Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-05-27
LOCAL PASTORS
READ MESSAGE
Letter OF Hoover on Conservation
Is Delivered in Churches at
Services.
FOR SAVING WHEAT SUPPLY
Compares RatiOning in the United
States With That of Allied
Nations.

| At the request of II. A. Wheeler,
/ federal food administrator for Hi
nois, many pastors in Rock Island
yesterday read a message on con-
servatton from Federal Food Ad-
ministrator Herbert Hoover at the
morning and evening services.
/ Mr.. HOover'S message carries to
( the people the necessity of savin g
on all foodstuffs. Centering his
thought on wheat saving.
Mr.. Hoover's complete message
as read in the local churches yes
terday is appended:
The confidence of the United
/ States food administration that the
people of the country would re-
spond enthusiastically and whole
beartedly 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 to
getheT. This response of the peo-
pie is the reason for the present
appeal.
"OurwOrk is not yet complete. II
spite of the encouraging results of
our efforts, in spite of the fact that
our exports of foodstuffs are con-
stantly increasing and are ap
preaching the minimum require
ments abroad, the need for renewed
devotion and effort is pressing.
While all the requirements of the
food administration should be con-
stantly observed, there are certain
matters which l desire to stress at
this time.
In the case of meat and meat
products the necessities for ship
ment abroad are very great
Whereas the allied consumption has
been reduced to an average of
about one and One-fourth pounds
per person per week, we are TODAY
enjoying an average of about three
and One-fourth pounds per person
per week. This division is inequit-
abb. An understanding of these
facts will justify our request that
the consumption of all meats in
Guiding poultry, as nearly as posi-
Bile be reduced to two pounds per
week per person over four years
of age.
"In the case of sugar, we are
embarrassed by the necessity of US
ing ships for carrying our soldiers
and feeding the allies. and in con-
sequence we must use sugar with
great economy. We must en-
phasiZe the Importance of canning
and preserving on a large scale
among our people this summer and
our available sugar must be con-
served for this purpose.
Some Need More.
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 requirements of our armies
and the allies, and the suffering
millions in the allied countries, our
consumption of what in the United
States until the next harvest must
be reduced to approximately one
third of normal 1t is incOnceiv-
able that we should fail in this
crisis. For each of us who can per-
sOnally contribute TO the relief of
human suffering it is a privilege.
not a sacrifice. All elements of our
population cannot bear this bur
den eqaully. Those engaged in
physical labor need a larger bread
ration than those in sedentary oc-
equations. Because of the constant
daily employment of women and
the lack of home baking facilities,
many households in large urban
centers require food ration pre-
pared, such as the bakers stand
ard victory bread loaf. Further
more, we must constantly safeguard
the special requirements of chill
Gren and invalids.
ITO meet the situation abroad
and to prevent serious suffering at
whose circumstances permit, shall
home, it is imperative that all thosC
abstain from wheat and wheat pro-
ducts in any form until the next
harvest. 1t is realized and deeply
appreciated that many organiZa-
tons and some communities have
already agreed TO follow this plan.
at is hoped that you will COM
municate this to your organization
and your community, urging those
whose circumstances will permit.
to join with US and take this stand"