Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-04-10
Raise and Conserve.

Secretary OF Agriculture houston mas
issued a lengthy statement of which
the following is the opening paragraph;
THE importance to the nation OF
generously adequate food supply Tor
the coming year cannot be oVefem-
phasized, in view Of the economic
problems which may arise as result
OF the entrance Of the United States
into the war. Every effort should be
made to produce more crops than are
needed for our cwn requirements. Many
millions of people across the seas. as
we'll as our own people, must rely IN
large part upon the products OF our
fields and ranges. This situation VIII
continue to exist even though hostlltles
should end Unexpectedly soon. since
European production cannot be re-
stored Immediately to its normal basis
recognition Of the fact that the world
at large as well as our own consumers,
must rely more strongly on American
farmers this year than ever before
should encourage them to strive 10 the
utmost TO meet these urgent needs"
A food preparedness meeting was
held at the State House, Augusta,
Monday. to discuss questions Of vital
importance TO the State and nation.
That uppermost IS the problem of max
ing every acre that 1t is possible for
Maine to till. bring forth its utmost in
the season Of 1917. The biggest ques-
ton before the American people today,
after that Of Immediate defense, IS that
Of food production for our own con-
sumption, with a surplus as large as
possible for our allies in the war AMI
fer the suffering, war-striken peoples
Of Europe.
The same question is being consid
cred throughout the nation. At last
Fridays Cabinet meeting. the President
and members Of the Cabinet gave time
to the consideration of food production
and distribution for the war period now
opening. Secretary Houston. it was
said, would leave at once for the Cen
trail West to confer with agricultural
experts in the serial growing states.
and conferences will be held in various
cities. Nationwide preparation for
increasing and conserving the food
supply will be made. The Department
Of Agriculture has been asked to pre-
pare comprehensive recommendations
for the conservation Of the food sup
plies Of the nation.
Numberless agencies are at work all
over the country to encourage agri-
n,,1t,,paN fI,it 70
and increasing difficulty in farming Sec
lions, the need Of labor. Millions of
acres Of rich and cultivable land must
remain idle and unproductive unless
some means Is provided for meeting
tho labor problem on the farms from
Maine to California and from Michigan
to Mexico.
Tho farmers know no eight-hour day,
or ten or twelve-hour day. Their days
are about two-in-one to the legal days
established by unionized labor, and ev-
cry triumph" Of organized labor by
way Of shortening the day or increas-
ing pay. but complicates the farming
problem: for workers turn from the
daylight-to-dark and bone labor on the
farm. to the eight hours and light ma
chine work in the factories
Even were the digging, and hoeing,
ana pitching. in the broiling sun of
summer no harder. the short hours and
plenty Of amusement and excitement,
call the young men cityward
Perhaps this nation needed a war to
awaken tho masses to the tendency Of
tho times and the inevitable outcome.
The cry Of high cost Of living created
a national chorus Of grumbling and
fault finding. but tho cause has been
hunted everywhere but in the right
place. Never was so much interest dis
played in agricultural topics as at the
present moment. but the result this
year II bound to be . national disap-
pointment and remain SO, until horse
sense means are adopted for making
agriculture remunerative and other
wise attractive
The fexmse has bssn going his limit