davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
Slogan Is "DOn't
Pass the Buck"

at must be kept in mind that each
of the organizations above mentioned
has its own organization operating in
some other part of the city and that
they handle their cases exactly as they
would have done had the men come to
them directly, their organization in the
bureau being only, perhaps, a staff of
eight to one dozen people who can
take care of the work and make the
proper efforts. The bureau thus be-
comes, as far as the welfare work is
concerned, one big clearing house for
all of the various war activities.
"The principal aim of the bureau is
to handle every mans case before he
leaves the building, and satisfy every
possible need, and the model which
every one attempts to follow is: Don't
pass the buck and the hope is to make
one call at the bureau suffice for each
man. The bureau has even gone so
far as to operate an electric kitchen,
where, in case men appear who are
urgently in need of food, it can be Sc
cured for them at once"
The annexed report of the United
States Department of Labor, United
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
The Originator Of Plattsburg
As the Motive Force Behind
Industrial Restoration

temporary relief for the soldier and
his family and the Salvation Army out
fitting him completely with civilian
clothes especially appropriate for the
vocation into which the job department
places him.
after leaving the classification de-
partment on the sixth floor the appli-
cant descends to the fifth floor and is
ushered into comfortable lounge
room conducted by the Chicago Wo-
mems Club. Here he finds a piano,
victrola, magazines and writing desks,
etc, the whole aim being to make him
comfortable and place him at ease
preparatory to the interview below
stairs at which the definite Job into
which he is to be fitted is to be de-
cided. While it is not the practice of
the bureau to serve meals in the build
ing there is an electric kitchen where
coffee, sandwiches and very light re-
the exceptional case where the man,
by possibly searching unsuccessfully
for the elusive job before he got I'M
der the protecting, guiding roof of the
bureau, has become physically ex-
hausted. Men waiting to be inter
viewed by the Vocational Training Blu
reau also are cared for if any undue
weakness or faintness is noticed by the
sympathetic, generous women who have
charge of the lounge.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
M an Interviewed
Regarding job

"And now the job interviewer, the
examiner, on the second floor tele-
phones to the lounge to send down to
the second floor the applicant for
position. The descent is made by ele-
vator and the man finds stretched out
in rows upon both sides of long cor
ridor the dozen or more sections, all
numbered and into one of these small
rooms-the one designated on his ap-
plication card-he enters, finding the
employment examiner, and is invited
to sit down for the interview, all i'm
portant because in case after case it
determines his whole future life.
"The majority of these examiners
are ex-service men, who had before or
during service experience in the en-
ployment business. The returned ser
vice examiner understands the men
tally and whims and ideas of the re-
turning soldier much better than
civilian and is far more likely to place
the applicant in the position where
he will stick and be satisfied That is
very important, as the continuance of
the flow of orders into the bureau from
employers depends upon a satisfactory
bargain between them and the man
the sending of good man to the en-
ployer and the right sort Of job for
the man. Care is used not to let sym
pathy run wild and no man is sent to a
Job unless the examiner knows he is
fitted to fill the position. The secret
of placement is to fit round peg
in a round hole, and not try to place
square one in position.
"After a careful perusal of the ap.
plication card and many very peril
nent and ofttime personal questions, the
examiner goes through his file of OPP
portunities and extracts the one which
he determines as appropriate. These OPP
portunities or orders for help are kept
up to date and verified every forty-eight
hours, and if there be any doubt that
the job is not open the employer is tel
ephoned.
sIf the order for help and the man
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
General Woods Platform of Reconstruction

come to prize they change They want
which offers opportunities promoton
Many of employment which otter
advantage they the opportunity to try to
which they elect to follow 1t
charity these the for which they strive
Justice mentally take advantage
with these will find it
They with and directed
kind of best suited to their character
We will find of the have temporarily lost efficiency
the lines of which they followed before entering the
service they not be deprived of the
opportunity their efficiency these lines they
be offered reduced during this period
Our soldiers sailors and marines offered themselves for the
have been through the Great
which they their lives the end that justice
world be safe to live Those who
did with the Great Adventure nevertheless
ready and through fault of theirs that
they did not have the opportunity In training working from
early until night fitting their bodies to meet the
physical hardhps fitting their minds the mental
shock of line cond
tions these ready make the Great Sacrifice.
Let remember that for honorably dis
charged soldiers sailors will strengthen the morale
the nation will national
ready act promptly support Of Truth Justice Right
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18

are matched the latter is referred out
to the job bearing an introduction card
from the bureau which guarantees he
is indeed a returned service man. This
introduction card is in the form of q
return postcard and the employer is
requested to send it back to the bureau
stating whether he hired the man or
not. If he fails to do that the bureau
telephones to ascertain the outcome of
the transaction and also takes the op-
portunity to solicit the employer for
new orders
"If the employer fails to hire the
man, which occurs in about % per cent
of the cases, the man is invited back
for another trial, and if he does aot
come in soon the bureau writes to him
inviting him to return and try again.
No returning soldier leaves the bureau
without the cordial invitation to re-
turn and the distinct feeling that
everything humanity possible to place
him is being done. Indeed 1t is true
eiiut iio SOiQlcF ever ledVeS tne bureau
without being offered something in the
way of employment, but the final salts
factory placement occasionally requires
great patience on the part of the
examiner as we'll as the applicant.
THE bureau employment department.
is divided into various sections, which
embrace labor of the unskilled variety
and the various phases running from
the lower scale through skilled, semi
skilled, building trades, clerical and
salesman, apprentice, etc, and also
section to care for men by getting
their old jobs back with reluctant en-
ployers, puzzle cases. like unusual
business, etc. There has lately been
added a marine section and farm
section, the former striving to relieve
the draft upon opportunities by sending
men to sea; the latter striving to get
them out of the city onto the land
"The army will shortly install re-
cruiting agent in the bureau, not es
peclaliy TO urge men 10 reenllSC, Dut
to be ready to answer any questions
and sign the men up if they care to
embrace the opportunities which pres
ent military service holds out. Then
there is a section to handle men Of
exceptional capabilities, regardless of
their vocations; men who are so valu-
able to any firm that they sell them
selves to an alert employer, who does
not know how much he wants the man,
indeed, has really placed no definite
order with the bureau for the man who
impresses him so we'll he cannot let
the chance slip of hiring such high
grade material.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18

TT HE returning soldier employment which offers
tunty promotion Generally speaking, he has undergone
training and discipline he has into contact
with his wits have been sharpened and
he has been mentally and spiritually His desire to i'm
his condition entirely jushable and reflects credit him.
1t spirit which by ready cooperation the
part Of the the States Many Of these
fitted for forms Of employment which naturally will lead to bet
rent Of the who applies himself seriously to his task
Every such the opportunity to make
in the line of endeavo which follow 1t charity
TO such the opportunity for which he strives 1t
justice.
Often with people in civilian life there enthusiasm
winch unsuancd 1t the Of the football when
the onlookers shout themselves the exploits Of their
avotes but who the game become obvous
OF the welfare the personality of the who
Inc game The and its history The audience
rushes the exits "The dies" The
players left TO themselves. generally will
recognize the analogy This nation its honor We
cay mat inc boys Khaki cooperating with the Allies saved civa
uon We say that grateful Now oppor-
uny by sustained and along
various lines to prove that said.
Appreciation OF the work by soldiers sailors
marines the Great War
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
TrOubIe" Matter
Put Up to Army

"The army is represented in the ex-
which all complaints and trouble
matters are referred. Many a time
good advice, soothing counsel and, if
need be, strict disciplinary directions
to offenders are given. But throughout
the whole bureau the keynote is treat
'em kind and the men are given the
feeling that it is a bureau of Justice
and kindness and sympathy that is
competent to solve their problems.
which, with the braveness Of the Amer
lean soldier, are so hard to get out of
him. Many and many pathetic cases
are handled every day.
THE bureau is much more than an
employment agency, in fact, it is not
an employment agency at all, but is
engaged in the very important work of
general reconstruction in each and
every branch. The most whole hearted
and generous men and women of Chi
cago are back of it and all realize that
with the story of the war there will be
a sequel-what each community did for
its returned fighiers-and we are striv-
ing to the utmost to make Chicago's
chapter read firm and true.
while the bureau does not make a
practice CT housing and lodging. if the
visitor arrives late at night or is weak
or sick he is cared for in the army
emergency medical bay on the sixth
floor. Here, too. the physical exami-
nations of men sent to Jobs where phys.
zeal examinations are required take
place. There are baths, showers and
number of army cots.
Below stairs the army and the
navy have a section to assist men
concerning bonuses and allotments, as
well as war risk insurance
an fine, the Chicago Bureau for Re-
turning Soldiers, Sailors and Marines
embraces every possible angie looking
toward the welfare Of the service man.
There is just as little red tape as pos
sible; practicahhity is paramount. and
it is very doubtful if there ever before
was exhibited a place where military
and civilian ways and methods were so
tremendously blended"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
Mechanics of
The Building

Captain Walker, who, next to Colo
mel Dorey, is in active charge of the
work in the bureau, explained the me-
chanics of the plant as follows:
"This building, formerly occupied by
the State Council of Defence, is a CEN
trally located headquarters for all war
activities. 1t being in the very heart
of Chicago, the distance which the job
hunter has to go to reach the employer
is reduced to the minimum.
LAS the returning service man en-
ters the building on the ground floor
he finds an information bureau, con-
Quoted by the War Camp Community
Service, and also the registration bu-
reau, where, upon proper evidence that
the applicant is entitled to the privi-
lege of the bureau, as, for instance, the
display of his discharge, etc, a de-
tailed application is made out as per
sample card attached.
"The returning soldier, sailor or ma
rine is then invited to take the ele-
located the classification department.
This is in charge of a returned per-
sonnet officer and corps of assistants,
who examine the man along broad
of work desired and his fitness to hold
the job which he would like to get,
but also as to his various needs, like
temporary finance, hotel and lodging
chance transportation home (great
emphasis being laid on the moral duty
as we'll as the practical advantages of
the man going home to his old employ
err under the present economic condi-
tions), and the applicant is also exam
med as to his possible requirements
for additional schooling and college
course, vocational guidance and his
possible aptitude for an apprentice
course to make him valuable during
I his future life.
''The matter of help for vocational
education is simple one when the
man has been wounded or disabled, as
the government has a branch bureau
to take care of all such cases right
in the building. And in the matter of
completing school or college course,
and also to care for apprentices, the
soldiers and sailors committee of the
Jewish Welfare has an Office in the
buildinp to deal with all such cases.
"The department is so complete as
to embrace the Red Cross, Salvation
Army and Y. M. c. A, the former at
| tending to finances, transportation,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
The Method
Of Procedure

"A man coming into the bureau first
learns from the information depart
ment, conducted by the War Camp
Community Service, the procedure
which is necessary. He is directed to
register In doing this he fills out a
card, which, before he leaves the bu-
reau, will give complete record of all
that has been accomplished in his par
ticular case. Having registered, one part
of the card is left with the registra
ton bureau He takes the other part
and goes to the lounge room, on the
fifth floor, conducted by the Chicago
Women's Club, where his card is taken
and a number given him showing him
his turn in going into the classical
ton department. Since, of necessity,
it takes some little time to completely
ascertain what all these men desire
and what their ability consists Of, this
lounge room is fitted up with piano,
victrola, magazines, books, pool table
and other things which can take away
from the men the idea that they are
simply being ground through mill.
Each man, therefore, is interested in
something else while he is waiting for
his number to be called to go before
the personnel officer and his assist
ants, who are in charge Of the CLASH
fcation department.
"This department sends the men to
that proper bureau in the building
which is to take up his case. If it is
labor alone, he is Immediately referre d
to that section of the labor bureau
which handles the particular kind of
work which he must have. If, however
he needs lodging or clothes or medical
attention, he is first sent to that de-
partment which can handle those
things before looking for a job.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18

NE cold, stormy night in the
latter part of February of
this year, as Major General
~ Leonard Wood was leaving
A., .mcs at the headquarters of the
p,S Department, in East Ohio
EJECT Chicago, he was surprised to
va, at the entrance to the build
.mo very drunken soldiers In the
4e ;..xm Of the United States army.
Thsn he stopped to find out the cause
7. .hs;r condition he noticed that each
!. tbem had lost an arm. His interest
ii sympathy at once were aroused,
G. he questioned them to see If he
Lnh be of any assistance to them.
Briefly, their story was as follows:
In the Argonne in France they had
Mt their arms in the service of their
Iontry and had been sent back to this
lInntrv for discharge. Discharged
Nam the service in New York, they
IA started for their homes in the
Nest via Chicago. While waiting in
NJ railroad station in Chicago for
heir western connections they met
kome civilians who induced them to go
Bat for drink, with the result that
hey had awakened the following
6ay in dive, without railroad tickets
hr money. As soon as they had rea-
honed out plan of action they in
buired for the only place they could
think of where they might obtain as
Estance-the army headquarters.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
The Leader Forbidden to Go
Across. Now Leader in Welcom-
inc Troops Who Got Across
By Charles T. White

eral Wood explained the plan to the
Chicago people the financial response
was immediate. Ample funds we're
forthcoming from the first week Cen
eral Woods staff, the chief of which
is Colonel Evan H. Humphrey, seems
to be very efficient.
Colonel Halstead Dorey, of General
Woods staff, is executive secretary of
the new reconstruction bureau. In re-
Spouse to a request from The Tribune,
Colonel Dorey explained some of the
details in the following statement:
"rhe Bureau for Returning Soldiers,
Sailors and Marines is recognized
headquarters for all war activities, and
this has gone far in advertising the
bureau. 1t being in the very heart of
Chicago, the distance which the job
hunter has to 60 to reach the en-
ployer is reduced to a minimum. The
organization is managed by a head
quarters committee, selected by repre-
sentatives of all of the various war
activities, and the financing of the bu-
reau is carried out through the bust
ness men of Chicago and the headquar-
tiers committee.
"rhe bureau might be said to be
divided into three departments-the
labor department., which gives him a
job; the welfare department, which
handles his personal needs; the mill
tary department and naval department,
which attempt to clear up all situa-
tons which have not been completely
settled prior to his leaving the army
or navy. This includes the taking care
of the $50 bonus. When a man comes
into the bureau the first problem is to
completely ascertain along what lines
it is necessary for the bureau to op-
crate in his particular case.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18

The cooperating societies and agen-
cies include the American Red Cross,
Archdiocesan Union of the Holy Name
Society, Chicago Church Federation
Council, Chicago Commons, Chicago
Teachers Federation, Employers Rep
resentatives, Employees Representa-
tives, Farm Labor Administration, Fed
cral Board for Vocational Education,
Fort Sheridan Association, Federal
Community Labor Board, Illinois Free
Employment Offices, Jewish Welfare
Board, Patriotic Community Council Of
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
coordination of
Welfare Work

General Wood conceived the idea of
having building centrally located
which would be large enough to hold
pnees for the representatives. of the
Inherent welfare organizations and So
sieties whose work might be coordi-
ta'ed to his plan, thus consolidating
81 the efforts.
Inc outline Of the plan was about as
follows:
q central registration Office where
saea man could register and where
.'eofd might be made Of his case for
'9'uFe reference; an efficient employ
nsh' bureau which could take over the
w Oh putting the discharged soldier
'sss INTO suitable civilian position;
s1mclent sleeping quarters to take care
VI men in case Of emergency: an infor-
s-a'lon bureau which could direct the
1'eh 70 Inc proper place to get lodging
sna i'od; complaint department. the
way o. which would be TO listen to the
."piaints OF the discharged men
'hose needs had not been met in 3
Ashher satisfactory to themselves.
on March 7, 1919, the general called
meeting Of the representatives of
ssfious societies and agencies and
'"'sfested the business men of the city,
.Ao outlined his plan and asked for
van support and cooperation. His
ran vas fayorably received end steps
vice we're taken TO find suitable
'shaing and complete more detailed
Engagements.
me practical work was started
as'en 70, 1919, by moving the various
ss'ess into the buildings at 1870 West
.S1ms Street, formerly occupied al
'ss Offices III the Chicago Edison Com
roy. On March 81, 1919, at meeting
representative people nm executive
s~aafeittee TO take oyer the directing
ssa financing was named, and the bu.
sssu for soldiers, sailors and marines
I'm. ''s""'~"
tes financial budget totals $1,000 a
mn and 10 contributed by the people
Shissgo. 1t Ia . Atting commentary
y sntsspriss thss ~ soon a. Cen
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18

"The following organizations are
located in the building:
cred Cross, Salvation Army, Jewish
Welfare Board, Vocational Training
Board, United States Shipping Board,
Fit. Sheridan Association, Y. M. C. A.,
Lodging Bureau.
In order to avoid overlapping, inso-
far as possible each one of these or
CARNATIONS has taken up a specific
task. The Salvation Army, for in
stance, handles nothing except cloth
ing, as far as this bureau is con-
cerned. The Fl, Sheridan Association
handles all cases of officers, and the
jobs paying salaries of $4,000 and up.
The Vocational Training Boards work
is we'll known, as is likewise that of
the Shipping Board. The Lodging Bu-
reau is expected to handle all cases
where men have no place to stay, and
they are given this lodging for time
ranging from one day to two weeks
The Red Cross handles all questions of
after-care of mans family, loans and
VI CdClOH W tJo IIldll s nome IL
he does not live in Chicago, while
meals are handled at the Red Cross
canteens.
1.-THE Jewish Welfare Board is hand
ling all cases involving either resdu-
cation, where they don't come under
the provisions of the Vocational Train
ing Board, or cases where men need
additional education along some line
to fit them to more properly perform
their work, as for instance, man who
has left school to go into the army,
who had no particular trade before
leaving, but who, perhaps, at some Of
the army trade schools had picked up
enough so that with some little addi-
tional education he can go into that
particular line of work. If he is only
an apprentice and cannot live on the
wages which he gets as an apprentice,
the deficiency is made up during such
time as he is continuing his work. If
it is medical attention he needs, the
army has a irst-aid station (open
night and day. under direction of
army surgeons in the building.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-05-18
Wood Started
Chicago Work

General Wood arranged for their
care that night. That incident was the
kenesis OF the reconstruction work in
Chicago, which Colonel Arthur Woods,
former Police Commissioner of New
York, special assistant to Secretary
Baker, OF the War Department, in
charge of the Federal bureau for find
Ing employment for returning soldiers,
Says is more efficiently conducted in
Chicago than elsewhere.
The fact that it was possible for men
fhc had given so much for their coun-
Try to be subjected to such treatment,
rather than receiving the sympathy
bad understanding which should be
accorded them, opened General Woods
eyes to the problem which attaches to
every considerable centre of population
IN the namely, how best to
care for the returning soldiers, sailors
and marines show best to get them
back to places in civilian life where
shey will be contented and feel that a
grateful country appreciates their sac
tfces.
In studying the situation General
Wood found there were number of
associations Of people who were all
Doing their best to locate the dis
Charged men in jobs best suited to
Them, and also to care for those who
were "out OF luck"
The principal trouble was that these
qiherent societies and agencies were
pca'tered throughout the city, and
none OF them was prepared to meet all
tne needs Of each man. This situation
sesulted IN man wandering here and
saere, trying 10 find the place to meet
MS particular need-a disheartenine
bssK Tor young man in large city.