The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1893-09-13
WORK FOR IDLE MEN.

' = ~ r-st
How the Unemployed Might Be Assisted
and the Country BE Gamer.
The present business depression has
closed many industrial estaB Iishments,
has caused hundreds to be run on re-
duced time, while others are being OPP
Grated without profit in order that en-
ployees be given work. As conse-
quence large number Of men, many
Of whom have families dependent upon
them, have been thrown out Of employ
ment. This is subject of grave con-
Germ to all the people of this country.
To alleviate the present distress and
to provide against worthy workmen and
their families becoming objects of char
ity suggest that state legislatures and
city and town authorities take imme-
date steps to furnish employment in the
construction of public works, and in no
way can this labor be more wisely en-
ployed than in the betterment of the
highways.
To illustrate the value of the work
that might be done, it is stated in the
report Of the Massachusetts, highway
commission that the loss from bad roads
in the state amounts TO between S., OOO,-
600 and $40, 0O0, 900 per annum, probably
a larger sum than would be needed to
put the roads in good condition. It has
been estimated that Illinois loses 81, 000,-
600 per year from bad roads.
States, cities and towns can borrow
the money needed, and the labor and
materials can be obtained cheaper at
present than in times of prosperity.
Philanthropy, economy and wise states
manship dictate that the idle should be
given employment, as that employment
means direct gain to the community
and will promote health, happiness and
prosperity and prevent poverty, degra-
dalton and crime.
During the present session of congress.
as soon as the silver question is settled,
why should not bill be passed making
liberal appropriation for the irrigation of
arid lands, thus giving employment to
the miners of Colorado, Montana and
other western states and opening up
vast tracts for agricultural purposes?
This would add greatly to the value of
public lands and would ultimately prove
to be profitable investment to the gov
eminent.
The amount of gold might be largely
increased if congress were to pass bill
making appropriation for the construc-
ton of suitable barriers in the districts
where hydraulic mining is prohibited by
law because of the damage done to rivers
and farm lands by the debris. These in
ternal improvements could be made on
the same principle that harbors and
rivers are improved. It is estimated that
there is sufficient gold in districts in Cali
fornia that might be obtained by hy-
draulic mining processes to pay off the
national debt several times over
Congress should feel the solemn re-
sponsibility that now rests upon it and
should bear it in mind that it's present
duty lies in alleviating the evils of the
business depression and promoting the
welfare of the laboring classes. A great
industrial and social emergency has
arisen within the past few months, and
the peace and prosperity of the country
are threatened. Wise legislation can avert
the impending disasters. Public works
might now be undertaken which would
be of incalculable advantage as means
of providing immediate relief and secur-
ing great future benefit. -Albert A. Pope
in New York Telegram.