154 
dr. edwards' report. 
this department for that service,) of the results of an exami- 
nation, extending through a period of five weeks, made by* 
him at the ports of Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Phila- 
delphia, into the practical operation and effect of the act 
passed at the last session of Congress, for the prevention of 
the importation of spurious and adulterated drugs and 
medicines. 
The report contains many valuable statements and sug- 
gestions, which are commended to the favourable considera- 
tion of Congress. It is regarded also, by this department, 
as highly important and useful in its suggestions, with re- 
spect to an efficient and satisfactory execution of the law to 
which it refers. 
As this department, under existing appropriation laws, 
is empowered only to pay the actual expenses of the agent 
while on this service, it is respectfully recommended that an 
adequate appropriation be made for the compensation of 
Dr. Edwards for the time and labour devoted by him to 
this investigation. 
I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your obedient 
servant, 
R. J. Walker, 
Secretary of the Treasury. 
Hon. G. M. Dallas, 
Vice President of the United States, 
and President of the Senate. 
Was hington City, December 26, 1S48. 
Sir : In accordance with the request and instructions of 
your letter dated October 10th, " to visit the ports of Balti- 
more, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, for the purpose 
of examination, and to enquire whether the act of 26th 
June last, to prevent the importation of adulterated drugs, 
&c, is fully and properly carried into effect," I beg leave to 
report : that I have visited the designated ports, and during 
the greater part of the month of November, was diligent in 
my investigations. 
