The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1910-11-17
Err, i OWatrhntan.
FOR HONEST STANDARDS.

The substitute weights and mea-
sures bill presented by the Commit
tee on Internal Affairs appears to be
reasonable measure and If enacted
into law should go far toward remedy
Ing conditions that are becoming in
t0lerable.
The bill provides that the United
States standard shall be the Vermont
standard. The Governor is given the
power on or before January 1, 1911,
to appoint a Commissioner of Weights
and Measures for term of two years
at salary of $500 and a reasonable
allowance for necessary expenses and
clerical assistance. This official is to
have power to name not to exceed
three inspectors, whose remuneration
is to be fixed by the Governor He is
to have charge of the State standards
which are to be kept at the State
House and as often as once in five
years is to correct the standards of
the several cities and towns.
The work of local sealers is to be
inspected and the commissioner and
his inspectors are given power to,
inspect all weights, scales and instru-
ments for measurements used in COM
mercial transactions.
Police power is given these officials
in the performance of their duties.
A maximum fine OF 500 is established
for first offence of person having
in his possession for use in trade, d
false weight or measure, and a maxi
mum fine of $500 for a second Of
fence. The same penalties are pro-
vided for selling less quantity than
represented. All fines collected Will
be used toward defraying the en-
penses of the department Each
treasurer of town or city must pro-
vide and keep in repair in his office
the following standard measures
One-half bushel, one peck, one-half
peck, one gallon. one two-quart, one
yard measure ana such scales and
weights as the town directs.
The extent of short weights and
measures has been demonstrated very
effectively, of late. Owing 10 the fra
lily of human nature, it is probable
that some Vermont dealers deliber-
ately give false weights and measure
ments, but the greater part OF the
evil comes in some kinds of package
goods, which fall short of the amount
rep1 esented. This is very extensive
evil, and one which the local dealer
in many instances cannot prevent The
American consumer naturally prefers
a neat and. attractive package, and
probably is willing to pay little
more than for goods in bulk, but he
has a right to honest measure.
One of the great evils of such q
practice is that it encourages dishon-
esty in other places. If certain pack
ages a little short in weight, or Ger
tain dress goods little short in
measurement may be passed without
detection, the tendency is to spread
the system very generally.
Times are suffic emily hard without
making them harder by false weights
and measurements. The buyer must
be given the quantity for which he
pays. Within the past decade great
advance has been made in the matter
of the purity of foods and drugs. The
next step to be taken is to make sure
that the quantity is right.
Vermont has been made a dumping
ground for short weight goods from
other States long enough. Such q
law will be a protection to the honest
dealer as well as the consumer. This
is one of the important bills of the
session ard ought to be passed