The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-03-13
The Barren SHOT

Savage tribes have the very pleasant and eHec-
tive custom of turning those who reach that age
where they can no longer earn their own living OUT
into the wilderness.
They look upon their old men and women as bur-
dens and are too tenderhearted, perhaps to watcn
them suffer.
Our humane and highly civilized society does
about the thing.
A recent survey Of the charities of New York
by an organization which devotes all its time to the
study of charities, finds the one apathy in that me-
tropolis to be the care of the aged.
It's keen director, Mrs. Edith Shatto King re-
ports "the one barren spot is the care of the aged
There are far too few homes for them There is lit
te or no provision to keep them comfortable in their
own surroundings Often the addition Of a few dol
lars to a monthly income would maintain them at
home"
In the files of the State Legislature is report on
the same condition in Indiana, made by committee
which investigated the poorhouses of the State
It's conclusions are exactly the same as this re-
port 1t indicates that are about on dead level
with the savages so far as giving any thought TO
those who have reached their unproductive years
without saving enough to maintain themselves with
out labor
The report is the result Of an effort made two
wears ago by the Eagles fraternity and some of the
labor bodies to obtain the passage of an old age
pension law.
There are sufficient facts to show that there is
an increasing number of men and women who need
some aid in their declining years.
Misfortune sickness, the necessity of using all
earnings in the early and middle years of life to
comply with State laws in regard to education OF
children are contributing factors.
In a competitive age, not yet adjusted in the
change from agriculture to industry it Is inevitable
that there are many who find themselves in need
when they are longer able to work.
y They are not victims Of dissipation or vice. They
are the normal products of society which demands
more and more from its citizens.
Thus far we have dismissed the subject with
the erection of the poorhouse, system inaugurated
by Queen Elizabeth and changed but little since the
days of that British ruler.
We take these aged ones, to whom entrance to
an almshouse means humiliation and unhappiness,
and feed them.
We spend many dollars for so-called cover
head" on these institutions when very few dollars
would enable most of the wards to remain in little
homes.
The Indiana report indicates that the poorhouse
system is not only brutal but expensive.
The average cost is much higher than was pro-
posed as a pension for those whose only crime is
old age.
The plan as proposed by the Eagles and adopted
in four States safeguards against imposition. 1t
is designed to aid and women in their declining
years to maintain homes and selfrespect. 1t guards
against any profteering by ungrateful children 1t
protects the people against the costly waste of
management"
That report might be dug up and studied with
profit before nominations made for the next
Legislature.
1t is worth studying. 1t may supply some as
piring candidates with reasonable excuse for cleo
ton.
Other States finding the plan workable and
means of economy Other States are discovering
that 1t lightens the total of human misery
Possibly Indiana may discover that here is
of Frightening life for those who become its
taXpayer