The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-06-17
WARM WEATHER
BRINGS JOBLESS
LIMITED RELIEF
Unemployed Emerge from
Winter Of Hardships;
Some Near Revolt

we we're dangerously near re-
volt"
This Is the statement a conscien-
tious laborer in department OF an
indianapolis company made a few
DAYS ago after he mad been told
that for a while, at least, he will
have full-time employment.
Men Of his type are paid for the
hours they work. When they can't
or don't work, there is no pay. And
without pay he, his wife and four
children would be destitute. They
would have no food, clothing or
fuel. They are representatives Of
thousands Of others in Indianapolis
when economic depression strikes.
It was estimated 10000 persons were
without employment in Indianapolis
during the last winter. Many Of
these faced hardships, their only
relief being that provided by char
ity organizations and neighbors
who reached into their pockets to
provide.
Tells Typical Story
The story Of the laborer speaks
for itself.
I'VE got along we'll on S25 e
week I am just laborer and that
was good pay. But the working
time was cut and I dropped to
about SIS and later to 50. After
that I didn't work at all.
1T isn't possible to live on such
low wages and then none at all.
We just couldn't do it. We felt,
like others, that we shouldn't ap-
peal for help, but it got so we were
. cold and hungry and the children
were sick. We had to have help.
There we're others like us. We
we're dangerously near revolt"
The biggest problem Of the char
ity organizations was the caring of
families Of unemployed workers.
The Family Welfare Society, CO.
operating with other organizations,
investigated and provided food and
fuel and care of physicians through
out the winter. '''...
Fund Success Essential
indianapolis responded to the
Community Fund drive and in open
meetings Of directors Of the fund
the work Of the various affiliated
groups was outlined and reports
made on the efforts to aid the
needy.
The food given persons who ap-
piled consisted Of al-round meal
provisions to care for adults and
growing children. Meats. vegetables.
canned goods and fruits comprised
the offerings.
Coal was issued by the organiza-
lions and rents paid
With the advent Of cold weather,
city employees joined a movement
started by city flremen. The fire.
men served soup, bread, crackers
and milk at engine houses and
gathered clothing for the needy.
City employees opened a store
across from the city hall. Groceries
were donated by business men or
paid for by city employees and
clothing also was distributed from
the headquarters. Police and fire.
men investigated cases and dis
tributed the necessities.
Made Work Helped
a soup house was opened on East
Maryland street. Soup, milk and
bread we're served to persons who
came to the place and others with
families we're permitted to take
food home.
When the winter depression
period was at its worst, the Cham
Der of Commerce created made
work" Public and individuals Jobs
were obtained for unemployed and
with few days work they were
given full stock of groceries and
money weekly. The poor relief was
handled through the Office of the
township trustee.
Much criticism was voiced at the
prices charged the made work par
Elephants. They complained of the
quality of the food, and sought to
have their quantity of certain food
stuffs reduced and others increased.
Several disagreements occurred
between those working on the
schedule, and its operators, but in
all cases, these were smoothed
over. Probably the deciding factor
in the cases was the need for food
and money.
Winters Passing Helpful
Many Of those who unsuccessfully
sought employment were not
'loafers." They, for the most part,
had been Woodworking laborers
and, in some instances, former
holders of well-paid jobs.
The problem of care of single
men and transients presented itself
early in the winter depression stage.
The Salvation Army and similar
groups provided sleeping facilities
and food. Sometimes crowds forced
the Sleepers to recline in chairs and
on floors
With warm weather here, agen-
cieS report some relief due to the
fact that persons are not suffering
from cold and that many single
unemployed persons have moved to
the west, seeking jobs in the wheat
fields. Others are finding odd Jobs
in and near Indianapolis.
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