35 



nor less than a recognized right to adulterate, under certain con- 

 ditions, restrictions and formalities. We urge that no haste be 

 manifested on the part of our United States officials to make 

 public prognostications indicating a leaning to give the oleagin- 

 ous compounds mixed in semblance of butter a place among the 

 legitimate articles of food merchandise of the country. We call 

 for a present halt, that light and truth, without prejudice or 

 favor be let in upon the subject. 



We do not plead for the omission of any truth; we only ask 

 that truth be rightly divided, and that the emphasis of our cen- 

 sure be put where it belongs. We do neither ask nor expect 

 that the scales of blind and inflexible justice be deviated from 

 the true course. But after the most searching investigation — 

 alter laying bare all the good and the evil, the truth and the 

 falsity, and sorting the wheat from the tare, we purpose to ask, 

 nay demand, that the legislators whom the people will select to 

 represent their views and wants in our state legislatures, shall 

 do their duty, their whole duty in these premises and give the 

 Lord, as well as the devil, his dues. 



It is too late to resist the beginning. The battle is on us, 

 and the simple question is where the onset is heaviest, and 

 where the line is weakest. That is where the good soldier wants 

 to be. That is specially where the dairymen of Illinois have to be. 



DISCUSSION. 



The President: "It is the custom oitthis association, after a 

 speaker has finished his address, to have him remain on the 

 platform open to the shots, the questions and remarks of any and 

 all individuals who choose to fire at him. Now, what have 

 you got to say to the secretary, or to ask him? 



Mr. Halleck: "Mr. President, he says that according to 

 the law, we can know what we are eating for butter. I have 

 been to Chicago two or three times and have eaten in several 

 restaurants, and did what I could by smelling and tasting and 

 inquiring to find out what I was eating for butter, and I confess 



