The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-22
Transportation Not Available,
Corn and Potatoes ROtting.
Situation Most Serious in His
tory, Declares Hoover.
ALLIES SHORT as MILLION BU.
Plenty OF Food, but Transport
= tatiOn Means Inadequate.
Hoover Takes MeatIeSS Ban OF
Lamb and Mutton.

Washington, Feb. 22-Throwing
aside the secrecy which for weeks has
covered a rapidly developing world
food crisis. Food Administrator Hoov-
er laid bare the alarming seriousness
of the situation. Breakdown of trans
portation, especially railroads was
blamed by Hoover. Food deliveries
are short Corn and potatoes are rot
ting. Some districts are virtually on
the verge of famine because of ex-
hausted food reserves.
HoOver's startling revelations
known here confidentially for, some
time. are intended, it is believed, to
spur on the railroads, the ships and
the American public to get behind the
food administration and push thru the
food that will win the war. In some
quarters ii was believed Hoover also
stop proposed legislation to increase
the price of wheat. which it is claimed
would completely upset the food pro-
gram.
The situation characterized by Hoov-
er as the most serious in history is
briefly as follows. according to Hoov-
cFfs statement:
Next 60 Days the Test.
The next sixty days will be the most
critical in our food history. By Feb
Easary % we will be short 100000
bushels in cereals promised to the al
lies.
Laws of supply and demand sus-
pended by interrupted flow of distri-
button.
Food reserves in large consuming
areas ar" approaching exhaustion
Movement of food over the National
railroad to practical exclusion of
much other commerce the only solu-
ton.
Hoover's statement follows reports
o anxiety over the food situation
from sr~I TDrsf lob hoe
dor, and frantic appeals from heads
of Italian government to its embassy
hero urging quick action,
Raises MeatIcss Ban.
Washington, Feb. 22.-Lamb and
mutton may be eaten on ''meatless'
Gays until April 5.
The food administration, in making
this announcement today, indicated
clearly that there is no chance now
for lifting the ban on beef and pork,
however.
Since November /. the food admin
fstration declared, Americas beef ex-
ports to the allies have amounted to
less than 5 per cent OF the total cat
tie slaughtered. The per capita con-
sumption of beef and pork during
years.
Beef and Pork Still Under Rule.
Beef and pork must be left off the
monu OH meatless days indefinitely, it
is indicated. Rations in Europe, the
food administration explains, have
been reauced to Approximately one
pound Ct meat per capita week or
less than 80 per cent of the American
consumption. European rations to-
day are so low as to tend to diminish
the morale and resistance of the al
lies" Hoover declared.
The situation in mutton and lamb is
different. however, he explains, and in
those states in which this western
product is available, lamb and mutton
can be eaten on the meatless day for a
time.
Mutton Not Exported.
Lamb and mutton, moreover, are
lot exported to the allies; and their
peohibition heretofore on meatless
days has simply been to leave more
of these meats for the other six days,
saving beef and pork.