60 THE MODERN MILK PROBLEM 



is a necessary preliminary to and power behind effective 

 legislation. Milk distribution from infants 7 milk 

 depots has been a useful constructive activity.* In 

 many ways such bodies have encouraged and supported 

 health authorities, and they will continue to do so. 



THE LEGISLATOR: MILK AS A POLITICAL 



ISSUE 



Milk figures not infrequently as a political issue. 

 A chapter might be written on milk in politics; it 

 would, however, be more confusing than illuminating. 

 An already contradictory subject is further compli- 

 cated by the partisans of special interests. Legislators 

 are too apt to aim at something less than a general 

 solution of the problem. Some seek to gain favor with 

 the city voter by "pure milk bills," while others score 

 with the farmers by their opposition to such bills. All 

 this is unfortunate in its confusing and obstructional 

 effect, but it has, at the same time, brought out the 

 importance of the whole question with its several sides. 

 It has shown the necessity of, first, unbiased legislation 

 and, secondly, non-partisan administration of milk 

 laws. 



Clarification of the whole matter will, it scarcely 

 need be said, tend to remove it from political entangle- 

 ment. Further, as regards the interpretation of milk 

 laws by the courts, the adjustment of values is neces- 

 sary as the basis of right decisions. 



* It is to be noted, however, that the distribution of milk is now 

 considered by no means the most important part of milk station or 

 infant welfare work. (See pp. 20-21, 87-88.) 



