Evening journal., 1918-04-02
poYs As WAR WORKERS.


= OSEPH NJ ARMSTRONG, Federal state Director Of
J the United States Boys Working Reserves is doing
good service not only in Wilmington but also in the rural
districts Of state in enrolling boys for work on the
farms. is now work in Kent and sussex counties
and his appeals the boys meeting with remarkable
response For instance after had addressed the stu
dents in the Wesleyan Collegiate Institute in Dover, he
inquired of them:
Now who viii come forward and volunteer to be-
come members Of the Boys Working Reseryc?"
To his surprise and delight, every student rushed
forward to be enrolled
The high school students in The several towns also
are responding nohly The results thus Far achieved
have exceeded tho expectations Of Director Armstrong
'The enthusiasm shown all through the lower part
Of the state simply wonderful" he says in letter
we have received from him. AT least ninety cent.
Of the boys in Kent and counties will enroll for
farm and cannery work. have many requests already
from The very best farmers and Gamers in the State
asking for boys"
Director Armstrong is distributing in the schools
printed circulars. in which he says:
"The schools of Delaware are on trial Their worth
in this great emergency has yet to be proved many
years they have been working a peace basis. Can
they now reach the standard by the officials Of the
United States Boys Working Reserve for the war? Can
they convince farmers that students have the
energy strength and intelligence 20 take The places OF
men the farms OF this country Can they convince
the parents that the boys viii adequate prepara-
tlon while at school and have humane treatment whila
on the farms? Can the schools convince the general
public that taxation this purpose justified and that
diversion OF ordinary school interests is worth while
Any ono who knows the conditions in the schools will
answer these questions with unhesating Yes The
schools have a business interest in the of this
experiment from the viewpoint Of the farmer and they
have sentimental interest in the success from the
viewpoint Of the pupils welfare. Realizing that their
reputation rests to large extent upon the successful
completion Of this experiment they will labor with every
ounce Of strength to do a thorough piece Of work in
behalf OF the nation.
Parents may rest assured that the Working Boys
Reserve and The schools will safeguard the welfare Of
their boys on the farms short period Of Independent
farm life will develop in these boys initiative, resource
fulness and judgment Health and strength will improve
and great slorehouse of knowledge viii be opened to
them.
'Nhy should parents interest themselves in this
matterg The world is hungry and - is depending upon
the American farmer for food The stay-athomes have
sacrifices yet but the people Of the cities will
feel the pinch Of food shortage il they do not aid the
farmer sowing and garnerng the crops The farmer
short OF help cannot produce wheat unless
help is provided If the farmers TO give large
crop this year they did last year aid must be fur
nshed by helpers from the cities
1.-THE nation calling upon the parents the boys and
the schools aid in great crisis. Let hope that
the eau win not he in valn'
That is an appeal that should bring response from
every red-blooded Delaware boy and his parents.