Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-26
Secretary RedfieId Says the
Weights and Measures Sys-
TEN Suppresses Liars.
ADDRESS TO CONVENTION
AT STANDARDS BUREAU
Dr.. Alsberg Discusses Net Weight
Amendment to the Food and
Drugs Act.

This society Is the most formidable
branch of the great American society
for the suppression of liars" declared
Secretary William c. Redfield of the
Department of Commerce, opening the
ninth annual conference on the weights
and measures of the United States, in
the bureau Of standards this morning.
The convention is to last four days.
This branch Of our departments ac-
tivity has always appealed to me in a
peculiar way continued the Secretary.
TT has in marked way the confidence
of our Congress and the executive.
II like to think of this as the place
where selfishness stays outside. For here
we seek and find truth with infinite be-
lief in its value. This is one of the rare
spots in the world where truth Is sought
and taught for it's own sake. Here we
act on behalf of US all to find that which
Is of use to ALL The work done here is
catholic IN its sympathies and universal
in its scope"
Compliments the Director.
Secretary Redfeld complimented DR..
s. W. Stratton. director of the bureau of
standards, highly, and then continued
his praise of the work done by the
weights and measures men Of the differ
ent states.
You are concerned with fundamental
often obscured beneath alluring head
lines. To pierce beneath shams and to
get at the truth Is a thing sorely needed
in this land of ours.
The men in this conference are the
antennae with which the bureau reaches
down into practical usefulness You are
the live wires Of the department. You
are preachers-preachers Of the gospel
Of truth and the square deal"
DR.. Stratton addressed the conference
briefly on the work of the bureau during
the past year L. A. Fisher. secretary
of the convention. submitted his report
Amendment to Existing Law.
DR.. Carl l. Alsberg. chief of the bu-
reau of chemistry. made an address on
the Net Weight Amendment to the Ma
tional Food and Drugs Act" pointing
out to his hearers how different the en-
forcement of the law by the federal gov
eminent is from enforcement by states
DR.. Alsberg showed the nationwide view
which the federal government must take
of the situation whereas the state gov
ernments are confronted with their own
local problems only.
In such staples as sugar and flour the
manufacturers weigh with great ac-
curacy, declared Dr. Alsberg. Barrels OF
sugar are weighed to one ounce, and 1856
pound sacks Of -four are seldom ever
more than one-fourth pound out of the
way.
ut seems absolutely impossible for
cracker manufacturers to put up their
crackers and state the weight accurate
ly. So cracker men purposely understate
the weight, sometimes as much as so per
cent. to be on the safe side of the law.
1T is a question" smiled DIR. Alsberg,
whether an understatement SO great is
a compliance with the federal act
The conference was addressed also by
Fred R. Drake, ex-president Of the Na-
tional Wholesale Grocers' Association. on
Tho Metric System"
Other Features Of Proceedings.
c. C. Neale, commissioner Of weights
and measures Of Minnesota, gave DEM
onstration showing the necessity Of main
tanning scale levers level and the level
connections plumb.
The afternoon session was devoted to
an address by F. P. Downing Of Wiscon-
sin on Creamery. Prescription and Jew
elers' Weighing and Measuring Appli-
ances." Mr.. Downing asserted that
druggists scales and prescription glasses.
contrary to the general opinion. are quite
inaccurate.
: Following the address the members Of
the conference inspected the manufac-
turers' exhibit and the laboratories Of
the bureau. Tomorrow mornings ses-
sion is to be devoted to hearing at the
Capitol before the committee on weights
and measures followed. if practicable by
a reception by President Wilson at the
White House.
The officers of the conference are s. w
6tratton, president: William L. Waldron,
vice president: Louis A. Fischer, score
tary. and Charles c. Neale, treasurer