Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-05-12
Must Help Farmers
to Win the War
All Not Engaged in Essential
War Work asked to Aid
agriculture.

All NirGinianS-!ncn women. chill
dren--who are denied the privilege OF
armed service. or who are not directly
engaged in some work essential to the
prosecution OF the war. are urged to
20 10 the farms and render the la Dor
now required by our Virginia farmers
in planting. and which will be required
at harvest time" in a proclamation is
sued yesterday by Governor Davis. The
Governor points out that this war can
not be won unless food is brought forth
in abundance. For this reason. he
says. the scarcity of labor for farms
is pregnant with danger TO the nation.
The proclamation reads.
Whereas. Virginia gives OF her sons
and treasure that Ea!Serism shall not
conquer the world. and is determined
that nothing shall be Withheld from the
support Of the war against Hun junk
erdom that would make of US SER
Went people; and
Whereas. This war cannot be won
unless we also bring forth food in
abundance, and multiply our labor 20
that end. for the strength of our army
and those Of our allies is measurable
in terms OF available food; and
Whereas, The scarcity OF farm labor
in Virginia. s in the other States
threatens a great decrease in food pro-
duct!on. which is a situation pregnant
with danger 10 the nation and TO the
cause OF the allies: now
Therefore, /. Westmoreland Davis.
Governor Of Virginia. do call upon all
the people OF Virginia, and especially
those who are not engaged in some
other necessary war work, TO render the
labor required now by our Virginia
farmers in planting, and which Will be
required Al harvest time by going upon
the farms OF the State TO work.
ITO emulate the noble example set
by the women of France who In re-
Spouse to the appeal OF Premier Niviani
gathered the crops i'll 1914 while the
gallant sons OF France saved democracy
at the Marine. and who now till those
batilc-scarred fields while their men
fight sor the freedom of the world. l
call upon you, the people of Virginia,
to 20 upon the farms and by the con-
tribution OF your labor help provide the
food required 10 win the war.
81 urge YOU in the stirring words of
Viviani's historic appeal to the women
of France:
."1n the name OF the government of
the republic, in the name OF the ma
ton whole and complete which stands
behind ii, appeal TO your valour, TO
that OF the children whom their aE-
alone and not their courage prevents
them taking part in the combat. ] call
upon YOU TO maintain the work In the
fields. to complete the harvest OF the
year to prepare that of next year. You
cannot render greater service TO your
country. 1t is not for you. it is for her
that make this appeal 10 your hearts.
You must safeguard your means OF
livelihood. provide food for tho urba n
populations, and above all secure ade-
ouatc supplies for those who al the
frontier defend civilization and law in
defending the independence OF the
country
Given under my hand, and undo!
the lesser seal OF the Commonwealth.
at Richmond. this seventh day OF May,
in the year OF our Lord one thousa nd
nine hundred and eighteen. and In one
hundred and forty-second year OF the
Commonwealth"