16 THE MILK QUESTION 



There are good and bad combinations. Thus the at- 

 torney-general of the State of New York showed that a 

 combination existed among the milk dealers of New York 

 City. At the same time the investigation also showed 

 that the producer was paid less than the cost of pro- 

 duction and that the consumer was charged an excessive 

 price. 



How much may be accomplished through cooperation 

 has been shown at Montclair, New Jersey. There, through 

 the example of Mr. Stephen Francisco and Dr. Coit, work- 

 ing hand in hand with efficient health officers, the quality 

 of the milk has been greatly improved and the number of 

 bacteria lessened. The incompetent producers have retired 

 from the field and the price of milk has been raised to ten 

 cents. This furnishes a notable instance of intelligent co- 

 operation and shows what can be done by persistent effort 

 and eternal vigilance. Much has also been accomplished 

 through the right kind of cooperation at Rochester, New 

 York; at Fall River, Massachusetts; at Richmond, Vir- 

 ginia; at Boston, Massachusetts; at Geneva, New York; 

 and other places. 



Thirty years ago Denmark set the example and showed 

 the world how much practical progress may be achieved 

 through intelligent and honest cooperation. Denmark is a 

 farmers' country and there the farmers rule. In most of 

 our states the farmers are in the minority, but an indis- 

 pensable and powerful minority. They could accomplish 

 quite as much for themselves and for the consumer through 

 wholesome cooperative methods as has been accomplished 

 in Denmark. 



Those who have had their early morning sleep disturbed 

 by the rumble of six milk wagons on the block, when one 

 could do the work, will appreciate one phase in which co- 

 operation would be of service. Take the case of pasteuriz- 

 ers. It is evidently cheaper and better to have one large 

 pasteurizer under skilled supervision than to have fifty 



