PROCEEDINGS OF KINDRED SOCIETIES. 231 



pure vinegar. This practically shut Schuyler & Cook out of their best 

 market and was one of the causes of their failure. The affairs of the 

 company are now in the hands of a receiver." 



These two cases are cited to show the power of a food commission. 

 Sales of spurious goods are cut off by simply informing the public of 

 what ingredients they are composed. Expensive litigation is unnecessary 

 and a small appropriation may be made to cover a great amount of work. 



We ask to have done only what has in recent times been proved neces- 

 sary in European countries as well as in our own. Legislation on this 

 subject has in recent years been demanded and given in Great Britain, in 

 Holland, in Germany, and in France, severely punishing adulterations of 

 foods, drinks, and medicines. 



It is unwise to set up a shout of " no more officers," regardless of the 

 ever-increasing needs of a growing community. We want new officers if 

 there is work for them to do. We are willing to be taxed if the money is 

 used wisely, as it must be in this case. 



The practice of adulteration is increasing, and our neighboring states, 

 by establishing commissions, are narrowing the territory in which they 

 may be sold. Michigan is therefore becoming more and more a dumping 

 ground for poor supplies, a statement we know to be substantiated by facts, 

 and w^hich is not flattering to our state pride. 



The cost in Ohio has been as low as $6,000 per year, including chemists' 

 expenses. The people of that state have saved that cost many times, 

 enjoying in addition a purer food supply, the value of which cannot be 

 estimated in dollars and cents. We say to the members of our state 

 legislature : 



Gentlemen, Michigan is using adulterated foods costing more than 

 $20,000,000 yearly. Is it worth while to cut this short by an outlay of a 

 few thousands? Would it not prove the most profitable investment the 

 state of Michigan ever made? Is it worth your while to investigate this 

 matter? 



The next topic was "National and State Legislation," which was very 

 ably handled by O. S. Miller of Holly, New York, who proceeded to give 

 a history of the vinegar law in the state of New York, how it was secured 

 and also how it was enforced. Remarks were also made by Wm. A. Her- 

 ring, G. F. Allmendinger, A. Tucker, C. H. Godfrey, and others. 



On motion of A. Tucker, a committee was appointed to go before the 

 legislature and look after the framing of a bill for the appointment of a 

 food commissioner for the state of Michigan, consisting of G. F. Allmen- 

 dinger, H. B. Davis, and C. H. Godfrey. 



On motion, the meeting adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at 8:30 

 o'clock A. M. 



Thursday Morning's Session. 



The meeting was called to order by the secretary, in the absence of 

 both the president and vice-president, when C G. Hampton was given an 

 opportunity to show his company's machinery, which he did in a very few 

 words. 



