The Republican journal., 1918-06-06
Federal Farm Help
Specialist for Name Urges Residents Of
Cities and Towns to A ssist the Farmers


The task-oe supplying ample labor to
the farmers of Maine this year, in order
that they may not be handicapped in the
planting, cultivation, and harvesting of
their crops, is one of great Importance. It
should receive the serious consideration
of everyone. Many ways have been pro-
posed for solving the farm labor problem
but the only feasible solution of the whole
matter will be some sort of voluntary re-
adjustment, if Maine does her share to-
wards producing the crops which the
nation needs for the winning of the war.
If we can produce food enough within the
State to feed ourselves, we will have
done our share. This of course refers
only to those foods which can be raised
within the State. The surplus from other
parts of the country will be needed to
feed our soldiers and sailors, and the SOL
diers and sailors and noncombatant peo-
Piles of our associates.
The same conditions prevail in other
States as in Maine relative to farm labor.
Not only have men left the farm for mil
itary service but thousands have gone
into the industries.
The war cannot be won unless we pro-
produced unless the farmers secure suffi-
cient labor The laborers have gone from
the farms. What can be done to handle
the situation? Sufficient labor cannot be
secured unless town and city people who
are qualified for such service volunteer
for farm work near their homes during
the busiest seasons. There are many
business men and other people in the
towns who have had past farm expert
ence. They should be willing to 60 to
nearby farms for few days at time as
needed Their livelihood is dependent
upon the farmer Why not help him
during this great emergency? Remem-
Der that upon his existence and prosper
ity there is much depending.
In some States many of the large bust
ness houses and stores have agreed to
close day each week during the culti-
walton and harvest season. There are
quite a number of business places in
Maine whose employees take a Saturday
half holiday. This releases large num-
Der of men, who can be utilized on the
farms. Would it not be more patriotic
at this time to place your services at the
disposal of the farmers in your commun-
,ity than to take pleasure trips? 1t will
not be fun to 60 to work on farms, en-
during the hot sun and the many back
aches No part of this war is a picnic.
1t is no fun to live in muddy hole in the
ground, neither is 1t a pleasure to stop
shell fragment or to charge machine
gun. Maine boys are today doing these
things in France and you are only asked
to work on farms in your county for
few days when needed, to help win the
war and feed yourselves.
Many communities and counties in
other States are requiring the loafer and
idler to 60 to work. If men are loafing
in Maine, pressure should be brought to
bear to compel them to work.
You have sent your sons, contributed
your money; you are proud of your pa
triotism Now, Mr.. Town and City Man,
the farmers in your community need help,
particularly little later, when cultivat-
ing and harvest Sc asons arrive. What
can you do to help? This kind of work
will not be so attractive for you as the
selling of Liberty Bonds or canvassing
for the Red Cross, but it is even more
essential and patriotic. Town people all
over the United States must do it. No
matter how much money we raise, we
must not fail to raise food. Soldiers
can't eat money, and money can't buy
food, unless food is produced.
1t is merely question of the willing
ness of every town person who is able OF