The Hope pioneer., 1921-04-14

t1cal way to its defenders in the
World war, who need the supporting
arm of the government. Our very i'm
mediate concern is for the crippled SOL
diers and those deeply needing the
helping hand of government. Con
scious of the generous intent of con-
gress, and the public concern for the
crippled and dependent, invited the
services of a volunteer committee to
inquire into the administration of the
| bureau of war risk insurance, the fed
eral board for vocational training and
other agencies of government in car
Ing for the former soldiers, sailors and
marines of the World war. The COM
mittee promptly reported the chief diff
ficulty to be the imperfect organiza-
tion OF government effort, the same
lack of coordination which hinders
government efficiency in many. under
takings, less noticed because the need
for prompt service is less appealing.
Welfare of Former Service Men.
This committee has recommended
and convey the recommendations to
you with cordial approval, that all
government agencies lookingoto the
welfare of the former service men
should be- placed under one directing
head. so that the welfare of these dis
abled saviours of our civilization and
freedom may have the most efficient
direction. 1t may be we'll to make such
an official the director general of SER
vice to war veterans and place under
his direction all disqualification, voca-
tlonal training, war insurance, reha-
bllitation and all pensions.
The immediate extension and utiliza-
tion of the governments hospital IA
cilities in army and navy will bring re-
lief to the acute conditions, most COM
planned Of, and the hospital building
program may be worked out to meet
the needs likely to be urgent at the
time of possible completion.
Involves Expenditure Of Billions.
The whole program requires the
most thoughtful attention of congress
for we are embarking on the perform
ance of sacred obligation which in
wolves the expenditure of billions in
the half century before us. Congress
must perfect the policy of generous
gratitude and conscientious admins
tration must stamp out abuses in the
very beginning. We must strengthen
rather than weaken the moral fiber Of
the beneficiaries aud humanize all ef-
forts so that rehabilitation shall be at
tended by respiritualization.
During the recent political canvass
the proposal was made that depart
ment Of public welfare should be cre-
ated. 1t was indorsed and commended
so strongly that l, venture to call it
to your attention and suggest favor
able legislative consideration.
Good Citizens Sought.
Governments obligation affirmative
ly to encourage development of the
highest and most efficient type of citi-
zenship is modernly accepted. almost
: universally. Government rests upon
the body of citizenship; it cannot
; maintain itself on level that keeps it
; out of touch and understanding with
the community it serves. Enlightened
governments everywhere recognize
this and are giving their recogniza-
tion effect in policies and programs.
Certainly no government is more de.
sirous than our own to reflect the hui
man attitude, the purpose of making
ucCICl lutClAcCtu'
ally, spiritually. To this end L am
convinced that such department in
the government would be to real value.
the rather vague generalization about
social justice into solid accomplish.
ment Events of recent years have
profoundly impressed thinking people
With the need to recognize new social
forces and evolutions, to equip our citi.
zens for dealing rightly with problems
of life and social order.
Maternity Bill Recommended.
In the realms of education, public
health, sanitation, conditions of work.
ers in industry, child welfare, proper
amusement and recreation and elimin.
alton of social vice, and many other
subjects, the government already has
undertaken considerable range of &C.
tivities. l assume the maternity bill
already strongly approved, will be tax.
en- up promptly, thus adding to our
manifestation of human interest. But
| these undertakings have been scattered
through many departments and bur.
| eaus without coordination and with
much overlapping of functions which
frltter energies and magnifies the cost.
: Somewhat related to the foregoing
human problems is the race question.
Congress ought to wipe the stain of
barbaric lynching from the banners of
free and orderly representative de.
mocracy. We face the fact that many
; millions of people of African descent
are numbered among our population
and that in number of states, they
constitute very large proportion of
the total population.
It is unnecessary to recount the diff
ficulties incident to this condition, nor
to emphasize the fact that it is a con.
dition which cannot be removed. There
has been suggestion, however, that
some of its difficulties might be ameli-
GRATED by humane and enlightened
consideration of it, study of it's many
aspects and an effort to formulate, if
not DO1icv at 1oact q notiopo1 ,<t;