Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-03

are giving them every assistance. We
possibly need to strengthen the public
health service in matters Of sanitation
and to strengthen the credit facilities
of that area drought the method ap-
proved by the Governmental depart
ments to divert some existing appro-
priations to strengthen agricultural
credit corporations.
Cites Employment Helps.
I'm the matter of unemployment out
side of the drought areas, important
economic measures of mutual self
help have been developed such as
those to maintain wages, to distribute
employment equitabIy, to increase con-
s,ruction work by industry, to increase
Federal construction work from a rate
OF about $275,000,000 a year prior to
the depression to rate now of over
$I5O,oOO,OOO year; to expand State
ana municipal construction-all upon
scale never bsfore provided or even
at tempted in any depression. But be-
yond this to assure there shall be no
SUFFERING, In every town and county
voluntary agencies in relief of distress
nave been strengthened and created and
generous funds have been placed at
their disposal. They are Nrrying on
their work efficiently and sympatheti-
cally.
But after and coincidentally with VOL
untary relief. our American system re-
qu1res that municipal, county and State
governments shall use their own re-
sources and credit before seeking such
assistance from the Federal Treasury
] have spent much of my life in fight
ing hardship and starvation. both
abroad and in the Southern States. I
DO not feel that, should be charged
with lack OF human sympathy for those
who suffer, but recall that in ali the
organizations with which I have been
connected over these many wears. the
foundation has been to summon the
maximum OF seIf-help. / am proud to
have sought the help of Congress in the
past for nations who were SO disorgan-
lied by war and anarchy that self-heln
was impossible. But even these appro
prlatlons were but 1.-THE of that which
was coincidentally modified from the
public charity of the United States and
foreign countries There is no sl1ch
paralysis In the United States and I am
confident that our people have the re-
sources. the initiative the courage, the
stamina and kindlineSS of spirit to
meet this situation in the way they
nave met their problems over gener-
etions.
Has Faith in People.
Il will accredit to those WHO advocate
Federal charity a natural anxiety for
the people of their States. I am willing
to pledge myself that if the time should
ever come that the voluntary agencies
OF the country together with the local
ana State governments are unable to
ma resources with which to prevent
hunger and suffering in my country. I
VIII ask the aid of every resource of the
Federal Government because I would
no more see starvation among nv coun-
trymen than would any Senator or
Congressman. have faith in the Amer
lean people that such a day will not
come.
THE American people are doing their
JOB today. They should be given a
chance to show whether they wish to
preserve the principles of individual and
local responsibility and mutual self
help before they embark on what I
believe is a disastrous system. I feel
sure they will succeed If given the OPP
portunity.
THE whole business situation would
be greatly strengthened by the prompt
completion OF the necessary legislation
OF this session of Congress and thereby
the unemployment problem would be
!essened, the drought area indirectly
benefited and the resources of self-help
In the country strengthened"
A letter from John Barton Payne,
chairman of the American Red Cross,
in which assurance was given that the
campaign to raise 100000 for
drought relief is proceeding with rea-
sonable satisfaction and expressing
confidence in the outcome, was received
by the President today.
Watson Breakfast Guest.
Earlier. in the day Senator Watson.
Republican leader of the Senate, gave
the President his own impressions of
the situation which has arisen on Capt.
tQl Hill over the Robinson proposal for
a. 100000 fund to buy food for the
and the unemployed. |
The Republican leader was at break |
fast with the President.
The whole legislative situation, with |
its threat of defeat of some of the APP
bills, resulting in a forced |
special session of the next Congress, |
was pictured for the President by Sena-
tor Watson. -
The Republican leader did not init
mate at all that President Hoover |
showed any sign of yielding in his OPP
position to having the Federal Govern |
ment provide fundR TO buy food for the |
destitute, instead of felying upon vol |
untary contribution ana the American |
Red Cross. Nor did Senator Watson |
admit that he had gone to the Presi- |
dent to recommend that some measure /
Of compromise on this QUESTION be
agreed TO-