The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-02-22
more SHEEP"
Plan Creating Wide Interest
All Over Country

bUu ny Ine EnllAuelpnla WOOl anu
Textile association, to interest the en-
tire country in the rehabilitation Of
the wool-growing and mutton-raising
industry. The present campaign aims
to bring to the country the realization
that we are neglecting our provis
ions for clothing as well as food. That
clothe itself in event of war condi-
tions wherein the wool supply would
be cut off, is set forth as a simple
but vital phase of the preparedness
program.
Into the Congressional Record
Congressman j. Hampton Moore has
introduced the following argument of
the clothing and meat preparedness"
program.
"The Philadelphia Wool and Tex
tile association, being intimately ac-
quainted by their trade requirements
with the sheep industry of the world
and especially of the United States
feel it to be their duty to arouse the
attention of the people of the United
States to the decrease in the number
of sheep in the country, and in con-
sequence thereof to the decreased
supply of wool and meat available for
the needs of our population. From
the facts regarding this matter which
IN loo
have evidence of decreased produc-
tion, but it appears to us that this
decrease will continue unless some
effective efforts are made to interest
and encourage our farming popula-
tion to engage more generally in the
maintenance of sheep. Moreover, we
are aware that these supplies avail
able from foreign sources are evident
ly on the decline, and we have seen
what serious effect a foreign war can
produce on such foreign sources of
supply.
The meat and clothing supply of
our people is vital necessity, and
with an ever-increasing population,
any decrease in said supply should
engage the most seriousl attention or
everyone. The needs of our people
in peace and reasonable prepared
ness for possible war makes it i'm.
perative that this country shall at
once take steps to increase our do
lnestic production
at is a fact that sheep are profit
able on almost any farm, and the
size of the flocks will depend upon
varying conditions. AS both wool and
mutton realize high prices now and
are likely to do so in the future, there
is no doubt that a proper campaign
of education will be effective to in
duce our farmers to engage more gen
tally in this industry. One of the
ereat factors which has, operated in
the past to discourage our eastern
farmers from keeping sheep on the
farm has been wanton killing of
sheep by dogs. 1t will be absolutely
racessarv to have stringent laws
passed and enforced which will be
effective to protect the fiocks from
the ravages of these animals.
1T appears decidedly illogical that
20 little protection is given to the
sheep which can supply us with food
ana clothing. while all states have
laws for the protection of game ami
mals and fish, whose value to the
community is relatively insignificant.
There Is scarcely any part of our
country where at least few sheep
can not be kept on each farm to ad-
vantage, and there is now very
large area of practically unproductive
lands on the hill and mountain ranges
! which stretch along our entire east
ern section which is especially adapt
ed to the grazing of sheep.
"This is q matter which affects the
common good of all, and we desire to
awaken the interest of the public tc
its Importance. We solicit the co
operation of organized trade bodies
generally, with the view to concert
ed action in the matter"
The Philadelphians who are vigor
ously pushing the sheep campaign
expect to show the country what car
be done, through a practical demon
stration in their own state. The frs
thing to be done is to pass laws thai
will conserve the farmers fiocks by
> placing responsibility for losses BY
dogs on the owners Of dogs. Ther
the "small flock" idea, which the!
claim any farmer can apply, will b,
demonstrated, and facts and figures
will be placed before each farmer t.
show him what can be done on hi
own farm.