THE ETHICS OF FOOD 533 



Another interest which was found blocking the wheels 

 of legislation, unless concessions could be granted, were the 

 compounders of intoxicating drinks. Various forms of distilled 

 beverages were offered to the people of the United States under 

 false and misleading names. Liquors compounded with neutral 

 spirits, flavours and colours were represented as " old, aged in 

 wood " and as being particular kinds of whisky, brandy, rum 

 or gin. The Wholesale Liquor Dealers' Association of the 

 United States kept a keen eye on the progress of legislation 

 and in a circular issued a short time before the food law was 

 passed urged the members to contribute liberally to the funds 

 for watching legislation, on the ground that, in previous Con- 

 gresses, they had successfully prevented the passage of food 

 and drug bills which did not meet with their approbation. 



Other parties who opposed the passage of the Food and Drug 

 Act were the manufacturers who used drugs in their foods. 

 These manufacturers were constantly appearing before com- 

 mittees to urge the legalisation of certain forms of preservatives 

 and colours by specific legislation or a wording of the Act 

 which would enable them to continue their practices after 

 the bill should become law. In fact, at the beginning of the 

 agitation for a national law, it is probable that a large percentage 

 of the trade engaged in the manufacture and sale of food 

 and drug products was either opposed to any legislation what- 

 ever or extremely apathetic respecting it. As scientific inquiry 

 proceeded, however, many manufacturers and dealers gradually 

 abandoned the stand they had taken and instead of being 

 opponents of legislation they became its advocates. This 

 only goes to show that the evil which was to be removed 

 was of a nature which, when shown in its full character to 

 the honest manufacturer, led him to join the army of those 

 who were seeking to correct it. 



Among the great organisations which were constantly in 

 favour of legislation of this kind should be mentioned parti- 

 cularly the American Medical Association. From the outset 

 the medical fraternity of the country has promoted legislation, 

 both in the State and in the Nation. While it is true that there 

 are many physicians who have either been indifferent to the 

 matter or actively opposed it, they are isolated in number 

 and have no commanding influence in the councils of medical 

 bodies. Both national and state medical associations have 



