The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-10-29
A MATTER OF VITAL INTEREST.

A MATTER OF VITAL INTEREST.
No more important question can be dis
cussed at the present time than that con-
sidered in the Criminal Court room Friday
night by the meeting called under the aus
pices of the Central Labor Union. What
can be done to relieve the distress which Is
imminent because of a lack of employment
Is very serious problem, and one which
interests. or should interest, every citizen.
Indianapolis is q community, and no con-
siderable portion of it can suffer from lack
Of food and shelter without seriously affect
ing those who are able to keep the wolf
from their doors. That man is wanting in
the best of human instincts who can view
, the distress of those about him with indif-
ference. In Europe those who have been
born to see masses of people living half fed
and half clothed become accustomed to such
conditions, but in this country, where they
have never existed. and where they need
not and should not exist. people are not used
to them. and naturally shrink from them.
For a city Of it's size, Indianapolis is re-
markably free of those who would rather
be the objects of charity than earn their
bread by labor The professional beggar is
not so numerous as to be an element in
this city. In ordinary times there is less
hopeless poverty in Indianapolis than in
most cities of its size. 1t is very important
that these very favorable conditions shall be
preserved, and it can be done If wise action
shall be taken.
What can be done? The meeting referred
to appointed committees to consult the Nav
or, the public boards, the City Council,
rental agents and managers of building as
sociations. This is action in the right direc-
ton. The Mayor and his boards cannot
afford relief to any considerable extent, but
the former can call conference Of one or
two hundred prominent citizens to consider
the problem and make recommendations.
Such body of men can devise a practical
plan, and, with the Mayor and a committee
Of public-spirited citizens, it can be so car
ing to the minimum. Unfortunately,
the finances of the city are in
such a condition that it cannot undertake
to furnish extensive employment without
negotiating a loan. which. in view of the
large amount of overdue and falling due
obligations. cannot be done without run
ming the risk of putting the citys credit
in jeopardy So far building associa-
tons are concerned, they cannot afford to
be rigid with those who are paying for
homes under their auspices. So far as rents
are concerned. many tenements occupied by
the poorer people are rented at so high a
rather than turn the occupants into the
street The committee named, or others
selected by officers Of labor organizations
can make canvass of the city to ascertain
approximately the number of unemployed
whom partial employment will tide over
the winter season. This would be basis
upon which TO proceed. At the same time
the Mayor might invite fifty or hundred
plan. Except in cases where the needy are
needy because they spend their earnings in
dissipation, the idle labor Of the city is no
more responsible than others for existing
conditions. Much Of the prosperity of the
city is due to their labor In the past, so
that whatever is done should not be pre-
scented in the light Of charity. but as the
means of tiding over q hard season with
the least injury to the whole community
Two sorts of people are not. wanted in
any conferences which may be held-the re-
former with lop-sided intellect and a
perpetual-motion tongue, and the very
cheap demagogue who is always seeking
to array one portion Of the people against
another. In the Friday evening meeting, in
spite of the caution Of President Kennedy,
several speakers endeavored to give the
causes of the situation, such as currency
contraction, the employment of cheap labor,
etc. There has been no currency contrac-
ton, but a contraction of employment.
The cause is beyond the reach of the peo-
pie or indianapolis at the present time.
All men and women who, in the spirit OF
human sympathy and in the desire to be
mutually helpful to their fellow-citizens
who need their aid are willing to help, can
be of assistance But to make the relief
prompt and effective, the meeting Of Fri
day night should receive the response OF
such a meeting of citizens az the Mayor
could call.
A LAND-OFFICE BUSINESS IN FACT.