Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1914-01-20
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THTNKs HE HAS A PLAN,


Editor Capital Journal: 1t has been
truly said, "The poor ye always have
with ye." This is specially true at
this time, as nearly everyone is aware
of the presence of large number Of
unemployed men in all the cities of
the state. These men are without food
or shelter and have no place to sleep,
except as it is given to them, tempo
rarily. Whether this condition is
brought about as a result of the sys-
TEN Of government or by acts of the
persons themselves, does not alter the
facts in this case. Now, what is the
remedy? We all know that society
must, in some way, support all of its
members. The deaf, dumb, blind and
feeble minded and the criminals and
all those unable to take care Of them.
selves. We have prisons, hospitals,
baby homes, reformatories and other in
stitutions for the care of the needy;
yet withal there still is an army of
unemployed and hungry men in our
midst crying out for food and shelter.
Strange as it may appear, there are
no tramps in Switzerland. Why9 Be-
cause that little country has solved
the tramp problem, by having what is
known as the farm colony plan.
The state owns large farm and if
any able-bodied man is found in want
he is given a chance to work on said
farm and earn his own living. IF
there are any such who refuse to work
they are compelled to do so if they
are able. This plan is known as the
voluntary" and involuntary" col
ony farm plan.
Now, I fully believe that this plan
could be made very effective right here
in Oregon. Let our state buy one
thousand acres, more or less, Of un-
cleared land that could be titled when
cleared, and gather in all the able
bodied men in the state, who have no
visible means of support, and put them
to work on said state land and clear
/ it up and cultivate it, and thereby
cause said men to earn their own living
off the same, and at the same time in
crease the value of the property of
the state.
This would furnish such men work
for slack periods and would be very
beneficial to them, as well as increase
the value of the land.
1t would be profitable both ways;
for he who clears a piece of land makes
the chance to produce food and thereby
becomes a benefactor of mankind.
The citizens of the great state of
Oregon, can no longer dodge their duty
toward the persons who live within the
limits of the state lines and make Their
homes here.
"The world owes every man a liv
ling, - but let us remember that it does
not owe any man any other mans
living unless he is helpless.
When you toss a man dollar yor
destroy his manhood. The only way
to really help people is to help them tc
help themselves; give them some kline
of uplifting work, with the proper com
pensation for their services. | believe
/ have indicated in this letter a prope
solution for a large majority, if no
all, of the unemployed men in GU
state, during slack periods.
| believe my friends and neighbor
will agree with me that this plan
one of the very best, The details nee,
no mentioning here, l am not presum
ing that | should be made governor o
Oregon, for presenting an idea for tn
bctterment of our fellowmen. thin
Il is the bounden duty of all to do hi
might for the uplift and advancement
of his kind, in all walks of life. Lc
everyone do his duty, then there Wi
be no cry Of want and despair in on
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