The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-05-28
A Direct Appeal From
Hoover To The People

The confidence of the United
States Food Administration that the
people of the country would 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 toge-
Their, but to act together. This re-
Spouse of the people is the reason
for the present appeal.
Our work is not yet completed. In
spite of the encouraging results Of
our efforts, in spite of the fact that
our exports of foodstuffs are con-
stantly increasing, and are approach
ing the minimum requirements
abroad, the neeG for renewed devo-
ton and effort is still pressing.
While all of the requirements of the
Food Administration should be con-
stantly observed, there are certain
matters which J desire to stress at
this time.
In tne case Of meat and meat pro-
ducts the necessities for shipment
abroad are very great. Whereas the
Allied consumption has been reduc-
ed to an average of about one and
one-quarter pounds per person per
week, we are today enjoying an av-
erage of about hree-and-one-quarter
pounds per person per week. This
division is inequitable. An under
standing of these facts will justify
our request that the consumption of
all meats, including poultry, be re-
n WV hi L. 10
pounds per week, per person over
four years of age.
In the case of sugar we are en-
barrassed by the necessity of using
ships for carrying our soldiers, and
feeding the Allies. leaving made
quate tonnage for Importation of
sugar; and in consequence we must
use sugar 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 con-
served 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-
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. 1t
is uncomfortable 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 privi-
lege, not a sacrifice. All elements of
our population cannot bear this bur-
den equally. Those engaged in phys
ical labor need a larger bread ration
than those in sedentary occupations
Because of the constant daily en-
.ployment of women and the lack of
home baking facilities, many house
holds in large urban centers require
a food ration already prepared, such
as the bakers standard Victory
Bread loaf. Furthermore, We must
constantly safeguard the special re-
quirements 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 and
your community. urging those whose
circumstances will permit to join
with us and take this stand.
HERBERT HOOVER.