Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-12-11
Com lGnt
WORTHWHILE AND
OTHERWISE, ON MAT
TIERS IMPORTANT and
UNIMPORTANT

There often are conflicting ideas in
regard to the care of the needy. Near :
ly every time action is started to give
relief to those who have been unfor-
tunate and who are in need of assist
ance there are a certain few who will
offer criticism. This was especially
evident when aid was extended to
some families last winter. The chief
ground for criticism was that needy
ones were extravagant and IMPROVE
dent careless with their money when
they had any Sometimes the charge
was heard that so and SO never was
very anxious to work even when work
was plentiful.
It is gratifying to learn that such
criticism is practically unheard this
winter, following the decision of the
Libby Woman's club and other good
people to look after the needs of the
unfortunate ones in Libby and viein-
ity. Not one instance of criticism has
come to the attention of this paper re-
garding this work during the past few
weeks. Nothing but commentator for
the good work has been heard, and
that is as it should be. Everyone
seems filled with the urge to help in
some small way to give relief to those
needing it. The different church or
CARNATIONS have fallen in line. They
are offering money to this good effort,
while many citizens are bringing
clothing and other things to the
Woman's club to be distributed to the
poor.
There is no denying that sometimes
one might feel, with justice, that the
ones being helped are not deserving
of assistance. Perhaps they have been
extravagant, sometimes the father is
none to anxious to work even when
work is plentiful; perhaps the best use
is not always made of what resources
they have But shall we allow little
children to go cold and hungry even
though all the above charges may be
true? Even those who sometimes crit
icize admit that that would be pre-
posterous. The mere thought that lit
lie children may be poorly clad, poorly
fed and poorly nourished brings {
shudder to one and would stir any
one who hasn't a heart of stone to dc
everything one can. within reason te
relieve such suffering and ssaoh Ia
mentable conditions.
And the criticism is not always just
There are those who seem to be fol-
lowed by constant misfortune Sickness:
is with them continually; work is no
to be had even though they may bt
most anxious for it and more thar
willing to give full service for the pa,
offered They may be hard workers
careful managers, and good citizens
and yet sometimes misfortune over
comes them. Such are surely deserv
ing Of help. 1t is a fine thing for tn
good people of community to he'll
such deserving ones. The world com
mends the man or woman who give
goods or money for such a laudabl
purpose, but If the truth were onl
realized the one who gives in tn
right spirit gets more in return tina
the unfortunate one who may be i
need of shoes, clothing or groceries.
There is another angle to this ques
ton. Frequently man desires wor
but cannot find it. In the letter TIL
paper received two weeks ago an
which we refused to publish becaus
it was anonymous, several good state
ments were made. In many ways 1t VIZ
a fine letter. The author had write
this across the top of the letter as
caption, Work and not charity wante
by able bodied men" Of course, th'
is true Every red blooded and Sc
respecting person wants to provide X
himself and hissfamily. He does m
want to be an object Of charity. Ar
he is to be honored for taking TIL
stand, but if misfortune does overtal
him, then he and his loved ones mu
bestaken care Of
The thought sometimes comes in
ones mind that the ones who a
prone to criticize may be forgedul
d mighty factor IN this matter of beii
"a success or a failure in life. Al WORT
less bum stepped into this office =