The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-04-14
"PLANT AN ACRE"
President International Typographical
Union Suggests Food Plan.

The following letter has been re-
ceived from NJ. G. Scott, president of
the International Typogra phical union,
addressed to a Topeka friend, the edi-
tor of the State Journal, suggesting A
practical plan for helping to solve the
food problem confronting this coun-
try:
indianapolis, Ind, Mar 80, 1917.
Mr.. Frank P. MacLennan, Editor
State Journal, Topeka, Kansas.
Dear Sir: In the emergency which
confronts the government under
which we live there is an earnest,
heartfelt desire on the part of all eX-
cept a few to be helpful. Many are
too old to offer their services to the
army or to the navy. Many are not
qualified either as orators or as writ
ers to appeal to the patriotism of
those who are eligible for active ser
vice. Even if all were so qualified,
the problems which confront the ma
ton will not all be solved thru words
spoken or printed. There must be
action-and results.
Those responsible for the admins
tration of the affairs of the army
and the navy will have plenty of sug-
gestionS from experts to guide them.
Too many cooks are apt to spoil the
broth. inexperienced cooks, particu-
larly, are not wanted, and we may as
well admit that most of US are in
Let US volunteer to find the way
without waiting to be drafted.
From every large city there will be
drawn hundreds, and in some in
stances thousands of men for the
army and for the navy. Many of
these men are the bread-winners for
families or dependents who will suf-
fer in more ways than one thru their
absence. No doubt a patriotic fund
will be established, as in Canada, to
assist these fathers, mothers, wives
and children financially. So far, so
good. But the home guard can do
more.
Within reasonable distance of every
large city-and frequently within its
very borders-there are hundreds of
acres of uncultivated land. Many of
the owners of this property will
cheerfully and enthusiastically volun-
teer its use for the plant an acre for
the wives and kiddies' suggestion
which the writer submits.
The landowners will volunteer, 1 am
sure. Then organize the clubs, big
and little-men, women and children
in every community. Instead of So
Letting contributions to buy a bushel
of potatoes, ask for contributions and
volunteers to plant and cultivate an
acre of potatoes, beans, onions, tur-
nipS beetS-any vegeta bleS which are
not quickly perishable.
No doubt large tracts could be Sc
cured or rented cheaply in the vicin-
ity of the military camps which will
be established. Tractors are to be an
important part of our army equip
ment and why not put them to prac-
teal use while our rockies are learn
ing to operate them? Tear up old
Mother Earth, and plant, plant,
plant!
Let the regulars, the rockies, and
the boy scouts work one or two hours
a day in the garden-their garden
for the harvest shall find its way into
the homes of those they have left be-
hind them.
No doubt thousands of men-and
women, too-will volunteer for the
PLANT an Acre" army. The seeds and
necessary implements will be inexpen
will be obtained. The advice of the
experts in the national and state agri-
cultural departments is at our COM
mand-
And when the crops are harvested,
there will be an abundant stock from
which to supply the families of our
soldiers and sailors free of charge all
thru next winter and until the next
crops are gathered-if the war lasts
that long. The problems of transpor-
tation and distribution will be easily
solved.
And if thru the mercy of our all
wise Providence these crops are not
needed in our own country we can
help to appease the hunger of mil
lions of old men, women and children
in Europe.
The greatest problem in Europe to-
day is the food problem. There is an
abundant supply of men, of ammuni-