New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-21
Plans to Stimulate Production

Secretary houston INFORMED lne oeh
ate that the department had arranged
to keep in touch with local agencies
and the great agricultural organiza-
tions in the course of its work, which,
for the purpose Of stimulating produc-
tion and encouraging conservation,
would take form along these lines:
Enlargement of the cooperative de-
monstration forces OF the government
and the states; enlargement OF the
force of experts in home economies.
"Some of the greatest preventable
wastes are in the home," wrote the
Secretary.
Prompt enlargement Of the forces to
aid farmers in combating destructive
pests, which is expected to save many
tons Of food now lost.
Safeguarding of seeds for the 1918
planting.
Enlargement Of the forces to encour-
age preservation of perishable products
on the farms by canning and preserv-
ing.
at is estimated that the -four sup
ply" said Secretary Houston, "on the
basis OF a normal crop, could be IN
creased $4,000. 900 barrels a year through
the milling of wheat so as to make 81
per cent Of the kernel into -four instead
of 73 per cent as at present.
Alcohol Consumes Food Material
Some of the European nations have
secured a considerable addition to the
food supply either by reducing the pro-
duction of malt liquors or by reducing
or prohibiting the production of dis
titled liquors. II has been roughly estl-
mated that the value of food materials
entering into the manufacture of alco-
holic beverages in this country in one
year, on the basis Of prices lower than
those now prevailing, is approximately
$145, ,000,0 900.
year must come about largely through
increased efficiency on the farms and
ranges already in operation. This is
not a time for experiment in new areas
and with new or untried crops and
processes. The difficulty confronting
the farmer is rather that Of securing an
ample supply of labor.
81 am not yet prepared to submit
definite or satisfactory suggestion, but
the problem is receiving the earnest
consideration not only of the Depart
ment of Agriculture and the Depart
ment of Labor but also of state and
local agencies throughout the country.
II is stated that there are more than
1000 900 boys between the ages OF hf.
teen and nineteen years in cities and
towns not now engaged in productive
work vital TO the nation in the present
emergency.
Suggests sehOolboy Labor
MANY of these boys know something
about farming. II has been suggested
also that high schools and colleges IN
rural communities might suspend oper-
ations before the end of the regular
terms and might resume their activities
later in the fall.
at is especially important that en-
phasis be laid on the increased pro-
duction of staple crops, particularly IN
the region where they are usually
grown. There is yet time TO increase
the acreage not only Of corn, oats, bar.
ley. rice and the sorghums, but also OF
spring wheat in certain areas, as well
as TO extend the acreage of peas, beans,
cowpeas and soy beans. The livestock
and poultry resources of the country
need TO be carefully considered and en-
eouragement given 10 permit recovery
from the unusual drafts upon them
during the last year. with particular
reference 70 the production OF meat;
dairy products and eggs. The marked
activity in home gardening will result
IN q considerable additional production
~ perishable crops for local use"