It would later turn out that the cause of the tragedies was poor-quality milk. The farmers were chasing profit and paid no attention to sanitary standards. More precisely, they neglected them. And, it seems, the golden calf had simply blinded the milk producers. Knowing and understanding perfectly well that a critical and uncontrollable situation had developed, they tried to somehow justify their actions.
The technology of Louis Pasteur
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By that time, the famous technology of Louis Pasteur was already known. The pasteurization of any liquid, including milk, – destroyed any dangerous microbes. However, out of their ignorance or their desire to obtain the desired profit quickly and without extra expense – this method of processing the product was deemed harmful. Surprisingly, the opinion imposed by the American farmers easily took root among ordinary people. And Louis Pasteur's innovation was met with hostility.
Nathan Straus began a prolonged struggle against the negligent milk producers. By family tradition, he was accustomed to proving himself right through deeds. At his own expense, he equipped a pasteurization laboratory and built a warehouse where the milk would be stored. Nathan Straus possessed a flexible mind and a strong character, which, surprisingly, was combined with tactfulness. He understood well that free processed dairy products might wound the pride of ordinary Americans. As if to say, we don't need handouts from a millionaire. So Straus set a laughable price for a daily portion of milk. It would be a mere 5 cents. New Yorkers who, because of the economic crisis, didn't even have that sum, received free milk coupons from the «Salvation Army» organization. On his own initiative and with his own money, Nathan Straus set up this work that was so beneficial to people.
The farmers rose up in revolt
Nathan's charitable activity would provoke a storm of indignation among the farmers, who were accustomed to fabulous incomes. Now they everywhere, figuratively speaking, put spokes in his wheels. Soon it would come to an absurd accusation. As if to say, in his laboratory Straus was deliberately spoiling the milk. Alas, American Themis would fall for the cunning ploy of the offended farmers. However, the suspended sentence he received would not stop Nathan one iota. On the contrary, it would only spur him on to continue the noble cause with even greater enthusiasm.
His persistence and tenacity would be rewarded. Milk pasteurization stations would operate without interruption in all districts of New York. And according to the calculations of renowned American scientists, Nathan Straus would save around half a million lives from death. As a result, infant mortality would drop sharply. Even before the passage of the «Compulsory Pasteurization Law» in 1914, Nathan Straus would build, at his own expense, 297 stations in 36 cities of the USA.
His own brother died on the «Titanic» together with his wife
Nathan lived and worked by his favorite principle: «The world is my country, and to do good is my religion». Straus was the first businessman to open free canteens for workers at his enterprise. During the crisis of 1893 he handed out coal so that people would not freeze in their homes. Straus also took care of those who had no roof over their heads. A shelter holding 64 thousand people was opened for them. Here everyone could get food and a place to sleep.
Nobility and self-sacrifice were in the blood of the Straus family. His brother Isidor, together with his wife, by the will of fate found themselves on the sinking «Titanic». For the sake of his beloved Ida, he gave up his place in the lifeboat. But the woman could not even imagine the impending separation. And so the Straus couple put their maid Ellen Bird into the lifeboat.
Nathan Straus would pass away on January 11, 1931. He spent almost his entire fortune helping those in need. And his life – is a true heroic feat that will forever remain in the memory of the people he saved.
From nurse to the first stewardess in aviation history: the story of Ellen Church
