he expense
of it. It has been said that no people in the world enjoy paying taxes
like Americans, provided they are only indirect, sugar coated, and with
some plausible pretense. It would seem, however, that even American
dairymen could see that the maintenance of superfluous creameries,
superfluous teams for hauling cream and milk, superfluous men for
manufacturing and handling the product is an extra expense of which they
will surely bear their full share; if not at once, they will do so
before the outcome is reached.

Another thing the patrons of creameries may properly take note of is
that the expense of manufacturing butter in all well regulated
creameries is nearly the same, and the value of the product does not
widely differ. When a creamery therefore claims large and peculiar
advantages, and offers a price for milk or cream markedly above the
ordinary price paid for it by other creameries, you may be sure there is
something illegitimate about it. It may be done to drum up business, to
beat a rival, or it may be a downright swindle, it surely will not be
lasting, and the operator intends at some time to recoup for himself.

It is to be remembered that the dairy business is not one which can be
taken up and laid down hastily without greater or less inconvenience,
expense, and loss. Like most other branches of agriculture, it must be
engaged in with the purpose of a steady, long, strong pull in order to
be a success. It has the advantage of springing directly from the earth
without fictitious help, props, or governmental protection, so-called.
It taxes no other industry for its own benefit, and has expanded to its
present magnificent proportions in spite of the burdens laid upon it
from outside sources.

But it is written "And Satan came also." Nothing could more aptly
describe the full influence of adulteration which has come upon this
industry. It has come clothed in deceit and fraud, the very habiliments
of the devil. It can be exterminated no more than sin itself. It must be
fought by exposing its nature; by stamping upon it its own features.
Wise legislation, I believe, will be in the direction of Government
inspection and the sure and prompt punishment of fraud. The interest of
the creamery patron is more deeply involved in this matter than that of
any other class, just as in other branches of production the perils and
losses by fraud, deterioration, and adulteration ultimately fall back
upon the producer