St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-10-19

rapidly growing one; in fact. the parents
are anXiously inquiring how the family
excess can be reduced. Almost nus
band famine is reported in many sec
tons. The policy proposed by Gen.
BooTH, of the Salvation Army,::seems to
have a scope to utilize and adjust things
under such circumstances. In the
earlier times material was sent over
for wives for some of the American
colonists. There is sentimental feel
ing sometimes held in reference to ante
nuptial eraS that may be ruff I'd by the
business aspect, but the practical needs
are likely to have their way. 1t is pro-
posed to send from England to the Cana
dian territory shipments of young
ladies, nominally to take up claims and
teach school, but with view to this
demand for wives. 1t may be looked
on approvingly, although the material
for husbands there may not be quite
suited to the United States ideal.
CHARITY THAT is CHARITY.
As winter approaches the chat itably
inclined are busy studying out methods
in every way to mitigate the Jigors of
the season for those whom it .oppresses
most heavily. We have nothing out en-
couragement for all of these well meant
efforts, yet in all sincerity we must say
that in too many Instances these char
table endeayors are like the. Indians
gun; they cost more than they come to.
When the expenses are paid the surplus
is usually too small to be of much real
benefit.
1t occurs to us that there can be no
higher form of charity than to supply
every person with the opportunity for
earning livelihood. cit is work. not
aims, / am asking for was the honest
reply of poor fellow who was asked to
be the recipient of another,s bounty.
This explains the situation fully. To
secure work for the unemployed and to
lnculcate habits of industry and self
reliance among the poorer classes is bet
ter than charity balls and pauper relief
societies. There are public institutions
Tor the maintenance of paupers, but
there is no agency for securing employ
ment for hands that are able and willing
to work.
In Germany systematic attempt is
being made to abolish the tramp evil
and to secure work for the unemployed,
which might serve as an example for
us. The success which has attended
the endeavor is encouraging. 1t began
in 1882 under the patronage of a be-
nevolent clergyman named BoDEL-
sCHWING, with an experiment of giving
relief to wanderers in return for work.
From this modest beginning twenty-one
labor colonies have already been organ
ized thro ughout the empire, and where
as 2o0,O00 tramps were roaming about
the landin the beginning of the decade
one is seldom seen i'm Germany at this
time. All of the colonies, except that
OF Berlin, are located in the country,
where land may be obtained for cultiya-
ton. The expenses of the colonies are
mainly met by private contributions.
Neither the state nor the church has
any connection with their management.
Men are admitted without regard to
their morals or other antecedents. The
only question is whether they VIII
work.
A full description of this system of
German labor colonies, with the statis-
teal details Of their operations, is given
by AMOS G. WARNER in the Oetobernum-
Der of the Quarterly journal of Eco
nomics. In these colonies the occupa-
tions,are ordinary farm labor, the rec
lamation OF waste land, forest culture,
and such trades as are necessary TO sup
ply the wants of the cOlonists. The
first fourteen days after his admission
the colonlSt works solely for his board
and lodging. Then small daily wages
are paid him, and from this is deducted
the cost of bis clothing, and other arti-
cleS which he may need. His pay
varies with the different colonies. the
season of the year, his efficiency, and
the length of his stay. The amount
paid is below the rate of wages paid in
the neighborhood. yet always enough
to support the inmate comfortably and
to give him small surplus. Then, in
connection with these labor colonies. is
sy stem of stations for relief in
KIND" whoss object is to give harmless
wanderers food and lodging in return
for work. In these stations are both
houses and other appliances for the de-
cent care of dodgers. There are about
LOCO of these relief stations in the Ger
man empire.
1t is admitted by those who opposed
theiaber colenysystem i'm the beginning.
that. while there are still many defects
III the system, it has about abolished
yagrancy and mendicancy i'm Germany.
Wherever colony exists it deprives the
tramp of the pretext of inability to get
work.
While we may not be in condition to
adopt the colony system in this country,
still there are reasons why there should
be some systematic effort to provide the
unemployed with work. A free en-
ployment bureau. or something of that
kind, which would make a business of
hunting places for those who desire en-
ployment. would he serviceable; and.
more than that it, would be charity
wisely exercised.
There is nothing so lamentable as to
see man able and anxious to work.
and not able to find it.
THE DAGO DANGER.