Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1917-04-20
PLANS OUTLINED
TO MEET CRISIS
|NFOOD PROBLEM

The vital necessity for concerted ac-
ton among the farmers and business
men of this section In solving the food
problem now confronting the nation,
was thoroughly impressed upon the
business men of this city last night at
a meeting of the Business Council of
the Chamber of Commerce, when the
question was discussed in all its
phases and plans outlined for the allie
Walton Of the threatened situation.
]. K. Giles, of the extension depart
ment of the State College of Agricul-
ture, was the principal speaker of the
occasion, appearing in place of DR.. A.
NJ. Soule, who was unable to fulfill his
engagement to address the meeting.
G. T. Cunningham. chairman of the
Business Council, opened the session,
hut turned over the gavel to Mayor L.
G. Council, who presided throughout
the discussion of the problem under
consideration.
Mr.. Giles, who attend the national
meeting of state agricultural repre-
sentatives in St. Louis, Mo-, a few days
ago, described the plans suggested at
this conference to remedy the serious
conditions now impending in the food
situation in the United States.
The ST. Louis conference, said Mr..
Giles. was unanimous in its decision
that the South must prepare to feed
itself this year, so that the supply of
foodstuffs may be sufficient not only
for the needs of the American people,
Abut also to furnish material assistance
Ut the Allies in their struggle against
the Germans.
The plans worked out at the st.
Louis conference include Council of
National Defense" to direct the oper-
ations throughout the country, also
state, county and community organiza-
tions to carry on campaign Of agita
tion among the farmers for a greatly
increased production of fOodStuffs this
year The farmers of the South are
particularly urged to plant larger
acreages of sweet potatoes. peanuts,
corn and ofragf crops, while the pro-
duction of meat is to be enormously
increased.
Mr.. Giles emphasized the necessity
of securing the cooperation of the
farmers of Sumter county in the ma
tional movement, since Georgia must
take measures to produce within her
own borders the $S5,0OO,OOO worth of
food stuffs that were imported in 1916
to feed her citizens.
J. c. Oliver, agricultural agent for
this district and prominent in the
statewide operations of the State Col
lege of Agriculture along this line, de-
gcribed the efforts that are being made
to coordinate the work of the farm
ers and business men throughout the
state. He urged immediate action by.
the Chamber of Commerce.
~ ATs
and ]. Ralston Gargill spoke of the
necessity for immediate action to rem
cdy the existing conditions and urged
that steps be taken at once to align
tile farmers of this section with the ma
tional movement to plant increased
acreages in food products.
It was voted by the Business Coun-
ell to send delegation to Macon on
Tuesday of next week to attend the
state conference to be held to discuss
the food production question and
Mayor Council was authorized to name
COMMITTEE of Public Safety" to-
have charge of the operations along
this line in Sumter county.
The following resolutions were pass
ned at the close of the discussion last
night
Whereas, The president of these
United States has called upon all sec
tions of the country to organize for
the purpose of taking immediate steps
looking to the maximum production OF
the particular food crops suited to ev-
cry locality. be it resolved by the
Americus and Sumter County Cham
her Of Commerce and citizens here as
sembied that we pledge our earnest
efforts to support the government to
prevent food shortage by urging
economy in the use Of foodstuffs and
the planting of all available acreage in
hood crops.
Resolved. That the chairman oil
his meeting appoint committee OF
i've on permanent organization.
IL shall be the duty of the commit
DE(