Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1917-08-17

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In accordance with the suggestion by
the secretary Of war show there has
been ready response and that there is
a nationwide spirit for hearty CO.
operation between the state authorities
and the federal government.
The work that is being carried for
ward is on a basis that Is distinctly
nonpartisan. Every American, regard
less of political ideals and sectional
feeling, is working toward one end
to give the government complete back
Ing that he knows is essential.
46 States Aid by Legislation.
Every phase Of effort to coordinate
the resources of the nation is being
furthered, Forty-six states have passed
legislation appointing bodies for super
vising the work. The other two have
placed 1t in the hands of the governors,
who are eXerting their efforts toward
giving individual support to the federal
government. Committees have been
formed In all states to devote partiCu-
lar attention to special duties,
Four states - Colorado, MnSsnchu-
sets, New Jersey and Wisconsin-have
made plans for the harvesting this fall
In Colorado has submitted to business
houses in the smaller towns Il request
that they remain closed during harvest
time till 3 p. M, thus allowing their
employees opportunity to work during
the day In the harvest fields. The
other three states are pcrfeCting plans
for the utilization of factory laborcrs
on farms. In Massachusetts, there has
been devised a plan that Is considered
exceedingly valuable. 1t Is for n sur
vey by the employers of large numbers
Of men to find those who have had ex-
perience In farming. Such men will be
encouraged to return TO farm work.
The employers In many instances are
Offering to make up the difference In
wages.
Census Taken In Most States.
The organization of the nation for
war purposes necessitates the listing
Of the man power before anything else
has been decided, and work on that
line Is being conducted with a rom
pleteness that IS gratifying to federal
officials. Governors In most Of the
states have not been content with the
mere military enrolment Of men be-
tween the ages of twenty-one and
thirty that Is required by federal stat
ute. In addition, they have taken n
census within their states and are re-
cOrding the resources Of every lndi-
vidual, whether male or female, who
may "do his or her Bit for the welfare
of the nation In war time.
New York proved her claim to the
title Of the Empire state by statistics
gathered In her state military census.
Other states that are completing
their records Of man power are Con
n%ecticut, Maryland, Vermont and West
Virginia. The Information being gath
cred VIII be Of great value, IL Is held,
particularly If events shape themselves
with startling rapidlty - something
which must be looked for, II * con
tended, in war times. Other states,
Massachusetts and Rhode Island In
Guided, have laid particular stress
upon the enrolling of men Of engineer
Ing ability, classifying them in such
manner that on short notice they can
be summoned to duty.
Women Give Their Aid.
The work being accomplished by
women IS particularly noticeable in
Illinois and Wisconsin. The advisory
committees Of women's organizations
Of the state council Of defense in both
states have prepared lists Of the prin-
cipal women's state patriotic societies
and assigned to each Il definite field
Of activity. They have also used the
statutory power Of the state council 10
direct all local organizations TO CO.
operate with these societies. Florida
is also doing excellent work along
these lines. Committees of men and
women on farming and fruit raising
In that state are being formed and in
tensive cultivation Of the farms Is be
Ing encouraged.
Many Of the states In taking up the
work Of organization for war purposes
and preparing for relief work have
found ii necessary to consider the reg
ulating Of all who solicit contributions.
At present there Is agitation in many
for the passing Of acts Of legis-
which will give the council Of
defense the power Of supervision Of
those who appeal for funds.
Systems Of local defense and pre-
.paredness for relief work. which mean
the release for the fighting line Of
that otherwise would be needed
for garrison duty, have been perfected
In New York and In California. Greater
New York has 10000 drilled Home De-
Tense leaguers to back up It's 1900 po-
lice. County councils have been ap-
pointed in both states. At the request
OF the governors, county judges and
other leading figures make up such
councils in rural districts, while may
ors Of cities act In the urban centers.
In Greater New York the mayor has
selected a home defense committee
called the mayors committee on ma