The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-30
TAKING STEPS ID
 HELP FAMILIES OF , THE UNION MINERS
Hundreds of People Said to Be In Actual Want-Civic Organizations to Hold
 Joint Conference

In order to arrive at the actual sit- uation as to unemployment in rela- ton to needs of the unemployed, Col. T. A. Smith, chairman of the com mittee named by the civic associations to take this matter in hand, has called meeting of the members of the vari- ous organizations for Monday after noon at o'clock in the Southern club. A luncheon will be served.
 The object is to ascertain what the real conditions are and to take such steps as are warranted and called for by the conditions.
 It will be. in the nature of mass meeting. Those in attendance will be af- forded an opportunity to tell what they know of the unemployed and of tho liv- ing conditions among them. After there Is some clear light thrown on actual conditions, 1t is believed by the committee that it will be easier to formulate the proper plans.
 TO MAKE SURVEY ! Members of each club and civic asso- ciation are earnestly requested to attend intelligent survey.
 Dr. J. A. MacSporran, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. member of the civic committee, who has made personal investigation had been in close touch with Brig. l. M. Simonson of the Salva- tion Army. says there Is real destitution in some of the mining camps. He has not come in contact with destituton among the unemployed of the city.
 pr. MacSporran favors turning over the matter of relief, for the time being at least, to the Salvation Army. "The sal vation Army officers, said pr. MacSpor- ran. "are accustomed to this kind of work and have been in the field. It seems to me that 1t would be well to have the funds that come Into Colonel Smiths hands transmitted to the Saliva ton Army and let them do the work. They are in position to do it and know how it should be done.
 They have agreed to use their field forces for this purpose and represent the community in relief work if 1t is desired that they do so"
 PLANS
 This plan will be among those pre- sented at the Monday afternoon meeting
 Mass meeting of the unemployed will be held tomorrow afternoon in Woodrow Wilson park. John w. Altman and w. l.. Harrison will speak.
 | Federation of Labor and Birmingham Trades council have issued appeals fol relief of the unemployed Checks fol relief, it is stated, should be sent te Louis Bowen, secretary of the federation Farley building, city.
 Responses to appeal for aid have beer slow.
 Requesting the Salvation Army to act as It's agent in the relief of distress among the families of miners pending th' creation of a permanent organization, th' Civitan club yesterday afternoon passed g. resolution offered by Dr. MacSporran
 Adoption of this measure followed z talk by Brigader Simonson at the clu' luncheon at the Southern club. Brigadier Smonson declared that hi' Investigations had disclosed in Jefferson county alone 792 families without sustc nance. These families are composed oi 2,636 men, women and children. They have absolutely nothing to eat. th' brigadier declared.
 If these families are to be assisted civic organizations of Birmingham mus act" he asserted. Tt Is up to Birming ham to obtain employment for the meI in the mining fields. 80 that their womer and children will not suffer Iron hunger"
 DESTITUTE FAMILIES
 Brigadier Simsonon told of temporar. measures taken by the Salvation Arm in sending food by parcel post and ex press to families where conditions wer } at their worst. He declared this to p' only temporary relief and urged earl action to alleviate the situation.
 He announced that jobs In mines A Lundale, w. Va, were open Tor miners, who are asked to bring thei families later He is faced with dilemma, in that transportation funds arr lacking. He urged action by civic or ganizations to advance railroad fares TO- l these men.
 Recalling the marching upon Washins 2 ton by Coxs army years ago. Brisa dier Simonson pictured threats or 1orc unless something is done immediately t' amelorate conditions.
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