Bogus Baking Powder Tests

Rather iugenious but not less fraudulent are the pretended tests of baking powder being made in many of our kitchens by agents who are trying to further the sale of a Chicago article. These called tests consist in mixing separately, with water, a sample of the baking powder found in the house and of that carried by the agent. From that found in the house, if a pure article, the bubbles of gas will arise and burst on top like those from a glass of champagne. The Chicago baking powder which they carry, when mixed with water, will 'show an extra froth upon the top of the mixture which is claimed as evidence of superiority. On the contrary, however, it is not only the exhibition of a trick, but is absolute proof that the baking powder which so acts is adulterated. The chemists have ascertained that the adulterant used is a chemical added for the express purpose of producing this action and deceiving housekeepers as to the true valne of the baking powder. This is not only a dishonest trick, but a dirty one, for the chemical is the product of the filthy refuse of the slaughter house, and if this baking powder is used in the preparation of food passes into the biscuit or cake without change. Of course, any statements made in reference to other baking powders, by parties caught in practicing such tricks as these for the purpose of deceiving the public, will be entitled to no credit. It is probably wisest in the interest of our families, and to prevent our food from being contaminated by tramps of this kind, to turn all persons who wish or attempt to tamper with it uncerimoniously from the door, and to use those articles only which experience has proved satisfactory, or the official tests have established as pure and wholesome.