Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1917-04-25
A CALL TO
PATRIOTIC SERVICE
IOwas Greatest Contribution to Ma
ton This Year is to Increase
Food Supply.
WE CANNOT AFFORD
TO TAKE CHANCES
Must Not Only Raise Large Army and
Equip Large Navy, But Must
Mobilize Our Industries

Mobilize Our Industries
1t is we'll for us to remember that
our country is at war with the strong
est military power in the world. No
one can foretell when the war will
end. No one can foresee what sacri-
fees we will be called upon to make.
1t may be that the United States will
be obliged to make a supreme effort
before victory comes.
We cannot afford to take chances.
We must not only raise a large ar,
my and equip large navy, but we
must also mobilize our industries. II
there is any one lesson that this war
has taught so far, it is that it is a
war of manufacturers and farmers
as we'll as a war of soldiers.
The greatest contribution that
our allies this year is to increase the
food supply. 1t is our solemn patri-
otic duty to do this. The burden of
food production rests heavily upon
us. How shall we meet il
Production in Iowa is limited by a
shortage of labor. The necessary la
Dor however is available in this
state if it can be trained and used
What is needed is one or more farm
labor bureaus il every county. These
labor bureaus should list the farmers
who need help and then set about
Systematically to supply that help.
City boys under military age
should be enlisted in this campaign
to help during the vacation on some
farm, or to take care of garden, or
to do some other productive labor
City girls should be taught how to
save and can or dry all surplus gar
den and fruit products. This can
easily be accomplished through DEM
onstrations in city schools. They
should also receive Instruction in
gardening and be encouraged to
help in this work.
Arrangements should be made
with manufacturers, merchants, COM
mercial clubs and others to release
help to work on farms during the
rush periods. This can be done by
taking a census of the city labor and
locating those who have had farm
experience. Fortunately the rush
period on the farm comes at the time
of the slack period in the city, and
the transfer of help for short per
iod can be made without serious sac
rifice to anyone. In many cases, in
fact, it may be advantageous TO do
so. In any case, it will be patri-
otic thing to do in this year OF labor
shortage.
Many people who are retired will
be glad to help so far as they are
physically able. In fact many farm
ers who have retired have signified
their intention to do all the work pos
sible this summer. Doubtless al
will be in the field as much as they
are able. Again there are people
who have retired who should be en-
listed in this food production cam
Ipaign.
A sentiment against idleneSi
should be developed through the pap
ers, churches, schools, commercial
clubs and all other organization;
which will make it a distinctly un
popular thing for anyone to bt
caught idling. Drones are not want
ed any time, and they actually zen
cumber the earth" in war time.
The immediate problem and th
one which will grow more and mor
acute as the season advances is on
OF labor. 1t can be met If we pro
ceed sanely 10 mobilize our labor sup
ply. In war time no one is too Oh
or too young to do their bit. 1t /
the duty Of one and all TO 'buckl
down" to this business of winnin
the war to the end that it may be owe
as quickly as possible and thus man