Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-07

to work and the funds kept dwindling
1.-THE trouble with me-" remarked a
woman of 90, els that I've lived too
long-much longer than had eStt-
mated I woodland now I haven't
anything much. I could get along with
little help, though, and can take
care of myself. Don't want to be care
to anybody--can cook my own meals
and dress myself"
Economic and industrial changes
wrought havoc with some of the men
who formerly were well to do or pros
porous. Changes in fashions, or In the
public taste, often make the difference
between success and failure. One sep
tuagenarian had some of his present
pass, because he had not been able to
recover from the decline in the trade
in ostrich plumes. He had once been
q large importer of such feathers. His
business gradually dwindled and he was
not able to get his capital out of it or
to re-establish himself In new line.
Lose by Endorsing Notes.
It was not uncommon to find appli-
cants who had been overwhelmed by
making good on notes they had in
dorsed through desire to help friend
One lost 100000 by such kindness. The
fact that all the rules of business sue
cess forbid going on the paper of other
persons did not deter him.
1T is startling commentary on
modern civilization" said Mr.. Epstein,
ito note how many applicants have
lost by lending the helpful hand to
others in trouble. 1t seems to me that
few have wasted their money when they
had it. but that many lost out through
their desire to serve others or to help
their fellow men who were in deep
trouble. In many instances they erred
in Judgment and found ingratitude."
That rule which pervades many busi-
ness houses which discriminate against
employing men of advanced or even
mature years. leaves its trail over the
application blanks. Inasmuch as many
concerns force out employees who have
passed their fortieth year, 1t is to be
expected that Jobs for oldsters of 10
are not plentiful.
Some Able to Earn Money.
Among the applicants are men who
once held responsible positions but
have been gradually edged into poverty.
Some earn little money as watchmen
or Office work of the errand-boy type.
Among the applicants are many who
are unable to get enough steady en-
ployment even in the 1owest-paid posi-
lions to keep themselves from perjury.
The stage was represented on the
rolls. One woman of 30, who said
she had been q popular actress in her
day, told how she had reached the end
OF her usefulness In minor clerical
work such as addressing envelopes.
She thought she might come back" in
old woman character parts If she had
chance. It was suggested to her that
the Actors Fund. meanwhile might be
able to do something for her between
now and the LIST of next January at
least.
Her case reminded Mr.. Epstein of
that of Aida Sidonia, a danseuse. who
in her prime had been starred in
Covent Garden, London. She had been
for nine years in charge of the ballet
for that Britisch home of the opera. She
was reduced to the necessity of doing
the work of a chambermaid, although
then rs years old. The State of Wis
consin has since provided an allowance
for her.
$4,000 Likely to Benefit Here.
Just how many persons will eventu-
ally come under the old-age security
law in this city is now only matter of
speculation. There are full 10000
persons more than 10 years old in the
metropolis of whom IL is estimated
$4,000 may eventually come under the
care of the State and city. In the me-
tropolis the task of making up the list
Is In charge of Third Deputy Commits
Continued on Fourth Page.l