Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1925-03-28
Federal Inspection A Substitute For
Local-Farmers' Interests
Are Safeguarded.
PROBABLE APPLICATION
FOR GOVERNMENT INSPECTION

There is no question more peril
nent nor more vital to the people of
the Peninsula, of Delaware, Maryland
and Virginia than the price the farm
ers receive for their produce.
Within the memory of the present
generation, the Agricultural industry
of this little section of the country
has developed from very meager pro-
portions to one of gigantic magni-
tude. A generation ago farming was
considered as almost nothing; to-day
practically every department of busi
ness and social life is dependent upon
the success of the soil; today more
thought is being given to the progress
of Agriculture than to any other
branch of business. Why? Because
everyone realizes that his individual
success can come about only through
the success of the farmer.
The development of Agriculture on
this Peninsula has been exceedingly
interesting. twenty-five years ago
farmers shipped to only about three
markets - Baltimore, Philadelphia,
and New York. At that time grading
was unknown and, seemingly, it was
an unnecessary hardship and expense.
Afterward came the organized Sales
agencies and the subsequent grading
poo1yi,,~ educational d,
Through these organized Sales agen-
cies produce has been distributed to.
all parts of the United States, Canada,
and%Cuba, thereby enabling the farm
er to procure the highest market
price for his commodities.
A great deal has been said during
the last few months about diversified
farming and it would seem that this
subject should have the hearty ap-
proval of the farmers. The old adage
"Don't put all of your eggs in one
basket" While this is important, yet
the most vital subject to the farmer
from a financial standpoint, is the
one that has been under discussion
here this week.
Last Wednesday afternoon repre-
sentatives from the Department of
Agriculture met the officials of the
local Produce Exchange to explain
and discuss the matter of Federal In
spection instead of individual Ex-
change inspection. The advantages of
Federal inspection, as explained are
very obvious.
First: Federal inspection eliminates
contentious between the grower and
shipper concerning grade and quality,
because it is made by disinterested
representative of the Government.
Second: Federal inspection will es
tablish, without question, the abso-
lutte facts concerning the produce con-
tanned in cars.
Neither the grower nor the Selling
Agency can object to either of these
two points unless there is a dispo-
sition on the part of one or the other
to "cover-up" something.
Third: A Federal inspection certifi-
cate is prima facie evidence in Court.
Therefore it should save the farmers
hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The weakness Of practically all the
Produce Brokers is to make unjust
complaints concerning the contents of
cars upon arrival, and especially if
the market is declining. Federal in
spection will compel them to take
the cars they have ordered regardless
as to market conditions. If they fail
to do so it is sold for their account
and suit is entered for any loss sus-
tanned thereby. Hence Federal in
spection makes it obligatory that a
Broker give the farmer square
deal. ~
Fourth: A Federal inspection cer-
tifcate will enable the shipper to get
a more equitable settlement from the
railroad company in the event of loss
account of damage or delay in tran
sit. For when the shipper shows a
Federal inspection certificate with the
actual condition of contents at point
eof origin recorded thereon-and this
certificate being prima facie evidence
ili court-the railroad claim adjusters
will cease their past method of forced
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