The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-04-13
HERE'S A WISE
SUGGESTION
Indianapolis, Ind, April a, 1907.
To the Editor Labor Journal.

DCcl hoii
In the emergency which confronts
the government under which we live
there is an earnest, heartfelt desire
on the part of all except 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 writers to appeal to
the patriotism of those who are elig-
ible for active service. Even if all
were so qualified, the problems which
confront the nation will not all be
solved through 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
suggestions from experts to guide
them. Too many cooks are apt to
spoil the broth. inexperienced cooks,
particularly, are not wanted, and we
may as we'll admit that most of us
are inexperienced. But we can be
helpful. 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 breadwinners for
families or dependents who will suf-
fer in more ways than one through
their absence. No doubt patriotic
fund will be established, as in Cana
da, 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 vol
unteer it's use for the "PLANT AN
ACRE FOR THE WIVES AND KID
DIES" suggestion which the writer
| submits.
The land owners will volunteer, I
am sure. Then organize the clubs,
| big and little-men, women and chill
dren-in every community. Instead
of soliciting contributions to buy a
bushel of potatoes, ask for contribu-
tions and volunteers to plant and cul-
tivate an acre of potatoes, beans, on
| ions, turnips, beets-any vegetables
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 day in the garden-their gar
den-for the harvest shall find its
way into the homes of those they
have left behind them.
No doubt thousands of men-and
women, too-will volunteer for the
"Plant an Acre" army The seeds
and necessary implements will be in
expensive, compared with the results
which will be obtained. The advice
of the experts in the National State
agricultural departments is at our
command.
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 through next winter and until the
next crops are gathered-if the war
lasts that long. The problems of
transportation and distribution will
be easily solved.
And if through the mercy of our
all-wise Providence these crops are
not needed in our own country we
can help to appease the hunger of
millions of old men, women and chill
dren in Europe.
The greatest problem in Europe
today is the food problem. There is
an abundant supply of men, of am
munition and of guns. Uncle Sam
can enlist the men, and he can buy
the ammunition and the guns. But
| Uncle Sam can not manufacture po-
tatoes, or beans, or onions, or tur-
nips. The home guard can.
Organize the home guard in the
"Plant an Acre" army. Let each
daily newspaper plant dozen acres.
Let each fraternal lodge, each benev-
olent society, each woman's club, each
trade union, plant an acre. Let there
| bo M oaptro1 ormaY,ino+ ;oY, with l;c,l,