Broadening the President's Veto Power.

A question which has been under discussion by many organizations recently and which we believe merits the interest of every tax payer, is that of permitting the President to use the veto power on individual items of any appropriation bill. It is held by those favoring the measure that this would not be giving him any greater power than he now possesses, but would enable him to use

that power more effectually in the interest of economy and elimination of the "pork" items in many of the federal appropriation bills.

A referendum vote by the United States Chamber of Commerce resulted in 1195 votes favoring this action and with 60 votes against.

The proposed amendment also would prevent the addition of riders to appropriation bills. This provision has been adopted in thirty-six states which have passed legislation specifically forbidding a bill to cover more than one subject, which is to be clearly expressed in the title. Where this is not followed, it is often the case that some legislation is enacted as a rider to the appropriation bills passed as emergency measures and an unfair advantage is taken of the public.

At a time when business is already overburdened with taxes we believe every effort should be made to cut out large expenditures by the government, which in reality are made to cancel political debts. Druggists are interested in this from the point of taxation of their business and other property holdings.

The Stephens Bill.

The fate of the Stephens bill will soon be determined, as it is slated to be brought out of Committee on on Jan uary 30.

The hearing which the Committee granted to those interested in the bill, as reported by the bulletins of the American Fair Trade League, brought out evidence which in our opinion should

have convinced the Committee of the necessity of having some sort of espionage over the methods of the cut-raters for the protection of the consuming public.

We have not space to reproduce in full the report of the American Fair Trade League on the hearing, but quote the following from their bulletin:

"During seven sessions of the House Committee on consecutive all-day Interstate and Foreign Commerce a bitter battle has been fought over the Stephens-Ashurst bill 'to protect the false pretenses in merchandising,' with public against dishonest advertising and

the result that the friends of the measure are confidently looking forward to the bill being reported at an early date. It is understood to be the intention of Representative Stephens, of Nebraska, the author of the bill, to insist upon a vote by the Committee before the end of the present month.

"For four days opponents of the Stephens-Ashurst bill talked to the Committee, openly charging that many wellknown articles of merchandise are deficient in value. The refutation in most cases

of the company whose reputation had was made by an officer been attacked. Of the twenty-five witnesses who spoke against the bill, eighteen ment store representatives or trading were either sensational cut-rate departstamp men. Then the backers of the measure were heard in rebuttal and the their statements concerning leading manclaims of the opposition were attacked, ufacturers and brands of merchandise were denounced as false. Witness after witness appeared before the committee. and flatly contradicted assertions made concerning prices and methods of manufacturing and merchandising.

"Percy S. Straus, the head of R. H. Macy and Company, and associated with George B. Caldwell, the head of the Sperry and Hutchinson green trading stamp concern in the management of the National Trade Association, the organization fighting the Stephens bill, was the most prominent witness against the honest advertising measure. The Macy business is built up on the claim that the

store always undersells competitors, and this claim is supported by a regular practice of selling trade-marked, standard goods at cut prices.

"Mr. Straus' long argument bristled with statements which were flatly branded as untrue by friends of the measure later, one by one, the reiteration having a cumulative effect that made a deep impression on the committee. Mr. Straus' argument was that, as he had superior merchandising ability and facilities, he should be permitted to sell goods on a closer margin than other less able merchants require. Yet it was shown in instance after instance that the Macy store makes a much larger. profit on unbranded goods and on articles sold under the Macy brand than other stores get for similar goods or that the Macy store gets for the branded goods offered at cut prices as bargain bait. It was demonstrated that the Macy margin of profit on certain private brand cereals was over 100 per cent."

Samples of the articles discussed were used as exhibits and comparisons made, and in every case the rebuttal testimony served to convince that the public is much better protected in a standardized, trade-marked article.

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One Cent Letter Postage.

A feature of the postoffice appropriation bill known as the Randall Bill, is the recommendation of the Postmaster General to establish a limited one-cent letter postage.

This will probably mean that the onecent postage rate will apply to first class mail for local deliveries in cities and towns and in a prescribed distance beyond corporation lines.

The advocates of one-cent letter postage have kept up a consistent campaign for several years and while the proposal, as now made to congress, is not all they have hoped for, it is a step in that direction.

The postoffice department claims that the first class mail is able to stand this reduction in rates, but with the large deficit in the rural and other divisions, the question arises, how is this general deficit to be met. It surely would be more business like to make up a part of the deficit in the rural divisions by

applying the profits of the first-class division than to have such a large deficit hanging over the whole postoffice department. However, the advocates of the one-cent letter postage are largely city business people, who do not see why they should be made to carry the rural system which does not benefit them in the least. While we would like to see business relieved of all possible expense and tax of this sort for government upkeep, it seems when we are relieved in one place, we are confronted with a new tax in another direction to make it up, so that it would seem the better way is to let well enough alone.

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Barring Liquor From the Mails.

The Randall bill, in the House, and the Bankhead bill, in the Senate, seek to barr any advertisements or solicitations for orders for alcoholic liquors from the mails.

As usual in such legislation, the practical side of it seems to be entirely overlooked in the endeavor to thus aid the prohibition cause, as the wording of the law would bar all advertising of medicinal preparations which contain alcoholic liquor.

We are advised, however, through the proceedings of the National Drug Trade Conference, recently held in Washington, that Mr. Crounse, legislative representative of the N. W. D. A., reported that he had presented to Mr. Randall, author of H. R. 18986, the amendment which the Conference had endorsed, and that Mr. Randall accepted the amendment which would make the clause read as follows (italics showing the Conference amendment):

"That no letter, package, postal card or circular, newspaper, pamphlet or publication of any kind, containing any advertisement of any spirituous, vinous, malted, fermented, or other intoxicating or alcoholic liquor, shall be deposited in or carried by the mails of the United States, or be delivered by any postmaster or letter carried when addressed to other than a lawfully licensed manufacturer or dealer in such liquors or a manufacturer of or dealer in medicinal or toilet preparations, flavoring extracts or chemicals."

As amended the bill received the endorsement of the Conference.

The Mailing of Poisons.

There are three measures pending in Congress to regulate the sending of poisonous substances through the mails.

The drug trade have repeatedly urged the Postmaster General to modify his rulings to permit the mailing of poisonous substances, but when he refused to do so, the Kern-Doremus bill was introduced and it is believed that this is the only measure now being considered which will give the relief desired.

Under the present law the Postmaster General is given authority to promulgate regulations as to the "preparation and packing" under which "poisons not outwardly or of their own force dangerous to life, health and property" may be mailed. The seeming intention of Congress was that these substances were to be admitted, but gave the department the right to pass on the proper packaging of them. The Postmaster General, however, has ruled so as to practically bar the mailing of all poisonous substances and until the U. S. District Court

pointed out the limitations of the power vested in the Postmaster General, the trade had to abide by his decisions. The department, however, asked that the clause "as to preparation and packing" be eliminated, in order that the Postmaster General may have full power to say what shall or shall not be admitted to the mail. The fact that this much authority would be invested in an individual will draw sufficient disapproval to defeat it.

The Committee to which the bill was referred, however, threw out this clause as being out of order, but the Postmaster General will not accept this action without further effort to have it reinstated. In fact, he has already asked the Senate Committee to replace it in the bill when it comes to them for consideration.

The Kern-Doremus Bill is looked upon by the drug interests as solving the question satisfactorily to all concerned. The National Drug Trade Conference has approved it and druggists should inform their Congressmen how they should vote on this bill.

Medicinal Manufacturers To Hold Convention.

On February 6, leading officials of over forty prominent medicinal manufacturers will assemble at the WaldorfAstoria Hotel in New York City, for the two day convention of the National Association of Manufacturers of Medicinal Products. This yearly event is of great interest to the drug trade generally for at these sessions is determined the manufacturers' policies for the ensuing year with respect to legislation and other matters of general interest to the entire trade.

The Association contemplates giving special attention to the ways and means of relieving biological producers from the destructive legislation of which they have so long been the target and of promoting the Kern-Doremus Bill, as to the mailing of preparations containing poisonous substances. The subject of a more expeditious revision of the United States Pharmacopoeia will also come

up for attention, as will also the government health insurance movement, that is now occasioning the druggist much alarm. Many expect, in addition, that the candidacy of Ellwood Hendrick as the drug trade's representative on the Tariff Commission will be endorsed by the Association at this time.

The program for entertainment provides for two new features in the shape of camaraderie noon luncheons between the sessions of each day of the convention and for a smoker on the evening of the first day. The customary annual banquet on the second evening will bring the convention to a close. For this last function notable speakers have been secured in the persons of Rear-Admirl Bradley A. Fiske, U. S. N., retired, and MajorGeneral Leonard Wood, U. S., who will attend if official government duties do not interfere. At the smoker Professor Walter Dill Scott, the celebrated psychologist of Northwestern University, will address the convention on the subject of Scientific Employment, and his remarks will be

followed by a discussion of the subject on the part of those present.

During 1917 and ensuing years the firms that compose the Association will join their splendid facilities for scientific research in a great co-operative movement to shed an appreciable light on the problem of deteriorations of medicinal products. A Committee on Standards and Deteriorations has been formed and under its direction an organized effort will be made to ascertain the practicability of establishing standards least subject to deterioration and what standards it is advisable to establish. On the.

day preceding the opening of the Convention the leading chemists of the

members will meet with this Committee to organize for the work.

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Nashville Branch A. Ph. A.

WM. E. WHITE, SECRETARY. The joint meeting of the Nashville Branch of A. Ph. A. and the Nashville Drug Club was held January 18, with D. J. Kuhn presiding. About thirty druggists were present, including the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy and the Pure Food Inspector.

Communications from the New York and Philadelphia Branches were read respecting the financial condition of the A. Ph. A. After full discussion a committee of three was appointed to investigate and report.

A resolution was passed commending the Pure Food and Drug Commissioner, Harry Eskew, on his action in closing four drug stores for violation of the state liquor laws, and urging the criminal judge

to hasten action on other similar cases pending before him.

Mr. Eskew was called upon and gave an account of the work of his department and the difficulties encountered in trying to enforce eight laws with the services of six men. He called attention to the sanitary operation of soda fountains and urged the druggists to give the matter intelligent care to prevent the spread of disease.

Mr. F. W. Ward, of Memphis, invited all to attend the Tri-State Drug meeting to be held in Memphis, June 12 and 13, at which time the state associations of Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee will meet in joint session. An attendance of 1,200 to 1,500 is expected.

Speeches were made by W. O. Nance, of Jackson; Harry Whitehouse, Johnson City; J. E. Justice, Clarksville; and Dr. G. W. Hubbard. Wm. E. White read a paper on Dakin's Solution.

N. W. D. A. Convention.

Some days ago, at a meeting of men connected with the wholesale drug trade and allied interests, Chas. E. Matthews, manager of Sharp & Dohme's Chicago House, was chosen Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements and Entertainment, along with an Executive Committee, composed of the following wellknown gentlemen: G. T. Bauer, Frank M. Bell, Frank A. Blair, A. R. Brunker, William Buss, L. J. Freundt, A. J. Horlick, F. Keeling Jr., A. S. Levis, Jas. W. Morrisson and Harold Sorby.

Chairman Matthews has appointed a number of committees and later on hotel headquarters, date of convention, as well as other particulars will be announced.

A metric conference was held at Columbia University, New York City, December 27, in connection with the seventieth meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. C. A. Mayo represented the American Pharmaceutical Association.

As a result the American Metric Association was formed with the following officers: President, George F. Kunz, of New York; vice-presidents, Wm. Jay Schieffelin, of New York; Emil P. Albrecht, of Philadelphia, and Orrin E. Stanley, of Portland, Ore.; secretary, Howard Richards, Jr., of New York; treasurer, Arthur P. Williams, of New York; executive committee, S. W. Stratton, of Washington; F. R. Drake, of Easton, Pa.; H. V. Arny, of New York; A. E. Kennelly, of Cambridge, Mass., and W. P. Dillon, of Philadelphia.

"Why should a soldier never lose his head in battle?" asked a German captain of a private soldier.

"Because he wouldn't have any place to put his helmet on," was the unexpected reply. -Texas Siftings.

A full report of the proceedings of the Thirty-ninth Semi-Annual Convention of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association will appear in the March issue of this journal. The following discussion of the legislative work of the session will inform the members of the most important proceedings. Text of the bills will also be printed later.

The Association is once more in the midst of a legislative campaign. From the interest taken in the meetings held in Columbus on January 23 and 24, there is going to be more support given to legislation this year than for a decade. There was a big attendance at the meeting and each session was attended religiously by every one who came to town.

The Chairman of the Legislative Committee had prepared a set of bills covering all the points of legislation that have been discussed both locally and nationally during the past year in order that discussion could be had upon concrete drafts of desired laws.

As a result of this, three things only were decided upon and put into motion.

THE PHARMACY BILL, No. 158. The first bill decided upon was introduced while the meeting was still in session, by Dr. Helfrich, of Crawford County. This is known as House Bill 158.

If Mr. Helfrich succeeds in enacting this bill into law he will be considered

by the druggists of Ohio as having accomplished more for the protection of the public than anything passed for a long time. This bill seeks to restore the enforcement of Pharmacy laws to the Board of Pharmacy. It does not carry with it any new laws nor any changes in existing laws. It merely amends Section 1313 so as to carry back the enforcement of laws to the Board, that was removed from them at the inception of the Agricultural Commission. Pharmaceutical, medicinal and agricultural interests

E. T. THOMPSON (3 Years) HENRY W. COTNER (2 Years) CHAS. T. BARMAN (1 Year).

have all conceded for some years that when the Pharmacy Board grants licenses it should have the control of them and should see to it that no one runs a drug store in any way other than that prescribed by law. This power they have not had for some years.

THE POTENT DRUG BILL, H. B. 180.

The second bill to be introduced is known as the model Potent Drug Law, and as outlined by the national pharmaceutical associations, defines potent drugs and poisons and will charge state officials under the direction of the Board of Pharmacy with the enforcement of poison laws. No state official has heretofore been charged with the enforcement of poison laws and this will prevent the sale of poisons unless the laws for registration of poisons are complied with by all. The laws of Ohio provide. for registration of sales of poisons and no

one has ever seen fit to enforce these laws in any place save drug stores.

This bill was also introduced by Dr. Helfrich and has been referred to the Public Health Committee.

We should earnestly urge upon all county and city branches that they instruct their secretary to procure the information necessary for them from the chairman of the legislative committee and discuss these bills with their legisthese bills receive prompt and proper lative representatives at once in order that

attention.

and every one of you. Do not hesitate, It is now up to us to each but act now and get results.

You can

address communications to H. W. Cotner, Athens, Ohio, or to L. W. Funk, 791 Park Street, Columbus.

THE NARCOTIC BILL, H. B. 203. The third bill, also introduced by Dr. Helfrich, covers the general subject of narcotics and while of necessity long, only strengthens the Federal law and will prevent indiscriminate traffic in habitforming drugs.