Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 January 1918 — AMERICAN BABIES ARE IN NEED OF MILK [ARTICLE]

AMERICAN BABIES ARE IN NEED OF MILK

Without It Growth Ceases and Health Is Impaired. United States Children's Bureau Sees Danger in Situation Caused by High Prices. Washington.—The news that many American babies are now going without milk because of its high price is a matter of grave alarm to the United States children’s bureau. ' “Milk is one food that all young children must have if they are to be strong and healthy.” the bureau warns. "Whole milk is rich in the elements without which the child’s growth ceases and.his health is Impaired; indeed, there is no fdbd which can supply as well the needs of the growing child. There is no substitute for

milk In the diet of babies and young children.” Undernourishment, especially in childhood, is the basis of many evils. Sometimes when -the brain cells are starved it results in feeblemindedit is conducive to tuberculosis, to weak muscles and weak character. It is the leading cause of inefficiency. Occasionally the absence of milk Is due to ignorance—the family fails to realize its Importance in the infant’s diet Usually the family simply can’t afford it Wages are higher, but the price of foodstuffs manage to keep a little ahead of them. Few workmen, even earning a comparatively high wage, can afford to pay $7 a month for milk for four children. Yet $9 would buy only a pint of milk a day for each of thfese children. Under these Circumstances child welfare workers are hoping that the government Itself will step in and see

that American babies and children receive the proper amount of milk. American men are leaving by the thousands to fight and protect their women and children, but of what avail is it if in the meantime the children are allowed to starve at home?-