Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-11-20
FederaIized Farnling

Federalized Forming.
Confronted with an increasing shortage in the
field of labor and with the twelve months sup
plies in the worlds larder known and listed, the
time rapidly is approaching. in the opinion of con-
servative domestic economists. when Uncle Sam
will take an executive hand in the farming opera
lions of the coming year. This means. if the Gov
eminent does anything at all. that physically
unit active service and those above the selective
age will be organized into a great Federal agricul-
tural army for the purpose of supplying the farmers
of the nation with the number of helpers neces
sary to produce in 1918, not only the food of the
United States. but the major portion of that con-
sumed in England. France and It2Issas we'll. Con-
corning the Federalized farming @ell-known
firm affiliated with the New YorNssock Exchange
said recently:
Our young men have regarded it an honor
to be called to the colors TO fight for the coun-
try with gun and bayonet There will soon,
of necessity be call to men below or above
the draft age, and to many Of these exempt
!. for one reason or another from military
naval service, to fight under government di-
rection with the pillow and the hoe. Here will
be a work of high and honorable service. af-
fording to thousands the answer to the ques-
ton Of how they can best evince their patriot
ism. And as real soldiers OF the United
States It will Be fitting that the members of
this army of farm labor be clothed in a uni
form of recognition, entitled to the respect
and honor accorded to any other uniform of
national service. This problem of the labor
situation as it relates to food production
should be promptly taken up by congress for
legislative action when it reconvenes next
month. The spring planting season is actual
" only few months away. IT any effective
aid is to be given the farmer, the plan for
giving it should be definitely formulated early
this winter. II Is necessary to effect a high
organization OF the means OF food production
as it is to organize a huge army for fighting
purposes. The latter cannot fight without the
the other. We owe it to at the front
and in training. to allies, and to ourselves.
to rest at no half measures in this matter
II Congress makes such provision as is sug-
gested above there is small doubt but that call
for a volunteer farm army would meet with imme-
date and large response. Such service is of first
importance. may truly gainsay this, and in
every way as honorable that which sends men
to the first line trenches. Men disqualified for
physical from going to the front undoubted-
ly would be eager do their all in another field of
endeavor, while those too young for military work
would rally to such call issued by the Federal au-
thorities And doubtless, too, men beyond the Sc
Iective service age would be glad of an opportunity
to become farm soldiers because. first it would sat
isfy patriotic love of duty and. second, such work
would be health-building.
The wisdom of Incorporating such establish
ment in the military organization of the nation is
entirely up to Congress- and if it is done it is fair
to believe that provision will be made to safeguard
the education OF the youths still of school and col
lege age by limiting the term of enlistment to the
farming months Of-the year. Displacement of
skilled farm labor in any part of the country is not
to be thought of and if the lawmakers of the ma
ton take any action whatever along these lines they
may be depended upon not to inject cumbersome
provisions calculated to disturb those who follow
the hoe and pillow regularly.
~
Most strategic retreats are planned by the other
side.
Here's hoping Hoover will let mp on the regu-
Iations around Thanksgiving.
Kerensky says it required five years for the
French revolution to develop. but Russia developed
several in many months