Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-11


has asked Congress to pass.
Co operating as we arc with tho
nations OF Europe in the war against
the central powers" said Secretary
Houston. the task of maintaining tho
political and moral obligation and a
military necessity. War is always de-
structive OF production. and. in Il pc
culiar sense. 1t Ia destructive of tho
production OF foodstuTs. since war
leads TO a scarcity of labor. and labor
is one Of the chief factors in cuitiva-
ton OF the soil.
I'm addition. the wheat crop of prac-
tically the entire world has suffered
serious reduction during the past year;
and the prospects for the coming year
promise little or no increase in the
production of this essential cereal
one OF two courses lies open to our
government. The first is to continue
as we are at present: that is. to permit
unhampered the abnormal operations
Of trade. rendered all tho more alb
normal because OF the needs OF the
allies for foods,uNs from this country
The second plan consists in the rcgu-
lation or control OF our foodstuTs 20
subsistence OF the allies and the pro-
lection OF the food needs and CONNER
cial interests OF our own people.
The bills now pending in Congress
provide for systematic development OF
our productive forces and an adequate
control OF distribution and consump-
ton. to the end of conserving for our
selves and for the allies the foodstuns
f..
agriculture"
The two bills. known the food
production bill Oh. r. 4lSS), and the
food control bill (H. r. $500. are de-
signed to place in the hands OF the
administration emergency powers and
funds adequate TO accomplish the nee
cssary ends. The production bill pro-
vides for the extension of the normal
activities OF the department with n
view further to stimulate the produc-
ton and to conserve the supply of food
stuffs. The bill is framed as n war
measure It authorizes the Secretary o.
Agriculture to make a survey OF the
food supply of the nation. in order
TO secure full and accurate informa-
ton regarding its quantity. location
and ownership. as we'll AZ knowledge
y
that own. control. manufacture and
distribute food products. Authorita-
tive Information as to the supply OF
food available in the United States al
ways is OF the highest Importance. 1t
is Imperative In the existing emcr-
Eency. when soaring prices create un-
usual motives for manipulation. specu-
lation and boarding. Intelligent in
A. 49,
tribution depend upon thorough and
reliable knowledge OF the food supply.
This survey can be quickly made. II
Will probably be followed by monthly
reports. II the war lasts further
survey may be made after an interval
OF Ave or six months. All this work.
ii is contemplated. can be done for
$1,000 or 100000.
TO PROTECT SEED RESERVE
FROM USE OR DEPLETION
The bill also authorizes the Sec
rotary OF Agriculture. in case of spe-
cial need in restricted areas. to pur-
chase, grow, or otherwise procure seeds
crops; to store them, and to furnish
them to farmers on credit or other
terms at cost. Power also Is given
to reQuistion such seeds and to fix
reasonable price to be paid for them
by the government. such price 10 be
subject to review by the courts. These
new powers are required BY the De-
1artment OF Agriculture to meet spc-
cial emergency needs that may arise
on account OF adverse conditions, such
as storms. plant diseases. or insect in
jury. in order that production may
be maintained at n high level. 1t is
also necessary to protect the seed re-
serve from use or depletion for indus
trial or consumptive purposes.
Provision is made for the enlarge
ment OF the cooperative agricultural
extension forces. 1t is proposed to
place at least one county agent In
every rural county of the nation. and
also further to develop the extension
work for women. At present only
about 1900 counties out of 1850 rural
counties are provided with county
agents. The remaining provisions OF
the bill have In view the following
objects:
81. To stimulate the production of
five stock to promote the conserva-
ton and utilization OF meat. poultry.
dairy. and other animal products: and
to make a larger attack upon animal
diseases and pests. such as hog cholera.
contagious abortion. and the cattle
tick. which exact an annual toll OF
over $500. 5000
go. To extend the activities Of the
department dealing with destructive
plant diseases and insect pests.
%. To conserve perishablc crops by
stimulating better handling and stor-
age. drying. canning and the like
II. To extend and develop the market
news service for fruits and vegetables
we'll rs of other important activi.
ties OF the office of markets and rural
organization. II Is proposed to en-