Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 September 1917 — WILL WE HUNGER? [ARTICLE]

WILL WE HUNGER?

The person who can see nothing but government red tape and fussiness in the food control measures can see very little below the surface in the present day situation. The food control measures, were not put in operation because this government had any relish for interfering with the private lives of its citizens. The fewer measures of this sort were needed the better pleased would be those in authority. That the President insisted on, and the congress granted food control legislation, is the most conclusive of evidence that the situation called' urgently for such, measures. Probably never before in history has the world faced the situation it now faces. We speak glibly of our crops in billions of bushels, forgetting that the demand also is couched in billions. We look at our bursting graineries and overflowing barns, forgetting that across the water are millions of the world’s jnanhodd engaged entirety in consuming and To be specific, there would have been no price set on wheat had not the government foreseen that long before a new crop could be harvested the scarcity of that cereal would send the price out of reach of all but the affluent. But enacting food control laws and appointing executors is not, of itself, going to safeguard the country. There is Another factor to the situation, and the principal one—-the people. In a general way the food controllers can control the prices, but they can in no sense control consumption- This is entirely up to the people themselves, I

If a spirit of strict economy and conservation does not prevail throughout the land, the efforts of government will be neutralized. It may seem like thrashing over old straw to continually refer to the urgent necessity of economy in consumption of food. But the situation calls for iteration and reiteration. Reforms come slowly. Not by once telling, or twice, or three times, do we learn the lessons of life, but by continued hammering of the same truth into our consciousness are we at last brought to see it clearly. This is our condition in the present emergency. Our past indulgence, coupled with the fact that our supply always has been sufficient, has lulled us into a false repose. But the people of this country always learn the lesson when it is put squarely up to them. Last spring they were assured that to ■preserve the prosperity of the country a record crop of everything must be produced. To this appeal they answered loyally and enthusiastically. They are now assured that, if we would avoid hunger and want, this same seemingly bountiful supply must be carefully conserved and meted out. That they will loyally meet this’demand also, we have no fear. But it will require self denial, frugality, thrift and economy to tide us over in comfort to another harvest. But it can be done, and will be done.