Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 January 1918 — FOOD PRODUCTION ENDANGERED BY FREIGHT EMBARGOES. [ARTICLE]

FOOD PRODUCTION ENDANGERED BY FREIGHT EMBARGOES.

During the last weeks of December, 1917, absolute embargoes were placed on rail shipments of phosphate rock from Florida. This fact was widely reported in the dally press, yet few people realized its true significance. If the embargo continues, it will force the Closing of many fertilizer factories all over the United States, and will, render impossible maximum production df food crops so badly needed In these times of war. An embargo of this kind, necessary though it be, vitally affects the mainspring of our national welfare. The first big effect of such an embargo is to cause the closing of all departments of many fertilizer plants. However, the big effect of this embargo on rot& phosphate movement is on the farm Itself, where fertilizer is needed for the work of food production. Labor is short, greater production can only be secured through higher acre yields produced by using what labor we have on land so fertilized as to make it productive. In this light, then, a continued'embargo on rock phosphate, however necessary it may be from the transportation viewpoint, is a great national calamity. It s affects both our agricultural pnAloctlon and the ability of our country to win the war speedily and certainlyWhat can you do to help? Many things!

Order spring supplies now—fertilizers and farm inachlnery; feeds and seeds; lime, and other needed material! Unload as soon as the car arrives, taking from the car whenever possible. Do your part now, and trust that the other man will also do his. This is the spirit of true co-operation, and is the only solution of difficulties caused by freight congestion.