SIXTH DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. . r >4 1 



it in the English markets, nor is this strange when you think about it and 

 remember that a pure brandy is almost unknown except in California. 



Again, there are some efforts made by the people of California in legis- 

 lation, and with flattering prospects of success. I mean the "Spurious 

 Wine Bill," and free fortification of our sweet wines. The first bill has for 

 its object the stamping of all fictitious wines and compounds with a reve- 

 nue stamp. This stamp will set forth, and must do so truly, or it will be 

 confiscated, by the ingredients which constitute such a beverage. You can 

 sec it at once, that this will end all sales as wine, excepl pure wine made 

 from grapes, for that will be free from any stamps, tints designating at a 

 glance the pure wine from the adulterated. This will not only stop the 

 sale of the one, but the confidence of each consumer of wine, with the cer- 

 tainty before him that it is pure, will double consumption at once. The 

 first resolution formulated about this measure was introduced by me in 

 our Board of Viticulture, and that Board, through its chief executive, Mr. 

 Wetmore, has worked hard and faithfully to make it a law, and it is the 

 belief of Governor Stanford and our whole Pacific Coast delegation that 

 we will succeed; for it is just and right, and the only objection that can be 

 urged against us is by those who wish for crooked methods, for it simply 

 gives to each its due, and every article stands on its own true merits. 



The bill allowing the free fortification with brandy made from grapes 

 to make port, angelica, sherry, and like wines, will add much benefit to the 

 grape industry, for it not onl\ T allows this for ourselves, but it permits us 

 to place our brandy in bond and sell it to wine makers without paying the 

 tax of ninety cents a gallon to our eastern brothers engaged in making 

 wine, for they will need our brandy to fortify their wines, for they cannot, 

 by reason of the enhanced cost of growing their grapes, afford to make 

 brandy for their own use. This would make a demand for a variously 

 estimated quantity — from one hundred to two hundred thousand gallons 

 of brandy. Nor is the gain to us any loss to these; it is a gain for those 

 also, for they can buy it cheaper than they can produce it themselves; nor 

 is it any injury to any one, for it only makes it possible for us to make a 

 pure and genuine product for the consumption of a healthful wine, which 

 will take the place of a spurious article imported from France mainly; for 

 that country, by long experience in blending and compounding, and by 

 reason of getting free corn spirits from us, which they use without having 

 to pay the revenue tax, can sell it back in their compounds and undersell 

 us. 



It is now the desire of both political parties to reduce the revenue, and 

 many expedients are suggested. Here is a case where, if we do not pro- 

 duce an article which is admitted better than the imported, by reason of 

 its purity, will be furnished by foreign countries, whereas, if produced here 

 it lends aid to the prosperity of the most charming agricultural industry 

 in the world, and giving employment to thousands of refined and contented 

 fruit growers. 



The bill has passed the Senate, and it is believed will pass the House at 

 next session of Congress. When passed, it will add much value to every 

 vineyard in this State. Senator Stanford places the increased value to eveiy 

 vineyard at twenty-five per cent. There has been much said in the cause 

 of temperance. Its evils have been painted by the master minds, and not 

 in too vivid colors, and I believe and feel with all advocates of that cause. 

 I, however, differ in the remedy, for I do not believe that total abstinence 

 will ever work the cure aimed at. It will not do, either, for one to judge the 

 other by himself. What is necessary for one, or what may not be required 

 by one, is a necessity for another. The general man requires a stimulant. 



