The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-09-10
Words, Words, Words

On the front page of this newspaper to-
day is printed the reaction of great student
of economics, a great leader in other fields
than politics, humanitarian who devotes
his life to the salvaging Of human beings, to
the telegram sent by Governor Leslie to
President Hoover.
Because he comes from a neighboring
state, he asks that his name be not printed.
What he wrote is not in spirit Of criticism
of Governor who does not know and who
never will know, but in spontaneous protest
against inactivity on the part of those in
power at time when leadership is strongly
demanded.
The kindest comment on that telegram
from the Governor to the President is that
it is words, as idle as "the dream Of an
idiot" as futile as the promise of beggar
The Governor pledges himself that no
federal aid will be needed in this state to
care for jobless men and that its citizens,
conscious of their responsibility to the I'M
employed will meet their needs with gen.
crosby.
The need of these men who are out of
work is not charity-but job.
The only generosity that can be shown
is social attitude that will bring back work
to those who demand work, not basket
from a township trustee nor soup ticket
from a Community Fund
It is patheticaIly tragic that at this time
the leadership in Indiana is in the trustee
ship of those who are so blind to the signs
of the times, so deaf to the raucous roar OF
the underpriviIeged that they can not lead,
but only offer empty promises when needs
are great.
Thus far the state is diverting $75O,OOO
from manufacturers Of trucks to the build
inc of roads that are so unimportant as not
to be accepted hitherto into the state road
system.
It is proposed to parcel this out to be-
tween 5000 and 5000 men for work that
might be done with machines, demanding
from them unnecessary work in order that
thew may live on the border line OF poverty.
Thus far not a millionaire in this state,
the rich men who had plenty of money last
WINTER 10 QSlGdI dill 1AlSOAAAO |ON AAAON~0
pledged himself to give dime to any 1uno.
Thus far not provision has been made
70 nrevent wholesale evictions from humble
homes to heat the novels of the poor when
the cold blasts shrivel with their rigors, to
do ANYTHING except advise them not TO be
dismayed. but to hope for the prosperity
around that undeSignated corner.
It is true that in the city of South Bend
generous citizens have reverted to primitive
methods of meeting needs by canning fruits
in public schools.
It is also true that while 5000 men may
oef temporary work in the carefully selected
districts to which the state road fund IS oil
rected. there are $4,000 men in Indianapolis
who will receive no benefit whatever.
The men and women of this state want
neither charity nor dole. There is no dill
ference between the tax paid maintenance
of the needy through unemployment lnsur-
ance and the grudging gifts of welfare
society whose employees look upon every
family as cease" with number, instead
Of human beings. The former may be less
degrading.
Let it be suggested that the telegram of
the Governor may not really represent pub
lie opinion in this state. Were the majority
opinion consulted composed of those already
out of work and those who fear loss of their
iobs. that telegram would have demanded
an immediate session of congress to provide
for great public projects, for the lifting OF
unjust tariff burdens, for the aid that gov
eminent might give to the restoration OF
industry.
Just what is the difference between a
dole and the private charity which the Gov
ernor pledges will appear!