No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 99 



CO-OPERATION OF PURE FOOD OFFICIALS. 



The arduous work of the year now ending has again impressed 

 the great necessity for a better and more effective plan to cooperate 

 with the National and State governments in enforcing food laws. 

 The mutual aid that could thus be easily bestowed would prove 

 most helpful, bring these various officials into a more intimate and 

 closer business and social relationship, and also dispel some of the 

 petty jealousies that should never exist in official circles. We want 

 better conditions, and the attitude of the Pennsylvania authorities 

 will be strictly for that line of cooperation which will produce the 

 greatest amount of good for the greatest number. 



FEDERAL VERSUS STATE FOOD LAWS. 



With the enactment of a National Food and Drug Act, there were 

 many people who believed that such a measure would supplant 

 State laws. This, however, is a mistaken idea, and while the 

 Federal law should have a str'^ug tendency to check adulteration, 

 in certain kinds, namely, on goods shipped into the State from other 

 States, it cannot and does not prevent adulterations of goods intend- 

 ed for home consumption. Strict State laws and their proper and vig- 

 ous enforcement are therefore as desirable and necessary as before 

 the enactment of the Federal law. The Federal law naturally is an 

 object of special interest at present, and the interested cannot do 

 better than to make a careful and extended study of both the 

 National and State laws. 



GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 



The most cordial thanks are hereby extended to His Excellency, 

 Governor Pennypacker, and to Hon. N. B. Critchfield, Secretary of 

 Agriculture, for their much appreciated support and advice in con- 

 nection with the performance of the arduous and intricate duties that 

 devolved upon the Dairy and Food Commissioner. The press of 

 Pennsylvania again demonstrated its willingness to champion the 

 cause of pure food and drink, and is entitled to special praise. The 

 agricultural organizations, grangers, grocers and clergy, and the 

 faithful attaches of the Dairy and Food Division, whether employed 

 in the ofifice, field or chemical laboratories, are also entitled to a full 

 measure of gratitude and praise for duties conscientiously and well- 

 performed. Without such hearty support and intelligent aid re- 

 ceived, the success achieved would not have been possible. 



Very respectfully, 



Dairy and Food Commissioner. 



