The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-12-27

Mr.. McAuliffe said that their object was t.
secure work for those who could labor, and
relief for those unable to do anything. Wher
work was -four for all the unemployed, the
relief would cease He thought that half Of
the committe to distribute relief should be
appointed by the workingmen. They did not
ask for charity, but for work The present
situation had been brought about by certain
fnancies in Washington, and by such men
as Jay Could and Jay Cooke, but perhaps,
the workingmen were to blame for their con-
dition in allowing certain men to represent
them in Congress.
The existing state of society is revolving
in all its aspect and those who have taken
ho:d Of this movement are not politicians,
but men who love humanity and desire to re-
lieve its impoverished condition. There
was Just as much wheat and corn in the
country as before, and it would be disgrace
to allow any people to starve and suffer. He
had been informed that there are 5000, 900 in
the vaults of the Relief and Aid Society, and
he believed in taking some Of this for The
employment Of some 400 or 500 men. In
this way charity and employment could be
subserved.
Mr.. '. A. HOFFMAN, JR.,
said he wanted to see some system adopted
which would reach the most needy and de-
serving persons. The aid societies showed a
great favoritism, and did not always assist
the parties really in need of help. Relief
was invariably granted where the applicants
petition was Endorsed by some prominent per
son, but this system did not benefit hundreds
of others who could not find their way into
the heart Of some official Such persons
are Obliged to suffer. He was surprised at
the question of one Of the Aldermen as to
whether this movement had a political sig
niticance. When men were hungry they did
not think of politics or religion. There was
no demagugue at the bottom Of the move
ment. He thought he ought to be thanked
for identifying himself with the movement
and pacifying these workingmen.
Aid. Schatfner-Do you mean to insinuate
that the city authorities had treated them
like beasts,
Mr. Hoffman said he had not made Any
such statement, but would ask the city to
treat these poor people as they deserved, and
not like beasts. He thought that the rich
people ought to come forward and help them
as Aid Woodman had offered to do. He
IL =. L. L
missioner Reno had given him, and on which
he could issue orders for coal to those suffer
ing from lack of fvel. Others ought to fol-
low the example, and thus much would be
done toward mitigating the present evils. He
hoped the city would give the men employ
ment by putting forward public improve
ments
Aid McGrath said he did not know, but
after consultation with the Board of Public
Works. perhaps they could find something
for the workingmen to do. In very short
time the large manufactures would start work
again. The rolling mills would resume work
after New Years. That would give a great
many idle men employment. He did not de-
sire to 60 the Relief Society and demand
money, nor did he think it would be right for
any committee to go there for that purpose
A long and continuous debate ensued be-
tween the Aldermen and the Committee
which ended in the Mayor appointing COM
mittee to wait on the Relief Committee in
accordance with a motion previously adopt
ed. The Committee was composed as follows:
Aldermen Schaffner. McGrath and Heath.
and Messrs McAuliffe. Hull and Hoffman.
The Committee met in the Council Chamber
on Friday evening. The crowd in attend
ance was not so large, and the excitement had
subsidized considerably. The Mayor stated
that he had seen the members Of the Relief
Society, and said those gentlemen were will
ling to do what they could, but wish to meet
the committees in their own rooms The
committees adjourned to the rooms of the
Relief and Aid Society, 81 LaSalle street.
President H. W. King received the Com
mittee, and in calling the meeting to order
stated that as officers of the Relief and Aid
s ciety they were ready and willing to give
all the information required, AMI show their
books:
1--WE are here as the representatives of the
people, and we desire that all the people
should understand the work that has been
done. 1t has been the duty of the society
from year to year to make a sworn report to
the Common Council every year That re-
port will be made on the 18th of January.
shall be glad to hear from Mayor Colvin in
regard to the purposes for which these com
mittees are appointed"
The Mayor explained that he was there.
not in the capacity of Mayor, but as a men,
Der ex-oficio Of the Council Committee. He
said the Council were unable to grant the re-
lief they were asked for. He was satisfied
the Relief and Aid Society was good insti-
tuition, and he thought it was the proper
place to get relief. They had come here for
that purpose, and to give the committees an
opportunity to speak before the committees
Mr. Hoffman, rs Chairman of the Commit
tee of Workingmen, advanced to the middle
Of the room and addressed the society at some
length, reviewing the history of the move
ment from the beginning. He said they did
not come to the Relief Society. It was with
the Council they mad TO deal. What the Re-
lief Society would do in the future could not
be known. During his remarks before the
committee he referred to the $500, 900, which
the society had in their possession, and de-
handed it should be given to fine City Coun-
ell to carry on improvements and employ the
idle men who were wanting work. In closing
his remarks he intimated that he would re-
turn to private life and leave the whole mat
ter in the hands Of the Council, where it
rightfully belonged.
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