The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1917-04-26
he people Of Vermont.

A subcommittee Of the Genera
Committee of Public Safety, with ex
Governor Gates as chairman, is II
charge Of food production and con
servation. This committee feels the
importance Of increasing the produc'
tion of the State during the presen,
crisis, and with the cooperation Of the
Board of Education desires to enliss
your efforts along the lines herein
suggested. This is an appeal for real
patriotic service made directly to you
and through you to the boys and girls
Of the community.
/. We wish TO encourage the boys
and girls of all ages to plant and cul-
tivate such a plot of ground as they
are practically sure of harvesting.
2. We desire that they give their
first attention to the raising of pota-
toes and beans and after that to other
vegetables.
3. We urge the girls of the State
to undertake the task of canning veg
etables and fruit.
a. In recognition of these services
the committee will give to each boy
and girl who succeeds in doing meri-
torious work certificate bearing the
State seal, and the signature Of the
Governor and Commissioner of Educa-
ton.
S. The committee will furnish seeds
to such volunteers as are unable to
procure seeds for themselves. This is
important work and needs to be at
tended to without delay. 1t will be
one of the most patriotic services that
can be rendered and will also release
such food for the children of Belgium,
France and other suffering countries
now allied with the United States of
America.
This appeal is signed by Milo B.
Hillegas, Commissioner of Education.
| have thought it worth while to en-
body the appeal in a sermon consider
ing our resources as a people and as
indicating possible and practical way
of patriotic and Christian service
when we consider the object of the
effort that it is to feed the hungry,
and so help to speed the day for
righteous peace.
The Red Cross organization is an
other way through which the re-
sources of helpful and effective SYM
pathy works. And it is great en-
couragement to see how many have
already responded to its call.
"What hast thout in the house 2"
We answer we have citizens-men and
women and children--of loyalty and
courage, and sympathy, and ready to
serve. We have great wealth as Il
nation ready to be levied on. We
have men of business and scientific
attainments ready to "do their bit. !"
We have heritage Of freedom, which
is more precious than gold and silver
and precious gems, and we are re-
solved that no power shall rob us of
our heritage-God given, sanctified al
ready by the sacrifices and sufferings
of days of toll and of battle in the
past.
In response to the searching ques-
ton, "What hast thou? We are ready
as a people, when as a people all are
thoroughly awake to the issues and
the needs, to mobilize all our energies
and our resources for this holy war
a war not Of our choosing-a war un-
desired but forced upon US by mans
inhumanity to man.
And while we pledge our industries,
our great verdant fields, our talents,
and our energies to the great cause,
we know that there is still another
gift to make, and if need be many
must be willing to allow the most
precious of all possessions which the
house contains, some one or more OF
the members of the household TO go
forth to do his part for God and
country and humanity. And then,
when as a people we shall have done
our part, may we not expect that,
as when the prophet ministered in
DAYS of old, so now God will add His
blessing, and in the end grant that all
the nations of the earth shall enter
into the heritage of freedom, OF
righteousness and of peace. And SO
the day shall be greatly fastened
when His will shall be done as in
Heaven, so in earth.
These lines are fitting prayer
to take with US as we go out from this
service:
"God bless our native land!
Firm may she ever stand,
Through storm and night!
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou our country save
By Thy great might.