Before the war the Germans imported about half their supply, most of
which is now cut off. Of course, the vegetable oils from the United
States and the tropics are not available. The neutrals have had to
lessen their exports because of their own shortage, and the embargo
which the United States laid on its exports of fats to neutrals.
Germany's inability to feed her animals has greatly curtailed her
supply of animal fats.
As a result the rations have been decreasing steadily in spite of
every effort. Bones are collected and the fat extracted. Seeds, such
as those of the sunflower, and the kernels of fruit have the oil
pressed from them. During 1915-16 the rations varied from 31/4 ounces
to 10 ounces of table fat a week. By December, 1917, it had been
decreased, so that the average total fat ration was a little under 3
ounces a week, some communities receiving a little more, and others
none at all. The local newspapers give interesting side-lights showing
the results of this shortage. An owner of a boot-shop was prosecuted
by the police for having 70 pairs of good shoes which he would sell
only in exchange for butter or bacon. (_Brunswick Volksfreund_,
January 16, 1918.)
THE SITUATION IN THE UNITED STATES
The United States has great resources of vegetable oils, cottonseed,
peanut, corn, and olive oil. It is this apparent plenty that makes
it so difficult for many to visualize the shortage abroad.
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