The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-05-07
The TRAMP PROBLEM
Discussion by James I. Jackson Be-
fore National Conference of
Charities and Corrections.
Responsibility Is the Public's, He
Says, if the Tramp Long
Acts the Role.

Under the general head of ''Vagrancy,'
James F. Jackson, secretary Of the Mime
apols Associated Charities. at the ational
conference Of Charities and Corrections In
Atlanta, Ca, to-day, read a paper on 1.-The
Rural Tramp An abstract Of the paper
follows:
THE problem of the rural tramp is an
increasing one and challenges our in
genuity and our devotion to public inter-
iests. Everywhere the porhouse serves as
a sort of hospital for him, when lie is
unable to travel, but in the northwest,
when we'll he is as apt to be found in
any other house.
The records are incomplete, but from
considerable correspondence it appears
that more than one-half of the commit
northwest are non-residents, tho a some
what less proportion are committed to
state prisons and reformatories.
In some instances the tramp secures
commitment to poorhousea Jail or work
house to secure comfortable quarters for
the winter He is careful. however, not to
secure commitment to q Jail known to he
constructed and managed on the segre
gate plan.
THE policy of the countryzis to feed
him and furnish him work when he will
accept it.. The policy of the town and
smaller cities is to move him en-. To pre-
vent the development of the tramp the
as the city. The adaptation of the settle
ment idea to country communities is one
means meriting general action.
For the cure of the tramp now on the
road we must look not to the lonely farmer
but to the cities for, the whole repressive
effectively, with better opportunity to
| watch results in the city than in the
country. This becomes evident when We
recall that in the country he is a nomad,
but in winter he establishes himself in
the city. There the municipal lodging
house. with it's registration and bath. its
| inspection and work can prescribe the
/ trea tment needed. cooperate with en-
ployers. with medical and other charities
and return many to normal life. For the
remainder there is the workhouse.
I'm the country such comprehensive
treatment is impossible tho the smaller
cities and villages can within Limitations
follow the plan of the metropolis. The
simple expedient of the wood yard or the
stone pile has been successful in Kidding
particular villages of tramps but any
i effective plan must be scientific and uni
/ form thruout an entire state.
I Perhaps some modification of the effec
tive German work colonies and refuge.
4 will help us. In America the term tramp
lis no longer descriptive and it is agreed
THAT the facility of movement afforded
4 him by the railroad is largely responsible,
for his increased numbers.
4 One railway manager says ID that tn,
Eexecution Of the order to carry no tramp
did not involve heavy expense; CO the,
were supported by police authorities ant
justices; (3) the tramps did not int,jct re
. taliatory measures.
1.-THE difficulties are greater-m the line
4 west of the Mississippi river, especial,
west and southwest of Minnesota, wher
at and before harvest time the numbe
of wayfarers is so great that rai1wa,
companies consider it practically impos
sible to rid themselves of the horde VIII
4 frequently swarm over the whole train.
Let us cease our thouyhtless and on
sentimental treatment Of the tramp, TAX
him as he is and do for him that whicl
is best for the man and for society. w
should make the responsibility entirel
his If he desired to remain a tramp, bu
the responsibility will be ours If he IS per
mitted for long periods to act the tramp.