South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-10-07

Letters from "a Washington WOm-
an to her sister in Michigan telling
how one woman IS cooperating with
the T. s. food administration.
Washington. d. @.
saith dear.
was never so mistaken I'm my
life as j have been about the food
pledge which the food administra-
ton has asked every housekeeper
% sign I did not get a card. ] did
not see a card. I did not want to
see a card. ] had a notion that it
demanded all kinds Of skimping
We skimp enough as it is" told
Jack.
He did not answer me az once
Billy. clamoring FOR his morning
kiss. was excuse enough.
They stand in line with their lit-
tie cans, over there in Belgium,
waiting hours upon hours for their
small portion OF milk-tiny dodgers
like Billy" ne reminded me quiet
~.
That settled il. I got ready right
after breakfast and went down to
the headquarters OF the food ad
ministratiOn 1 asked 20 see the
pledge card. And when I had read
IL my shame deepened. il asks moth
inE that any American woman would
not be proud TO do.
The pledge reads: Il am glad to
join you in the service of food con-
servatiOn for our nation and 1 here
by accept membership in the L. s
food administration, pledging my
self 20 carry out the directions and
advice of the food administrator in
my home, insofar as my circum-
stances permit"
Following that is room for the sig
nature and address with questions
asked concerning occupation; num-
Der in household. occupation Of
breadwinner; IL you have a garden,
and If you are willing 20 take part
in authorized neighborhood move
ments for food conservation.
The card further states: There
are no fees or dues 20 be paid. The
food administration wishes TO have
as members all OF those actually
handling food in the home. All wom-
en- ever Is are eligible"
els that all ?" I asked, ashamed
Of the ideas I had had about it. l
signed il without more ado.
Whereup I was given the Home
Card designed 20 be hung in the
kitchen. II tells clearly and in few
words lust how every woman can
do her bit" in winning this war.
find that the program is not one
OF skimping in any sense OF the
word. It is merely a request that we
substitute foodstuffs that can and
must be sent
I showed II 20 Jack when he came
home and told him that I had be
come a soldier woman
For there is nothing I'm the food
pledge that is not necessary if Amer
lea Is 10 be the bread-basket OF the
world. Moreover. it asks no hard
shin Of anyone" / said in honest
confession OF my fault of the morn
ms.
Your letter telling me that you
had not had a food pledge reached
me today and clinched my decision
of fading out about 1t. I am enclos-
ing one for your signature. Tell any
ooe YOU know who has any such
idea about 81 as i had just what
have found out Also tell them e
d-op a card 70 the food administra
ton at Washington for the foo'
pledge and sign it today. OF cours'
there are going 20 be food admins
tratfon headquarters in every state
after a Oit. where the pledge care
may be gotten at nearer range. Blu
why wait for that when they can b'
had for the asking in Washington
today2
The L. s. food administration vii
send YOU the Home Card wheT
YOUR signed pledge is received Il
the meantime, dear Edy III writ
10 YOU more about mine later
Love 20 YOU all from
(signed) FRANCES.