The Milk Inspector Spokane Loved to Hate

Dr. James Bullivant, deputy dairy commissioner at Spokane, is making things lively in that city just now among the milk men. He has made complaints against five different milk dealers, and two have been convicted and fined $25 each. The Spokane Chronicle states that “some of the milk men claim that Dr. Bullivant is displaying altogether too much enterprise in the matter and is actuated more by a desire to secure the reward of one-half the fine imposed upon the offending dealer than by any anxiety over the health of the public.”

A visit to several of the dairymen by the Chronicle reporter discloses the fact that Dr. Bullivant occupies anything but an enviable position in their esteem. One prominent dairyman who does not wish to see his name mentioned at this time stated that he had on several occasions had tests made of the milk he sold at the same time that Dr. Bullivant had, and in every instance his test was higher than the doctor’s, although the latter’s did not go below the standard. Both use the Babcock milk tester, as did Mr. Fassett when the latter was requested to make tests. In every instance Mr. Fassett’s tests would vary from that made by the commissioner, while it would corroborate that made by the dealer.

The doctor certainly should not meet with opposition among the reputable dairy men of that community. If their milk is not below the standard they cannot be bothered. If, however, they are cheating their customers with inferior or unhealthful milk, they ought to be punished, and such an excellent journal as the Chronicle ought to be glad to help the deputy, too.