Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1918-02-27
Next Two Months viii Be Most
Critical-RaiIWay CongeS-
ton Blamed.
U. S. MUST AID THE ALLIES
Country Is Far Behind in Its Program
of Sending Supplies Overseas
Food Administration Asks
People to Help.

Washington, Feb. 22.-The next two
months will be the most critical period
with regard to food that the United
States has faced since she entered the
war.
This was the statement of Herbert
Hoover, United States food administra-
tor. Earnest cooperation is called for.
The statement reads:
SIN response to many inquiries beg
to say it is true that since the first of
December we have fallen far behind
our agreed food program with the al
lies. BY the end of February we will
be short 100000 bushels in cereal
products which we undertook as our
share of their supplies. We also wifi
be short of the amount of meat prod
ucts that we were to deliver.
"This deficiency is due solely to the
railway congestion since that date.
Face Critical Stage.
"The next sixty days will be the
most critical period in our food his
tory. The simple fact is that the pro-
gram goes far deeper than supplies to
the allies.
During the last three months we
have fallen far behind in movement of
foodstuffs from the farms to the con-
Stunning and storage centers. Up to the
first Of February less than so per cent
of the normal ratio Of corn has been
moved, less than 80 per cent Of the
oats and less than 60 per cent Of the
potatoes.
1--WE had about 100000 carloads Of
potatoes November 1 that should have
been moved from the producing CEN
tiers, and up to the first of February
we had moved about $4,000 carloads.
We should have moved over $4,000 in
this period. The result is that pOta-
toes are spelling in the producers
hands.
Transportation to Blame.
"There is a great deal Of live stock
which has been ready for the market
for some time, but is still held in the
farmers hands through inability to OBJ
tain transportation.
1.-THE effect of this delayed move
ment has been manifold:
"First-To jeopardize the safety Of
a great deal of the soft corn and per-
ishables, such as potatoes.
"Second-The structure in flow Of
distribution has disturbed the price
conditions in the country by practical
1y suspending the law of supply anu
demand.
"Third-The cost of grains for feed
ing live stock has so increased to the
feedsr of finished cattle that they face
serious losses. The costs of the dairy
ing industries have necessarily great
ly increased.
"Fourth-Through the large conSum
ing areas we have been living on re-
serves through the period OF scant sup
plies. These reserves are approach
Ing exhaustion.
"Fifth-We have been unable
transport to seaboard the neceSSaf!
foodstuffs for the allies.
Public Must Give Aid.
'sThe situation calls for every coop
Grafton of the public-thr0ugh In'
quick loading of cars, loading them
capacity, and discharging them qulVn
ly-and in every way reducing the Ia
on the railways.
Incorporation can be given by reua.
ton In consumption of foodstuns
the consumption of home ana lO'a,
stores to the exclusion Of transpOi'''
articles. ,ra
"No effort is being spared 10 NV
allied food, and the railway ulre'",
ate is arranging special trains 10 Iz or,
meat and packing-house produces LIVE
Chicago to load the waiting SHIP ships
"HERBERT HOOVER