The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-05-29

builded on the milk of human kind
ness.
Pension of worthy citizens ia not
a new principle or an unheard of
innovation, even IN our own state, the
Supreme Court judges, our soldiers
and sailors. postoff1ce officials, school
teachers, railroad and industrial en-
ployees share in this method of pre-
venting old age dependency.
Why close the door; why preclude
equally deserving and more unfor-
tunate, the workers of industry, the
tlllers of the soil, who through ILL
ness and business reverses are ban
ished from friends, home and fire.
side?
II may be claimed that to encour-
age is to destroy; that an assurance
for old age will make us less indus
trious and more unmindful of future
years. Anyone who analyses his
own mentality will appreciate the fall
lacy of such an idea. 1t is natural
ambition to go ahead, to strive for
better food better clothes. better en-
yironments and for the comforts of
old age
Who would suggest that pensions
granted to the boys in blue made
them lazy, idle and indolent citizens?
Who would withdraw that aid so re-
Gently given the mothers OF our state
God knows that both are laltdable
contributions, but, that no recipients
can be more deserving of assistance
than are sthose poverty stricken faith
ers and mothers who are drifting in
the shadow of the great beyond.
Mr.. President, neither your father
nor mine. who were so recently called
from our affections. would have need
ed the protection of this measure. but
in every community there are faith
ers and mothers who are waiting for
the last call, that are ragged and
hungry, rather than to beg of charity
or meet disgrace at the city farm.
The percentage of our helpless old
men is gradually growing larger, in
creasing at the rate of four per cent
per year. Medical science cannot
cope with the unnatural drain on the
working mans energy resulting from
the remorseless force and merciless
precision of modern machinery which
has not only shortened the period of
effective service, but Is gradually
shutting out from gainful occupation
the failing eyesight. enfeebled nerve
and the unsteady hand of old age.
There are those who will contend
that there Is no need Of poverty with
all It's wretchedness, but no man who
has given this subject careful and
candid reflection will arrive at such
an objectionable conclusion.
Unshlled employees represent one
third of the total amount of labor.
Today the average price paid in the
United States is three dollars and
twenty cents per day, make allow
ance for vacations and shut downs,
pay for rent, food, clothes, furniture,
educate the children and live re-
specially how much have you saved
for the inevitable rainy day when old
age and sickness comes?
1t is glorious to present bills to
create great reservoirs as 1t has been
my pleasure. to be able to rebuild
the constitution with that skill 90
characteristic of the Senator from
to champion the cause of
an exposition building with the ability
of that fayorite son from Aroostook,
to father the teachers pension act
with that dignity so common to the
distinguished Senator from York. but
IL Is a million times more glorious to
extend the hand of help to those in
need.
When the old family horse has per-
formed its last work we place it in
kindly hands and in green pastures.
When the pet dog can no longer re-
spond to its masters call every mer-
cy is extended this faithful animal.
But the old man in his declining
days goes among strangers over the
hill to the poor house.
My friends, instead of this stigma
of charity let us place the mantle of
respect on those fading years by pro-
viding an adequate pension for those
unable to care for themselves. For
some day my fellow Senators, when
our work is done we may have long
ings for peace. for comfort, for affec-
ion, for some little nook in which