The Washington times., 1917-04-06

war and recent and prospective short
crops, every governmental agency
and every authority in the United
States is working to conserve sup
plies in this country and eke out the
harvest.
The United States. just embarking
in war, II facing a food situation
probably more serious than that
which confronted any Of the Euro
pean powers in the frst year of the
struggle.
Reports made public from every
State in the Union today in the ma
tional weather and crop bulletin
show general unfavorable conditions,
with crops damaged and spring plant
ing and work delayed.
Surplus stocks OF grain. and other
foods have gone to Europe to swell the
enormous export trade total OF the
and to feed hungry mouths
there.
Food Distribution Planned.
It is in this situation that every
possible agency to increase yields and
conserve the supply has been set In
motion. All efforts are being co-ordi-
mated under the Council of National
Defense, and the council is consider
ing food distribution plans that may
reach out into Government control
and distribution.
The food situation is being handled
by a newly created Commercial Econ
omy Board. While 1t is not contem-
plated that this board ever shall exer-
else the autocratic powers OF the Ger
man food control board, the German
system and those OF the other war
ring countries will be followed
closely.
Because of the seriousness or the
situation, the Farm Loan Board Is
to make q patriotic appeal for sub
scriptions to the farm loan bond is
sue of from one to two hundred mill
lion dollars. This money will be used
by the farm loan banks OF the coun-
try to finance the American farmer.
In view Of the national bond issue
Of at least $4,000, ,000, 900 to finance the
war, the farm loan issue is receiving
grave consideration. Both funds must
be subscribed by the American peo-
pie.
6WtIl BE Food war.
The war loan will pay interest at
the rate Of from to 81 per cent. The
farm loan issue will pay 4 to Al per
cent. Herbert Quick, member OF the
Farm Loan Board, declared today
that the farm loan is as necessary to
as the war loan. THE
war" he said, will be a food war.
Unless we can raise the biggest crops
ever, we will face the same critical
situation from the standpoint OF food
resources that is facing the other
nations now"
1t seems that both loans will be
noated at about the same time, and
fnanciers are concerned
about the effects upon the people. 1t
10 an interesting question as to
whether the patriotism OF the people
will carry them to the war loan with
It's lower rate Of interest, to the ex-
OF the domestic but equally
necessary farm loan. Or whether. on
the other hand, the business sense OF
The American investor will carry him
10 the domestic loan with its higher
rate to the exclusion of the war loan.
Il is hoped by officials that the people
Will take leNel hcducu VIC" VI thc
necessity OF the situation and sub
scribe both loans.
Worlds Food Crops short.
Latest reports from the Interna-
tionaI Institute OF Agriculture In
Rome are alarming, according TO
David LubIn, American representative,
who is in Washington to confer with
President Wilson and other officials
IN the food situation. "The worlds
food crop is deficient" he said, "and
FOR the first time in many years there
.xists a shortage in the supply OF
,orn, wheat, rye. barley, and oats,
estimated at a total of 130,000,000
bushels, less than the normal require
ments for countries open to trade.
I'VE must profit by Europe's expert
ence before meal tickets become
American entrance to the war in
INV alliance with the entente allies
will, 1t is generally understood by
American statesmen, carry with 1t the
moral obligation to help feed the
allies, who are suffering from short
age. Consequently even in the pres
ent situation, IL crop prospects do not
rapidly better, it will be necessary to
Iend all supplies not absolutely needed
II home to feed the men fighting the
war in Europe's trenches.
Want Every Acre Planted.
A propaganda for greater food
crops and a larger acreage is being
vigorously pressed by the Department
of Agriculture. The department is de-
voting its most able men to the prob
EN-, and the entire feld corps Is
gathering statistics and data. on acre
lRe, condition, and probable yield.
This information Is being placed be-
fore the Council OF National Defense,
,f which Secretary Houston is a mem
per.
DR.. b. T. Galloway, former Assistant
Secretary of Agriculture. and for
years chief OF the Plant Industry Bu-
-eau, one OF the greatest experts, who
resigned to take a lucrative post. has
been recalled by Secretary Houston,
and is directing efforts OF a depart
nent commission on food supply.
Announcement OF the first estimate
u the winter wheat crop, to be made
oy the crop reporting board tomor-
low, is being watched for with the
keenest. interest. Preliminary re-
ports have been to the effect that
because OF unfavorable conditions
for growing during the winter a
arge part OF the acreage planted has
oeen abandoned as not worth crop
ping.
The National Weather and Crop