The Midland Journal

Farmers And The Draft.

It is to be hoped that those having charge of the exemption work of the nation are sufficiently acquainted with the needs of agriculture and of its place in the economics of the nation with relation to the war to see the necessity of exempting farmers and their sons. We are making no plea for sentimental or personal views or desires, but if the subject is considered with reference to doing what is best for the nation in its present undertaking, it is the duty of those in charge to exempt farm labor, especially farmers' sons.
The sons of farmers have always been the most dependable, efficient and satisfactory farm help. In fact it may be truthfully said that they have been the main dependence of most farmers.
Without their sons, many farmers would be forced to shut down business tomorrow. If those in authority think that the sturdy sons of the farm may be taken and their places filled by other boys and inefficient men, they will find themselves mightily mistaken. The farms cannot and will not be run with such help.
The experiences in this direction during the past summer prove the fallacy of such a proposition.
England and France tried it and failed, and they have warned this country of their mistake. It would be equally short-sighted and disastrous to take them after October 1, as has been proposed. Much of the heaviest work of the year is required between that and January 1. Beside that, if we may depend upon the advice of the government, next year's operations will be more important than this.
It is strange that farmers' organizations and all farm papers are not alive to the situation and presenting the actual labor conditions on the farms to government authorities and fully demonstrating the economic necessity of exempting farm labor so that this country may not pass thru the experience of a food shortage, and the hunger of other nations be increased.—Pennsylvania Farmer.