The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-11-16
RELIEF FOR THE NEEDY.

In ordering the building of additional
sewers and pavements as rapidly as condi-
tons will admit the Board of Works is do
ing a double service to the public-frst, in
providing needed improvements. and. Sec
ond, though not least in temporary i'm
~portance, in providing work for the unem-
ployed. The problem which now demand
immediate attention from the citizens of In
dianapolis is that of securing relief for this
large and increasing class of it's residents.
The most satisfactory method for all con-
cerned is that of offering remunerative en-
ployment. The city, as a municipality, is
weather in any degree favorable hundreds
of men will have work on the streets. But
the city cannot give work to all who need
it. 1t is the duty of all firms, corporations
and private individuals to supplement this
action by offering employment where 1t is
in their power to do so. Some Of them
have done so, the Citizens Street-railroad
Company, for instance; but others may do
more. Work that will keep them from
starvation is what those in distress want,
not charity. Giving this work is the truest
charity, and it ic at the same time the best
policy, in a selfish sense, for the employing
class; for unless the work is found for these
people needing ii their condition will become
such that sheer humanity will require
~t-;l,,t;o,1 frov n n ~
woman with a dollar to spare. these to be
continued through the winter or longer.
This kind of aid is not needed now. and is
not desired by the self-respecting work
ingmen of whom the population OF Indian
apolis so largely consists, and who have
done so much to build up the town. 1t is
not a time for emotional generosity, but
for calm and judicious business PROPOSE
tons. There is distress, plenty OF II. and
a prospect Of greater, but men want work
with which to supply the wants of them
selves and their families. There is none of
the pauper spirit among them; they are
ablebodied and Industrious. and ask odds
of no one when opportunity for labor is
open. But in providing this opportunity and
offering it to those VINO need it most, con-
certed action is necessary. Societies and
individuals who wish TO engage in this iin1
portant and pressing work must organize
their forces and operate under a regular
system and a recognized head. Without
this system. and with every society pro-
ceeding upon a separate plan, the greatest
confusion will result and more harm than
good be accomplished. The Commercial
Club has seen the need OF this organization,
and it's plan, outlined in another column,
is in accord with the Journals views.
Unity Of action is the first thing to be Sc
cured, and to this end no time should be
lost i'm cooperating with the clob by all
interested in the matter. Ii is of no con-
sequence what organization controls the
proceedings, so long as harmony is Sc
cured and one plan adopted and adhered
to. 1t is not a time for jealousies or for a
thought as 10 what men or what organiza-
tons may gain most credit for the work in
hand. 1t is q serious situation that now
confronts the city, and prompt action is
necessary. Those who fall into line speed
lily and do their utmost to alleviate the dis
tress of their less fortunate fellow-citizens
in the most practical way will deserve the
greatest praise.