The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1918-05-31
"A Direct Appeal From Mr.. Hoover
To The People OF The
United States.

To The People OF The
United States.
The confidence of the United
States Food Administration that the
people of the country would respond
enthusiastically and whole heartedly
upon presentation .nf 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 together. This response
of the people is the reason for the
present appeal.
In spite of the encouraging results
of our efforts, in spite of the fact
that our exports of foodstuffs are
constantly increasing, and are APP
preaching the minimum require
ments abroad, the need for renewed
devotion and effort is still pressing
While all of 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 shipment
abroad are very great. Wheroa
the Allied consumption has been re
duced to an average of about one
and-one-quarter pounds per person
per week, we are today enjoying an
average of about three -and-one-
quarter pounds per person per week.
This division is inequitable. An
understanding of. these facts will
Justify our request that the con-
sumption of all meats, including
poultry, be reduced as nearly as pos
sible to two 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
conserved for this purpose.
But the situation with regard to
wheat is the most serious in the
food supply of the Allied world II
we are to satisfy the minimum wheat
requirements of our armies and the
Allies and the suffering millions in
the Allied countries, our consump-
ton OF wheat in the United States
until the next harvest must be re-
duced to approximately one-third of
normal. 1t is uncomfortable that we
should fail in this crisis. For each
of us who can personally contribute
to the relief of human suffering it
is privilege, not sacrifice. Ali
elements of our population canno;
bear this burden equally. Those en-
gagged in physical labor need larger
bread ration than those in sedentary
occupations. Because of the con-
slant daily employment of women
and the lack of home baking facili-
ties, many households in large urban
centers require food ration al
ready prepared, such as the bakers
standard Victory Bread loaf. Fur
thermore, we must constantly safe
guard 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 COM
municate this to your organization
and your community, urging those
whose circumstances will permit to
join with us and take this stand.
HERBERT HOOVER.