Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-04-23
Early Ending Of the Spring
School Term Proposed by
the State Commissioner of
Education.
UNIVERSITY CLOSES
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR
Action Taken to Permit
Students to Assist in the
Work Of Crop Production
Letter to Governor on
the Subject.


and all public schools of the state above
the seventh or eighth grade in Idaho
one month earlier than usual in order
that students who are able may lend
their assistance to crop production, is
recommended by Governor Alexander
In q letter to DR.. E. o. Sisson. state
commissioner Of education.
Information was received by private
wire from Moscow today that the Uni
versity of Idaho had closed with the
same object in view. When the matter
was called to the attention of DR.. Sis
son he stated that he was in receipt Of
no such information and that if the
university had closed it was without
his knowledge. An effort is being made
TO verify the report. The following Is
tho letter Of the governor:
"Dr. e. o. Sisson. Commissioner Of
Education, Boise, Idaho. Dear Sir:
Every government report issued and
every interview given out by persons
In position to be informed upon the
subject indicates that the food situa-
ton in this nation is even more serious
than any Of US at first supposed to be
tho case. In fact, the situation ap-
pears to be more than serious. but to
be actually critical. It. therefore, be-
comes necessary to do everything in
any manner possible to be done to in
crease the food supply in this state,
and I suggest the advisability of clos
ting ali educational institutions and all
public schools Of this state above the
seventh or eighth grade at least one
month earlier than usual. The boys
and girls and teachers engaged IN
eahosl work under such critical oondi-
tons might WELL In my opinion, be
snGaged IA the planting Of peas. beans,
ooen. tomatoes, cabbage. turnips and
ether similar food crops which can be
STORED during the winter or which can
b canned for winter use. All such
food supplies can be raised in sufficient
quantities IN all part sof this state to
supply all the requirements Of our own
people for the entire year to como.
IDAHO A CONSUMING STATE.
"As we all know, Idaho In tho past
has been q consuming state in many OF
these products. but for this one year at
least 1t should place itself In position
30 demand not one pound or one can
OF such foods from other states. This
can only be done If the school children
of the state be set to work in time to
accomplish the desired result.
Moreover. If this should be done
successfully. as I have no doubt 1t
will be II carried into effect in the
proper spirit on the part Of those in
control Of education in this state, 1t
will not alone result in the great re-
lief now SO urgently necessary but 1t
will result in intoxicating ideas Of
thrift and usefulness into the minds
and habits of the youths OF the state
as to be OF intellectually greater value
than the book education they would
otherwise receive during the last month
Of the usual school year
CONVENE SCHOOLS EARLIER.
IF found expedient, tho schools
should be convened two weeks earlier
next fall, and the usual Christmas
holidays could be shortened next win
ter and thus the time lost In the
school rooms be made up without seri-
Gus detriment to the health. welfare
and proper education Of the boys and
girls Of the state.
action of this kind. bringing d.
rectly to every home in the state, AZ
this would do. a realization Of the
food crisis of the nation. would. in my
opinion, do more to give impetus to
greater production Of grains and other
staple foods than anything else that
could be done.
II would also suggest that the en-
tire force of the agricultural college,
the University Extension department.
the county agents OF he state and
other available departments be direct
ed to take all measures possible to
give instruction and assistance to
these young food producers.
wishing that you would give this
matter your most earnest consider
ation. and desiring that, unless You
tind very strong reasons against such
action. you should take the necessary
Bteps to carry into effect this sugges-
ION, am.
VERY respectfully.
N. ALEXANDER, Governor"
A>D