Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-29
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT Is DOING

How can one know that he has pur-
chased good plotting paper or a salts
factory paper towel or copying
TESTING paper? How does the paper
maker producing these papers
1apei' know that his product is going
to be really satisfactory? These are some
of the questions that have been and are
being answered by the paper laboratory
Of the bureau of chemistry. There is no
single method in general use for determin~
ing the absorbency of paper which is en-
tirely satisfactory. Consideration of this
problem by experts of the paper labora-
tory has resulted in the development Of
a single test by means Of which the alb
sorbent quality of paper can be more
definitely determined with the result that
both the users and makers of absorbent
papers are benefited.
The laboratory is continuing it's investi-
cations in developing methods for deter
mining the serviceability, durability and
suitability Of paper for special purposes
and under various conditions Of service
and to prepare specifications for papers OF
various kinds. The laboratory has CO.
operated with the paper industry and the
federal departments in meeting the OK
traordinary conditions imposed by the
war.
For example: About a year ago the
Navy Department found that the price OF
um-ferri-cyanide. which is essen
tial in the preparation of blueprint paper.
had increased from SIS cents to 81 per
pound, and was difficult to obtain at any
price. The laboratory. having this condi-
ton called to it's attention. suggested and
developed a method for preparing this
chemical for use in blueprint coating.
This method enabled the Navy Depart
ment to prepare blueprint coating at less
than one-half of what it would have cost
If bought on the open market. The method
is now in extensive use in the government
departments and in blueprint paper coat
ing establishments throughout the coun-
try, it has proven economical, and off1cta ais
Of the laboratory think that it will prove
SO even when normal conditions are re-
stored
Formerly the best blue and brown
print papers, which are extensively
used in all engineering work, and es-
pecially important at this time. were pro-
cured from abroad. The paper laboratory
has made definite specifications for this
class OF paper and assisted paper
makers through the government de-
partments in developing the making Of
this class of paper in the United States.
with the result that as good blue and
brown print paper is now made in this
country as can be had from France.
Many other problems of greater or
ton from the laboratory during the
past year. The advice and suggestions
of the experts of the laboratory have
been sought by paper manufacturers,
the departments and by other paper
users.
In addition to the many other duties
which devolve upon the Office of the
Judge advocate gen.
Legislation eral of the navy is
for the Navy. 1Ae rsdo, rsSula,,o ny
that this office conduct all correspond
ence for the department with both
houses of Congress and with the Presi-
dent concerning proposed legislation
relating to the personnel of the Navy
and Marine Corps and to draft all pro-
posed statutes on this subject.
1t is pointed out by officials in charge
of this work that the drafting of legis-
lation in apt language SO that intent
and result may harmonic is special
art, acquired only by long experience in
drafting and interpreting laws. In or
der that the draft may accurately ex-
press the desired meaning, and, at the
same time. not repeal or undesirably
affect existing law, it is essential that
the craftsman possess thorough
knowledge of all existing statutes
posed law. an intimate knowledge of
the subject matter with which he is
dealing and be thoroughly familiar
with the accepted canons of statutory
Interpretation. Otherwise. it is point
ed out. the result will most probably be
incomplete and inadequate legislation,
not infrequently involving conflict
with or repeal of important laws which
1t was not desired to modify.
One who has not had experience in
the Interpretation of statutes, say these
officials. can hardly realize the large
amount of study and consideration re-
quired to draft properly even a COM
paratively simple bill, but one who has
the duty Of interpreting statutes fully
appreciates the great value Of skillful
drafting, and is willing and even anx-
ious to devote many hours on a pro-
posed bill prior to it's enactment in an
effort to make it clearly convey the de-
sired meaning and nothing more. Espe-
cially is this SO it, as in some cases, he
knows that he will later be called upon
offlcially to interpret 1t.
1t is for this reason that the regula-
tons of the department assign to the
office OF the judge advocate general the
duty of drafting statutes with refer
ence to the naval personnel. Especial
attention is called by officials to this
point because there appears to be
lccIlHS ludL any one can Ofatt q STAT
ute. and the attempts Of some to do so
have been responsible, it is said, for
uncertainty of meaning and difficulties
OF administering certain legislation
which has been enacted for the benefit
Of the navy. For example. it has some
times happened that when officers are
before the naval committees of Con-
sress during hearings they have been
asked to submit to committees drafts
Of legislation covering. the features
they have advocated. In such cases the
drafts prepared by officers who have
no special training either in drafting
or interpreting statutes should, il is
commended, be referred to the judge
advocate generals office for editing
prior to their submission to the naval
committees.
This is not done always, and there
fore the navy is subjected at times to
ambiguity and confusion in it's laws
and perhaps deprived of benefits which
congress intended to confer, but which
the craftsman of the statute. was un-
able to put into words. while at the
same time believing and representing
submitted would accomplish the desired
result.
Right at this time. when thousands
of our industrial workers are prepar-
ing to claim
Military Service exemption from
and the Industries. .auso a. ., IT,