocates said. that federal inspection
would make the fight between the COM
pany and the independents more equal.
Claims of Opponents.
The opponents of the bill reply that the
cry of trust is made merely to strike
a blow at Savannah. because, under the
proposed law. the Florida product that
is now sent to the port of Savannah
would be sent to Florida ports, because
it would thus avoid becoming subject to
interstate commerce laws and regulations.
1t is also contended that the law would
ne SUCH q DuIueil On lile Industry tHdt
the small producer would be driven out
Of business and a monopoly created. The
charge is made also that the bill is de-
signed to strengthen the republican party
in the south by the creation of army
of federal inspectors. The bill will fall
far short of preventing grading up and
adulteration, it is said. because there is
nothing. to prevent these frauds after the
Shipments cease to be- articles in inter-
SfRtA'Gpmmerce. .zsssssSsssssAsS
I sarious Charges and counter
eEaJ gksT fliS aflon5 Is Becoming more
and sffefe dofnptcated. and II is doubtful
If any action will be taken by Congress
a this session.