Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1915-06-19
'STUART OPPOSES !.
SLAUGHTER|NG
Executive Would Protect
Dairying Industry of
Virginia
AID STATES WEALTH
Old Dominion Now Buying Millions
of Dollars Of Dairy Products From
State of Wisconsin.

Richmond, June 19-Extensive
slaughtering of dairy cows, which
threatens a milk famine and the des-
truction of the dairying interest of
the State, may be checked without
endangering the public health, ac-
cording to State and city officials and
representatives. of the dairymen.
That the situation is serious one
and that the public health must be
protected at all hazards is conceded
by the officials and the dairymen alike.
Many conferences have been held re-
Gently to discuss the danger from cows
affected with tuberculosis, and the
best means of safeguarding the pub
lie while averting, if possible, the f.
nancial ruin of the dairy owners and
an attendant shortage of the milk
supply.
Governor Stuart, who has been con-
suited by different officials and who
has, in turn, consulted with repre-
sentatives of the dairying interests,
is evincing a lively interest in this
new problem.
Late yesterday afternoon the Gov
ernor gave out the following state
mcnt to the public.
"After full consultation with B. L.
Purcell, State Dairy and Food Com
missioner; DR.. E. G. Levy, Chief
Health Officer of Richmond; DR.. j..
G.. Ferneyhough, State Veterinarian
and others officially connected with
and interested in the preservation of
the public health on the one hand, and
prominent dairymen from various
parts of the State and especially tine
CITY of Richmond on the other hand,
II am convinced that action will soon
be taken which, while it will in no
wise jeopardize the public health>or
relax proper rules for its safety, yet
will arrest the slaughter of dairy
COWS which now threatens the des-
truction of the dairying interest OF
the State as well as the local milk
supply of Richmond and many other
localities.
"Many enterprising men already
engaged in the dairying business
with a considerable outlay Of capital
for live stock and plant, and many
other equally enterprising men who
have been preparing to enter this
most inviting business are now dis
couraged to the point Of seeking new
! lines of business and will certainly
do so if some element of permanency
and stability is not promptly given
to this business.
! at is confidently believed that the
large class of worthy citizens engag-
ed in dairying in Virginia will soon
be relieved of apprehension, and op-
portunities accorded others to enter
the business, all by set of rules and
regulations which will give thorough
projections to the public in the mat
j ter of milk supply, and at the same
time prevent traffic in diseased ami
mails.
"Virginia occupies position of eX'
ceptional advantage for the develop
ment of the dairying business, busl
ness which has done wonders in build
ing up States like Wisconsin ant
Michigan, not only in the matter o1
moneved returns from the business
but in added fertility to the soil
Virginia cannot afford to give VI
what she has in this line or to dis
courage further development OF 1t
but upon the contrary she should {
| rive every encouragement and tacl
lity consistent with the public health
to the expansion of business whlc'
would leave annually several million
dollars in Virginia that is now goini
TO States less favorably situated TO
dairyinc than ourselves.