The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-01-07
>YLAND, MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 7, 1918

resulted because II mas not Deen dCJ-
ed upon. 1t would be unfair to the
FARMERS of the Nation even to enter
taih the thought that they would be
willing 10 have the rest of the popu
latton do all the fighting in this
struggle in the defense of our rights
and for world freedom. The farm
ers themselves as a whole resent the
I'M imation. If farmers were eXemp
ted as class, obviously others
would feel the injustice of such ac
ton. 1t is unlikely that any respon-
sitle body of opinion would sanction
the proposal
If we pat our minds to the task
an attempt 20 deal with it in a
constructive way, there are many
things which can be done to furnish
relief. The Department of Agricul-
tUfe, of course, will continue to do
everything in its power to aid in
the solution of the difficult problem.
TIE most promising lines of effort
seem to embrace the following:
First. A systematic survey Of the
farm-labor situation in order to as
&C rtain the possible needs of farm
es,s and to determine ways of meet
irsg them. The department, before
tie beginning OF the next crop sea-
son, through its agents stationed in
the various States and in co-opera-
ii IN with the Department of Labor
aid the State councils of defense.
VII make such a survey.
Second The promotion of fuller
co-operation in the utilization of la
Dor among farmers in the same COM
nlunity.
Third The further development
OF machinery for assisting in the
transfer of labor from sections
where the seasoned pressure has
passed to regions where additional
help is urgently needed.
Fourth. Making available labor
which heretofore has not been fully
or regularly utilized in farming op-
erations, including boys of high
school age who have had experience
on the farm.
The farm labor representatives Of
the department will continue to de-
vote all their time and energies to
these tasks and they will keep in
close touch with appropriate State
and other agencies.
Fifth The releasing of men for
agricultural purposes, so far as pos
sible, by replacing them with women
and by diyerting labor from relative
IL nonessential enterprises are mat
ters which demand serious consid-
Grafton. Conscription of labor for
industrial purposes, of course, neces-
sarily would present many difficult
ties Powerful influences are oper-
ating, however. to bring about the
nelease of labor and capital from
Tess essential enterprises and their
diversion into more urgent under
kakings These will become increas-
|ngly compelling as the situation de-
Eelops. They will be aided by the
growing realization on the part OF
the people generally of curtailing ex-
penditures ON ncn-essentials and OF
redirecting labor and capital into
vital industries.
Sixth. Steps to see that any able
bodied men who are not now doing
al full and useful days work shall be
fully and regularly employed. This.
Of course, is a matter primarily Tor
konsideration by State and municipal
authorities.
kS1apt, The largest possible ~
ll.sss -4ec-ssf 81. -. Il =
aving machinery. The department.
has actively interested itself in se-.
turing priority for raw materials
.lsed in the manufacture OF farm inn
Elements, and also in securing ia,
korable consideration at the hands Of
transportation committees to provide
facilities for moving the materials to
the manufacturers and the complet-
ed products from the manufacturers
80 the distributors and also to the
farmers. Both those dealing with
priorities of materials and those
dealing with priorities of transpor-
tation have evinced complete will
hngness to assist. This is indicated
by the fact that the prioritieS COM
hnittee of the War Industries Board
gave raw materials needed for farm
implements position of preference
over all articles except those ur-
gently required for military and ma
wal purposes, and that the transpor-
tation committee took steps to Sc
cure the prompt movement of the
raw materials and of the manufac-
tured articles. This matter is still
receiving the earnest attention OF
the department with view to see
what further action can be taken to
make certain that an adequate sup
ply will be available at reasonable
prices.
If there are any other fruitful and
practicable lines of effort which will
aid in the solution of the problem,
they should, of course. be followed.
The. department has been in constant
touch not only with representative
farmers and farmers organizations,
but also has had frequent contact
with the State commissioners of ag-
riculture and the experts of the land
grant colleges. 1t receives many
hundreds of letters daily containing
all sorts of suggestions from many
parts of the country. AS has been
indicated, it has special machinery
throughout the Union for the pur-
pose of receiving suggestions and
furnishing assistance.
Many plans are proposed which
are utterly impracticable. but any
constructive suggestion always has
received and will continue. to receive
the most careful consideration. The
whole subject, involving industry as
well as agriculture. is being given
serious attention by the Council OF
National Defense through its various
agencies which ar eactively at work
along many lines to formulate con.
structive plans.