The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1918-05-23
MIR. HOOVER'S mo
WHEAT" APPEAL

Washington, May 15.--"The conf
dence of the United States Food Ad-
ministration that the people of the
country respond enthusiastically and
whole-heartedly upon presentation of
the facts to any necessary requests
for reduction in consumption of food
has been fully justified. We have
demonstrated our ability not only to
think together, but to act together
This response Of the people is the
reason for the present appeal.
Our work is not yet complete In
spite Of the encouraging results of
our efforts, in spite of the fact that
our exports of food stufTs are con
Stantly increasing and are approach
ing the minimum requirements
abroad, the need for renewed devo-
tlon and efforts is pressing. While all
the requirements of the Food Admin
istration should be constantly OBJ
served, there are certain matters
which | desire to stress at this time.
Of meat and meat products, the ne
cessities for shipment abroad are very
great Whereas the allied consump-
ton has been reduced to an avera,-
of about one and one-quarter pound
per person per week, we are today en-
Joylng an average of about three and
one-Quarter pounds per person per
week. This division is inequitabe.
An understanding of these facts will
Justify our request that the con-
sumption of all meats, including poul-
try, as nearly as possible be reduced
to two pounds per wek per person
over four years of age.
OF sugar, we are embarrassed by
the necessity of using ships for carry
ing our soldiers and feeding the allies
and in consequence we must use su-
gar with great economy We must
emphasize the Importance of canning
and preserving on a large scale
among our people this summer. and
our available sugar must be conserved
for this purpose.
But the situation with regard to
wheat is the most serious in the food
supply of the allied word. If we are
to satisfy the minimum wheat re-
Quirements of our armies and the al
lies and the suffering millions in the
allied countries, our consumption of
wheat in the United States until the
next harvest must be reduced to ap-
proXimately one-third of normal. It'll
is inconceivable that we should fail in
this crisis For each of us who can
personally contribute to the relief of
human suffering it is a privilege, not
sacrifice. All elements of our pop
ulation cannot bear this burden equal
ly. Those engaged in physical labor
need larger bread ration than those
- ientary occupations. Because of
the constant daily employment of wo-
men and the lack of home baking fa-
cilities many households in large ur-
ban centers require a food ration al
ready prepared, such as the bakers
standard victory bread loaf. Further
more, we must constantly safeguard
the special requirements of children
and invalids.
To meet the situation abroad and
to prevent serious suffering at home,
it is imperative that all those whose
circumstances permit shall abstain
from wheat and wheat products in any
form until the next harvest 1t is
realized and deeply appreciated thatI
many organizations and communities
have already agreed to follow this
plan.
1t Is hoped that you will commun-
cate this to your organization and
your community, urging those whose
circumstances will permit to join
with us and take this stand"
"(Signed) Herbert Hoover