The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1912-04-27
CONG. PLUMLEY WRITES
IN HIS OWN DEFENSE
Replies to Allegation of Hoard's Dairy
man That He Has Deserted the
Interests of the Farmer.

Representative Frank Plumlev of the
second Vermont district. who has been
attacked by Hoard's Dairyman. an agri-
cultural paper, because of alleged deser.
tion of the farming interests, makes the
following reply:
Editor Times: An editorial in Hoard's
Dairyman, issue of 5th instant, censure
me very severely for the attitude which
it alleges | have taken in Congress rela J.
tive to pending oleomargarine legislation.
know that The Dairyman has a large
circulation in Vermont among our dairy
farmers especially, and that it is highly
regarded by them. The article is so pos
tive in its assertions that | believe it
should be answered publicly. and hence
seek a place in your columns.
The statement which it makes con
cerning my attitude towards oleomar.
garipe legislation now pending in Con.
gress is in its entirety and in every par
ticular absolutely unwarranted BY the
facts.
The treasury department is responsible
for the administration of the present
law on that subject. 1t holds and for
some time has held that the present law
is inefficient both in the production of
revenue and in the prevention of fraudu-
lent sales. For some tune this depart.
ment has been asking for law that
would produce revenue and that would
prevent fraud As a result many bills
have been introduced. They were re.
ferred to the committee on agriculture
Of which | am the member from New
polD In !.
ferred to a committee Of five, three
Democrats and two Republicans. these
two being Mr.. Haugen of Iowa and my
self The bill which met with most
favor at the treasury department was
the Lever bill. 1t became our duty to
consider all the bills and make report
to the full committee
My position on these bills was stated
at the first meeting Of the sub-commt-
tee. II was that in the interest of the
huttermaker and Of the consumer all
fraud in the sale OF oleomargarIne must
be eliminated TO the last degree 50 far
as il can be done through congressional
action.
During the entire sitting of the sub
Mr.. W. Z. Carter Of Rutland.
president OF Vermont Dairymen's asso-
citation, was present. gave valuable as
sistance. knows my attitude towards the
matter from the beginning and approves
il, Hon. q. +. Smith Of Morrisyille,
master of the state grange. was present
al the hearings Of the full committee
knows my attitude and trusts me- The
late Representative Foster in his life
time, was in constant touch with me con.
cerning this legislation. knew of my DO.
sition and purpose and was in full ac.
cord Senators Dillingham; aud Page
have been advised with by nc, know and
fully sustain me in what have done
and in what am irving to do. Hon
o L. Martin Of plaindeld, commissioner
Of agriculture, has been consulted by
me- on this matter. as have others. and
approves Of my plan and purpose George
NJ. Whitaker, secretary Of the National
Dairy union, was in frequent conference
with Mr. Carter and myself while the
work OF the subcommittee was in prog
-ess
From this platform ! have net Gevi
,ted hair and shall not. No bill now
before the committee fully satisfies me.
believe there may be and should be
Improvement Efforts are being made to
q bill that will be satisfactory
% all interests That this may be done /
md done wisely, on a motion made by /
ne in the full committee recently. the
whole question has been postponed until (
ieNt December. Nothing but a bill which (
o the last degree prevents possible fraud I
lpon the buttermaker and fraud upon .
l.. - l.
by me,
Letters to or personal talks with any I.
If all Of the gentlemen named or with I
my or every member Of the committee
N agriculture are solicited BY me If 4
Of my statement is needed or
iesired.
| am. yours very truly.
Frank Plumley.