The Tupelo journal., 1918-05-31
MR.. v MESSAGE

people of the country would respond
enthusiastically and intellectually
upon presentation of the facts to any
necessary requests for reduction in
consumption of food has been fully
justified. We have demonstrated u
ability not only to think together but
to act together. This response ofsthe
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 foodstuffs are constant
ly increasing and are approaching
the minimum requirements abroad,
the need for renewed devotion and
effort is pressing. While all of the
requirements of the Food Admins
tration should be constantly observed,
there are certain matters which | de-
sire to stress at this time.
In the last of meat and meat pro-
ducts the necessities for shipment
abroad are very great. Whereas the
Allied consumption has been reduced
to an average of about one and
one-quarter pounds per person per
week, we are today enjoying an av-
erage of about three and one-quarter
pounds per person per week. This
division is inequitable an understand
ing of these facts will justify u re-
quests that the consumption of all
meats including poultry as nearly as
possible be reduced to two pounds per
week per person over four years OF
age.
In the Ease of sugar we r m
barrassed by the necessity of using
ships for carrying our soldiers and
feeding the Allies and in consequence
we must use sugar with great con
omy. We must emphasize the import
ance of canning and preserving on a
large scale among u 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 world. If we
are to satisfy the minimum wheat re-
ouirements of our Armies and the
Allies and the suffering millions / n
the Allied countries u consumption
of wheat in the United States until
the next harvest must be reduced to
approximately to one-third of normal.
It is ~inconceivable that we should
fail in this crisis for each of us who
can personally contribute to the re-
lief of human suffering it is a prlvl-
lege not a sacrifice. All elements OF
our population cannot bear this bur-
den equally those engaged in physical
labor need a larger bread ration than
these in sedentary occupations. BE-
cause of the constant daily employ
ment of women and the lack OF home
baking facilities many households l n
large urban centers require a food
ration already prepared such as the.
bake standard Victory bread o
Furthermore 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
that many organizations and some
communities have already agreed TO
follow this plan.
1t is hoped that you will commu-
nicate this to your organization ana
community urging those whose clrcum
stances will permit to join with us and
take this stand."-
(Signed.) Herbert hoover
w SS-