South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-06-26
OLD ACE PENSIONS

OLD ACE PENSIONS
A year ago. It was an idea Today Is pledge
Of q political party. Next year II will be law and
an actually
This is the amazing development OF the demand
for old Age Pensions as the next step Of human
itarian legislation the next means OF adjusting the
burdens Of society so that they will not fall too
heavily upon the shoulders OF those least able TO
bear them.
When the Democratic party Of Pennsylvania held
its convention last week OF the planks adopted
read
WE FAVOR 4 SYSTEM OF OLD AGE
PENSIONS. BASED ON ECONOMICAL.
EQUITABLE AND HUMANITARIAN PRIN-
CIPIEs. TO THE End THAT AID MAY BE
GIVEN TO THE NEEDY AGED IN THEIR
OWN HOMES RATHER THAN IN PUBLIC
INSTITUTIONS, AND THE PROTECTION OF
WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN INDUSTRY BY
PROPER LAWS AND CONSCIENTIOUS EN-
FORCENTENT.
The placing OF this plank in a party platform
means that many OF that state have been
educated TO the need OF such law and faith
in its practcability.
This city has a peculiar interest in the Old Age
Pension movement for It born here. When
Frank f. Herring began to tell his associates IN
the Eagles fraternity that the day Of the almshouse
had passed. that the industrial had produced
a condition that must be faced by society in some
gether its human wreckage waiting for death. he
started a movement that is rapidly gripping the
interest and the attention Of the nation.
His missionary efforts have resulted in the en-
listment OF a half million members alone who
ARMY believe that the old Age Pension will be
found a solution for much OF the misery of the
world and with it the payment of just debt to
those who have given their lives to our great In
dustries
Their converts are to be found in increasing
numbers outside their own order until today finds
them so numerous that the matter becomes pledge
OF one political party. a pledge that may find an
echo on the part of their opponents who will be
forced to adopt through the weight of its popu-
larity.
While the Democrats Of Pennsylvania are the
first TO openly make Il matter OF contract with
the voters other states are no less interested In
Wisconsin it has been endorsed by leaders OF all
parties In Ohio. the voters will rass upon the
matter under the initiative. In five other states
bills viii be presented to legislatures next winter.
backed by the powerful interest aroused by the
order which fathered the movement.
Let it be explained that the movement rests
upon no theory OF either charity paternslism,
but upon the rock of justice and good
business"
Surveys have shown that three out of every FIVE
persons who have passed the age OF So are depend
ent upon some charity for their support
a
the nation struggled in competition with the world
to change from agriculture to the greatest industrial
nation the world.
with the figures startlngly large. no possible
stretch OF the Imagination trace the difficulties
of the aged to either Of thrift to evil habits
There is a deeper cause
When men and women reach the of small
productive power If they have been unable TO
forfy themselves against these days, society
holds out only almshouse and the public insti-
tuition a refuge.
Men their wives parted under this system
each to go their lonely way 10 the grave. II they
avoid this evil fate and disgrace. they become
unwelcome burden upon their children themselves
too often hard pressed by the burden OF raising
thelr own families.
Investigations show that the proposed pension Of
$500 a year 10 all persons SO who have an
income earning power OF less than this amount
would actually cost less IN dollars than the main
tenance Of poorhouses.
In their contribution to the total OF human hap
riness. these pensions would be immeasurable.
It Is something OF a triumph for a idea TO
gain recognition so quickly. other planks IN
POLITICAL platforms the result OF years OF earnest
persuasion This finds deep Judgement in the
human heart and in the intelligent thought that
it needs only to be suggested 10 be approved.