Norwich bulletin., 1922-10-05
Humanity in Government
By James J. Davis, Secretary Of Labor

The Housing Corporation
 Another important function of the corporation is the operation of the Nor folk county ferries. Norfolk and Ports- mouth, Virginia. between which cities tnis utility furnishes the principal means of transportation, were the scene of great war activities. Neither the city Of Portsmouth nor the county of Norfolk, which jointly own this utility, was fin- ancially able to undertake the improve ments neeessitated by this increased traffic. On behalf of the federal govern ment therefore the housing corporation assumed supervision over these proper ties and spent over $1,o00,o00 in their rehabilitation. It Is consequently in charge of their operation pending the IT, quidation of it's loan. During the past fiscal year the increase in earnings over all preceding years which the corporation has been enabled to show, as a result of economical and efficient management, has called forth the highest commendation. The government hotel is, perhaps the | largest American plan hotel In the world Erected to provide accommodations for employees of the federal government drawn to Washington during the war, the hotel Is still filling an urgent need in the nations capitol. For the nominal sum of 345,5O per month, It's patrons are fur l nished accommodations which far surpass those obtainable elsewhere at q similar rate. A standard of service Is maintained which is designed to promote the physical and moral well-beingi of the guests, and which has, undoubtedly, rendered them more efficient in their daily work for the government.
 It has been well said that home own ership is the most effective antidote for Dolshevism. In determining upon poi. icy for the disposal of It's properties I therefore. the housing corporation not only had in mind the recovery of the largest possible amount Of money, but attempted as we'll to encourage individual home ownership throughout the nation Logical benefits which may be expeotet to accrue to wake-earners from the sic cessful contamination of this policy are
 The acquisition of stake in the corn
 munity through the purchase of 4 hon1,
 on easy terms, and at a comparativelj
 low cost; stimulation of interest on thl part of the individual in civic affairs increased efficiency and better living con l dltions for both himself and the member , or ms family, The employer, on the oth t er hano' IS the gainer through greater ef I fciency In his working force. and a r.. , duction in his labor turnover. to yuhicl
 inadequate or unsatisfactory housing fo
 his employees Is, perhaps the larses
 single contributing factor The con
 munity as a whole Is the beneficiar t through the establishment within it
 confines of attractive, wholesome an
 sanitary homes for at least a portion e
 its industrial population; resultant i'm
 prevement in the relations be.wesn enn n ployer and employe; and the conseauen
 elevation of the economic, political an
 moral standards of the community Al
 whole
 I The experience of the United State
 housing corporation has placed on re
 cord vast fund of information that ca,
 be of immense value to the prospectiy J home owner and home builder. I, y through the corporation. or similar or
 ganization that information can be ken
 up to date, and available to the puhli, 1t can De made to. render great servic
 to the public and to the nation az
 whole. There is no greater patriottsr
 than the love a man feels for his hon
 and throughout all time the horne-owne e has been the best citizen. The experieac j. of the corporation constitutes eres
 step in the direction of solving the ho,,s
 ing problem and 1t should not bs lost t < the country.