182 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



shape or form, whether by man or domestic animal, which contained 

 wood alcohol. Its stupefying and intoxicating effects are especially 

 pronounced, and it is claimed that deaths were accredited to its 

 use where drinkers consumed it while partaking of distilled or 

 alcoholic liquor supposed to be commercially pure. Pennsylvania 

 produces a large quantity of wood alcohol, but the manufacturers 

 have no desire to dispose of their product for any improper or harm- 

 ful use. In other cases, it is said, that representatives of foreign 

 firms boldly declared that refined wood alcohol could be safely 

 and profitably substituted for grain alcohol in the manufacture of 

 remedies intended solely for external use. It is unfortunately true 

 that some druggists are, therefore, compounding spirits of camphor, 

 liniments, bay rum and other preparations with this insidious poison. 

 It is sincerely regretted that the officers of the Dairy and Food 

 Division have no jurisdiction over such adulterations. There is some 

 consolation in the knowledge that the present conditions lead to a 

 cultivation of the tastes of the people for milder beverages. 



A PERSONAL RESUME OF THE SITUATION. 



While there are available unobjectionable methods of preserving 

 foods, and while there is no proven real or actual need for the many 

 fraudulent and deceptive practices of food adulterators, resulting 

 in injury to health and financial loss, the Dairy and Food Commis- 

 sioner of Pennsylvania is free to admit that his duties as a sworn 

 officer of the Commonwealth, who has worked hard and conscien- 

 tiously, have not always received full approbation on the part of 

 those directly affected. The results, however, are justifying expendi- 

 tures, and the future will still further show the value of the work, 

 and the fact that Pennsylvania again leads in its campaign for pure 

 food and drink. 



The greater the activity and faithfulness of the official obligated to 

 protect the health of the public, the more frequently will criticism 

 and antagonism be aroused. This statement is made in the addi- 

 tional knowledge of the fact that certain interests representing mil- 

 lions of dollars are inimical to food laws, and that they will not only 

 contest the common laws, but probably will attack the constitu 

 tionality of the office of the .Dairy and Food Commissioner, if the op- 

 portunity offers. The position is a most responsible one, and he who 

 fills it with a conscientious determination to perform its duties as a 

 champion of pure food will soon learn that it is not a "flowery bed 

 of ease." 



For the continued public confidence, encouraging words and co- 

 operation of the unprejudiced and right-loving citizens and the press, 

 the clergy, grangers', grocers' organizations, employes, etc., and par- 

 ticularly the constant, loyal support of His Excellency, Governor 

 Pennypacker, and the Honorable Secretary of Agriculture, especial 

 thanks are due and are hereby heartily acknowledged. 



Very respectfully, 



Dairy and Food Commissioner. 



