Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1919-05-29
Lowering of Food Prices


ward the others in right manner
just so long the social machinery
would run smoothly, without jar or
friction But the moment either ele-
ment failed in it's duty, that moment
would see the beginning of total de-
struction of the mechanism if allowed
to continue.
1t must be evident to al thinking
people that the crucial period has ar
rived in this country, and unless I'M
mediate steps arae taken to check un-
toward conditions, we are doomed TO
lapse into a state of Bolshevism in the
near future.
Some no doubt well meaning, but
misguided people, are advocating the
idea of mutual concessions as rem
edy. This plan is not feasible, be-
cause, while the man who is grabbing
the dollars is perfectly willing the 9TH
er fellow should make concessions, he
is unwilling to do SO himself. The
opportune arrival Of the millennium
would save the situation, but we seem
at present further away from that
than ever before. In connection with
a mention of the millennium, however,
it is a remarkable fact that in the
year 1898, Pastor Russell Of Allegheny,
Pa, foretold the critical events now
transDiring in the world with perfect
eractness. He said the troubles would
break forth in 1914, and continue IN
til man. came to a realization OF his
lack OF ability to cope with The slttia-
ton. and thus be fitted for he advent
of the Saviour, and an acceptance OF
his teachings. Be that as It may, man
has means, if used in an honesF,
STRAIGHTFORWARD manner, OF again re-
storing things to a former state OF
peace and quietness.
The sheet anchor lies in our govern
msnt While it endures, man may
hone for. a betterment Of conditions
And as all have a yos ce in directing its
course. it is the plain duty Of all to
raise that voice, SO we may see q fru1-
ton Of the precepts Of : Lincoln
government of the people by the peo-
ple, fer the people, not q government
zof millions OF. toiling creatures, by g
handful Of food prefteers, not a gov
eminent of millions Of the lowly, by
few grasp,ng aristocrats; not gov
eminent Of a majority totaling two
thirds of our people, by minority OF
one-thfrd, constituting our purely agl-
cultural class; not a government by
anv one class for that class alone, but
a government by the whole, fer the
whole
In times of war, the government is
given extraordinary powers, and in the
crisis now before Us, the government
should be vested with all the power
necessary to cope with the situation.
In the first place, now that our rail
transportation is in the hands OF the
government the wate.' lines should be
taken over also, and thorough dis
tribution of all food supplies given at
actual cost We now come to the
@goat." the middleman. This enter
.prising gentleman should be relieved
of his job, and his place supplied by
government agents, to perform ms
services at cost. This would bring all
food products to the consumer at the
lowest price demanded by the produc-
er, plus transportation charges.
Now as to production. The govern
ment should have power to contscate
every acre of arabic land. the owner
of which is not utilizing it in the pro-
duction Of necessary food products.
Government farms, of greater or less
size, should be established at various
points, where all persons out OF en-
ployment could learn to till the SOIL,
and also be taught the essential trades,
such as carpentry, masonry, iron work
ing. etc. And where, also, all persons
who are able physically to perform
manual labor, but who are idle from
choice. should be made to labor to the
extent of their individual support, at
least At the government farms
place should be provided for all aged
persons, who have bravely fought the
battle Of life. but who, through m S
fortune or i'll health, have not the
means of subsistence. This place
should not be in the nature OF an aims
house, but as a rightful privilege. All
criminals should be put at work on
road building, or at government farm
work, if needed.
All of this should tend to lowering
of high food prices. But if in spite
of all, the greedy producer demands
the lion's share Of the profits, the gov
eminent must enlarge the size OF It's
farms until the producer is forced to
a lower range of prices, which, in turn
the trades must follow in their deal
ings with the producer. Thus lower
ing of prices of food products may De
consummated without undue hardship
to anyone. N. G. ABBOTT.
Eureka Springs, Ark.