107 Years Ago
The Federal Government took a heavy-handed approach in demanding "patriotism" during World War I. One of their many campaigns was reflected in the November 8, 1917 Colorado Transcript.
WILL REPORT SLACKERS
Every housewife in Jefferson county should bear in mind that it is imperative that she sign a food pledge conservation card when requested to do so by the lieutenants in the various precincts in the county . This is a government work ordered by President Wilson and U . S . Food Administrator Herbert Hoover under authority of law . Those persons who refuse to sign food pledge cards must give their reasons for so doing . If these reasons are not acceptable to the government authorities, the names of all housewives refusing to sign the cards will be turned over to agents of the Department of Justice for investigation.
Federal Food Administrator John C . Vivian, of Jefferson county, will be obliged under the law to perform this duty . Each of his precinct chairman have been instructed to report the names of all persons refusing to sign with the reasons for so doing. Mr . Vivian has no discretion in this matter and will be obliged to follow the strict letter of the law in reporting all who refuse to sign or co-operate with the government in any way.
Government to Investigate All Who Refuse to Sign the Food Pledge Cards
Mr . Vivian received a telegram yesterday telling him to report all hotel , restaurant and boarding house owners who fail to observe Tuesday as meatless day and Wednesday as wheatless day .
Colorado Transcript - November 8, 1917
Grumbling was not tolerated. The Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918 made it a crime "to speak disloyally, profanely, or abusively about the government, the Constitution, the military, or the flag."
Thank you to Wendy Weiman for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of November.
