The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-11-05
LETTERS TO EDITOR
A Plea for the Unemployed

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
During the life of the woman's auxiliary
of which L was a member, had a fine
opportunity to see and learn the needs of
our poor, both the white and the negro
people. 1t is true, at that time there
was great floating mass of unemployed
people here. Perhaps Birmingham suffers
more than most southern cities with that
element However, if they were put to
work while they were here this trouble
might be remedied greatly.
From close observation, it seems that
municipal gardens would almost solve the
situation. Why not turn into a municipal
garden for the unemployed white men,
women and children the 100 acres on the
mountain owned by the city, which were
given by the commission to 100 men to
work. as wood cutters, for a month, and.
in turn, use as a municipal garden for the
unemployed negroes the Green Springs
property, also owned by the city, and now
about to be converted into golf links?
I understand that the city has built
Jail on a part of the property or an adj
joining property. There seems to be no
objection to the JAIL why should there be
objections to using this rich and low land
for gardening? These people could live
in tents, burn for heating, cooking, ETC.,
the wood that is already cut; continue to
dig up the stumps, and prepare the soil
this fall and winter for an early garden,
and by next fall they could have raised
enough corn, potatoes, peas, ETC., for the
winter. There would be no need to buy
expensive modern farming implements,
for people of that class are not educated
to them and would not know how to use
them. From observation on my many
drives through Jefferson county and adj
joining counties, it is really astonishing
how crude the farming is still done: the
same old mule horse, or OK pulls the
pillow with the man. woman, or boy fol-
lowing behind, holding the rope pillow line.
The children of these families could
help in many ways in a municipal gar
den. 1t would not only be a support for
Them but would be healthful, educational
and a great privilege as well. One of
Gods blessings is to be able to work out
in His pure air.
There seems to be already too much
done for pleasure, and not enough con-
sideration for work. I fear we of the
present day have caused much of the
Shiftlessness by giving too much, and not
forcing healthy, well men, women, and
children to work reasonable amount for
their own upkeep. Why, then, not have
a place to put them at work Immediately,
and if they won't work after having been
provided a place to work, then lock them
up and let them get real hungry for
awhile? I believe they would then be
willing, and enjoy the privilege of work.
How can you lock a person up for idle
ness when you have no place to try them
out?
Playing golf is hard work, but it does
not grow vegetables, though it will grow
rosy cheeks and rudy men, if they have
no other physical labor; but the poor men
and women have no strength left, nor any
inclination for money for that kind of
work when the labor for food, shelter
and clothes is over.
Besides, golf is expensive, and is neces-
sary for those who have money and en-
joy it.
These simple suggestions are made,
hoping not to Offend but that the wiser
people of our city might think more of
our unfortunate and the need of a place
for them to work, as well as to play, and
to think of the unfortunate as we think
of the fortunate.
Our negroes are natural farmers, and if
given an opportunity in municipal garden
ing, it would be a great schooling for
them as it would also be for the depend
ent white people.
Vegetables raised in this way would be
beneficial to everyone, for it would at
least put such food in the reach of every
one at reduced price. / understand the
United States government would furnish
seed free. If good and varied diet could
be had, we would have less sickness and
less disease.
This experiment might be tried until the
city is in position to use this land as it
intends to do for a park.
Trusting my short letter will meet with
your favor, l am sincerely.
MRS. f. NELSON ANDREWS.
Birmingham. October 81, 1916