The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1909-04-01

is nlgnly 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 a 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 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-
tails" which are not condemned. "On
the WHOLE" the report says, "the grain
hospital system is 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-
ficiaries of the sale of the screenings.
The report finds that dockage is in
creasing as grain becomes more foul
with other seeds, but m 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
$150,000 a year. In addition they pay
freight on all this volume of dockage
for which they get no money.
Should Keep It at Home.
ut 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
on the same besides"
The report explains the Minnesota
inspection system in detail. 1t tells
how samples are taken, and in each
case saved for inside inspection, and
for reinspection when called for.
These are taken when possible while
en- route, samplers being stationed at
Willmar, Melrose. Staples. Cass Lake
and Sandstone. In this way inspec-
tion 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
is taken and inspected by board of
three men, appointed by the governor
and not under the railroad and ware
house commission. Grain dockage is
determined by finely adjusted scales
and sieves.
The state weighing system comes in
for chapter, which is also free from
criticism. Attention is called to the
Minnesota statute, which requires a
card giving the outweigh to be placed
on the door, SO if there is discrepan-
cy it can be looked into Immediately.
This is recommended as a GOOD prac-
tice for North Dakota.
Suction Draft Necessary.
The suction SYSTEM" SO roundly
condemned by the North Dakota Bank
ers' association, was investigated and
found to be very proper and neces-
sary process. The commissioners
found that suction is not applied be-
fore weighing, so no light grain is
lost, and the subject is then dismissed
in the following manner:
"A visit was made by our board to
Elevator &C" at Minneapolis, where a
test was made Of the suction draft in
our presence. At this elevator we
discovered that the suction draft, as
we found it in operation at that time,