Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 57, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 October 1917 — THE FARMERS’ DUTY [ARTICLE]

THE FARMERS’ DUTY

By W. D. HOARD,

Editor Hoard’s Dairyman.

Our liberty has been attacked on sea and on land, our freedom and Institutions have been threatened, and our nation placed in jeopardy. Our soldiers are called to arms and are marching to the front; our good women are devoting themselves to Red Cross i work, and civilians everywhere are i aiding the government in its multiplicity of duties. War means supreme i sacrifice to every able-bodied citizen, 1 ! including men, women and children. It ■ means unselfish and unremitting servi Ice. < 1 The tremendous preparation which the government is making to bring this awful war to a successful close means I the expenditure of billions of dollars, | This money must come from our citizens and from every class, including i the laborer, shopkeeper, manufacturer, banker, financier and fanner. It bor- . ders upon treason for anyone, who can ' spare a dollar, to withhold it from his country’s call. i There are millions of dollars deposited in the banks by the farmers of this country which are earning them i little or nothing. The Liberty Loan bonds offered by our government bear 4 per cent interest. If patriotic reasons do not make a sufficient appeal for the farmer to invest in them, his selfish interest should move him to render his country financial assistance. The Liberty Loan bonds are absolutely a safe investment. Every dollar not required for our business should i be ready for prompt purchase of these bonds. This is no sacrifice, it is a profitable investment for you. It is helping your country and protecting your home and business. This is one of the few chances that have come to American citizens to have money serve both patriotism and profit, I am particularly anxious that that American farmer should subscribe generously to this second Liberty Loan, He has responded nobly to the call for increased crops and a hint to him that his money is needed also, will lead, I am sure, to the same unselfish devotion to his nation. The farmer must not neglect this duty. Our country needs his financial assistance, and sor 1 his own welfare he should be generous with his wealth. There may be slackers by falling to offer their money, but I vouchsafe the opinion that no finan j cial slackers wilf be found among the farmers of America.