Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 April 1917 — LETTERS FROM OUR READERS [ARTICLE]

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

Food Supply the Great Factor of Adequate Preparedness. (By Representative, W. L. Wood of Jasper county) In this trying hour of our nation it is our opinion that every thinking man and woman should give the best thought that they are able to produce to the welfare of our nation. Within the next few days the people are going to decide whether or not our nation shall participate in the great struggle that is now destroying the [peace and happiness of Europe. We had hoped that the dove of peace had come to stay, but it appears that we have not reached as yet the time in the world’s history that there will be no more war. .. We believe, however, that the time wdll come when the great principles advocated by the Great Teacher of Galilee will predominate, namely: “Peace 6n earth and good will to men.” That day will appear when the people of the earth who believe in right will stand for the right as against wrong. It is within the wisdom and know’ledge of our state department at Washington the policy that should be adopted by the American people at this time. It remains with that department of government to furnish the congress and senate of the United States official knowledge of conditions as they exist and when that is done I believe the people through their representatives should hold up the hands of that department and the hands of the President in this trying hour. If it is the verdict of the people that we enter the war there are many questions to be considered. Victory does not depend alone on militarism; neither does it depend on the size and efficiency of our navy alone; nor does it depend upon the size, efficiency and military training of our armies; nor does it depend upon the powerful guns and other munitions of war that We are able to furnish that will destroy the lives and properties of the enemy. All of which are absolutely necessary in time of war. Back of all of these great factors must come old mother earth w’ith her fullness thereof. Adequate preparedness has been discussed pro and con by the American people from a military point of view r , but to my opinion the greatest subject that is before the American people at this time is an army to cultivate the soil that will produce the necessities of life that must be produced if this nation hopes to win in this great conflict that is seen on the horizon. Germany had a great military power at the beginning of the European war, but before the end of the first six months she found her supply of food had been eut off to a great extent. v The meh who had been food producers had gone to the trenches and munition factories. They were no longer producers but consumers. This lack of production gave speculators a chance to take the advantage of the consumer. It is our opinion that the same condition will exist with any nation that is at war. What will be the condition if the United States enters the European war with the present shortage of food causing extremely high prices brought on by the war in Europe? Will it increase the supply? The history of warring nations f? greater consumption and less production. We believe that we should increase our food production. The men in the trenches can’t raise crops. We must retain a goodly per cent of our boys on the farm. This great industry should bo encouraged by the ministers from the pulpit, the lecturers from the platform and the teachers in the school room, and in our conversation with our neighbors. AU should encourage this vital industry. We would suggest strict economy in the home. Upon it depends the success of our homes, our state and our nation.