The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-02-13
PLEoAS FOR THE IDLE
GIVEN TO PRESIDENT
Delegate Sent by Con-
yention Of Unemploy-
ed Asks Work.
Wants Public Lands Set
Aside and Public
Works Started.

Chosen as spokesman Tor tens OF
thousands OF idle men by delegates TO
the national convention of the unem-
ployed, John Ellis, of Boston, former
preacher. foreign newspaper correspond
ent. lecturer. and logician, had a con-
| ference with President Roosevelt to-
day. Mr.. Ellis. having graduated
from Harvard, which is likewise
the Presidents alma mater, was dele
gated to lay before Mr. Roosevelt a
set Of resolutions drafted at the con-
vention, which began February in ST,
Louis and ended FIVE days later.
Mr.. Ellis presented the resolutions TO
the President and discussed the merits
OF each OF them with him.
Mr.. Roosevelt seemed much interested
IN the subject discussed by Mr.. Ellis and
promised his hearty support in remedy
ing conditions. He asked for all obtain
able data and this will be furnished
him within the present week, The
Presidents idea of a remedy is TO sep
arate the practical from the visionaL
One of Great Triumvirate.
Before leaving the White House Mr..
Ellis said to the President. You are
one of the great triumvirate, Lincoln,
Walt Whitman and Roosevelt" The
President thanked his visitor for the
comparison
Mr.. Ellis said he vas greatly pleased
with the cordial reception given him by
President Ro OseVeII ana that the -'un-
employed" favored Nj. Roosevelt rath-
ct Than blamed him for the panic The
President simply lead the people TO
clinic ard showed them where the dis
ease was located, said Mr.. Ellis.
Not Work for All.
Contrary 10 popular belief" said Mr..
q nj
does not mean tramPs or buns
represent an organization Of men who
are sincere in their purpose and per-
severing in the face of dishearten'ng cir
cumstances. They are convinced that
the modern organization of industry,
labor saving machinery. and the pur-
chasing power OF the people nave made
conditions such that the nations work
does not require all the nation peo-
believing that adequate measures
should ne drafted, whereby cluZens
shall be insured against enforced l dle>
ness. the delegates TO the convention
expressed their views IN me Tesolu'lo''S
entrusted 70 my care.
Public Lands for Unemployed.
The resolutions provide that public
lands be turned over 10 the unemployed
for cultivation. that persons committed
70 penal institutions for vagrancy De
paid for their labor, and that needed
improvements be made IN order 10 al
ford work for the unemployed u -
urged in one Of the resolutions lnaI Coh-
aress appropriate $4,000, 600 for I'M
proving and deepening the waterways
OF the entire country and thus give en-
ployment TO the army of idle men.
improvements Of rural free delivery
routes is also suggested as means OF
giving employment to unfortunate men.
Enactment into law OF the CoXey non
interest bearing bond bill is urged Mr..
Ellis declared today that when sized up
with Senator Aldrich the leader OF the
worId-famCus Coxey's army was con-
servative.
Mr.. Ellis arrived in Washington last
night. He says ], 200 or more unemployed
persons attended the convention In st.
Louis, q large platoon Of police was
necessary 10 keep the crowd in check
and many were turned away because
they could not be accommodated with
sitting or standing room.
Tramps, Buns, and Hoboes.
eff YOU will you may say the majority
OF them were hoboes.' said Mr.. Ellis
this morning. But in so terming them
do not cUnfound 'hoboes' with 'tramps'
or buns Hoboes work and wander.
Tramps dream and wander. Buns drink
and wander. Work interferes with the
life OF the tramp and bum but never
with that OF the hobo"
Mr.. Ellis is a man Of broad intellect, /
deep thought. ready wit, and refinement /
Asked why he was numbered among the
unemployed he said, It's long story,
but I'll try to tell you in a few words !
7 am for mankind. That Is the whole
story. but I will explain further.
After graduating from Harvard