Evening star., 1932-11-20
BY NEWTON ID. BAKER.

Some where around 100000 men
and women are out Of jobs. For three
years now. welfare and relief agencies
in the United States have struggled
bravely to hold the fort against untold
suffering and complete demoralizatl1n.
Now, as we enter the fourth year Of
hard times, we are faced with the in
creasng difficulty Of obtaining the nee
essary funds to assist the men. women
and children whom the disaster has
plunged into dire need.
In spite Of the Federal appropriation
of $500. 100000 fer relief, and all the
aid the States have been able to render,
plus that of the private contributor, we
can no longer dodge the fact that We
are facing this Winter one of the
gravest situations which has ever con-
fronted the American people. Relief
needs, in spite of a slight pickup In
employment, are increasing. This IS not
to be wondered. Many people have been
living on their savings. Thee savings
are now exhausted and they have been
obliged TO appeal for assistance.
Privilege to Assist.
1t is. as I see it. not only the duty
but the privilege Of every man and
woman holding a job or assured Of an
tunate at this critical time.
American history is full Of crises
from which the country has been res
cued by the self-sacrifice Of its people.
1 refuse to believe that this loyal sup
port or self-sacriflce belongs cniy to
historical times. I am sure that it eX-
lists today and that the needs We are
facing will be met
We are up against stern reality, the
kind of reality that proves mems metal.
Airing our views on the situation may
relieve us personally, but it does not
help our fellow men. They need at this
period something more tangible TO cling
to than mere words Communities can
prove their patriotism at this particular
iuncture by standing loyalty back OF
their welfare and relief campaigns for
funds. and contributing to the utmost
of their ability.
Aid Pr0sperity's Return.
Looking at the matter selhshly and
quite apart from the human values at
stake, it is good business for every COM
munity to provide adequately for the
needs of its people. Wishing for re-
turn of normal times will not restore
them. But a united determination TO
alleviate want and suffering and to
NGdlIltI I4lE ObOl III db dill NOaGo VIA PAO
duce the sort of confidence which VIII
in the end bring us prosperity.
In war times I remember we not only
considered the human needs of the
people, but we bent every effort to see
that they kept physically fit and that
their morale and courage were main
tanned at healthy pitch. We went in
for community projects on large scale
in those days. Recreational centers
were kept wide open. Clubs for men,
women and young people were con-
sidered essential. Community singing,
lectures and plays 1ouriShed.
Today, when the battle is within our
own boundary lines, we should remem-
ber the success of our former policies
Character building. recreation and
health services are suffering from lack
of funds and either having to cut OFF
assistance entirely or seriously to limit
it, and this at time when their serv-
ices are needed most.
Welfare Work Needed.
We all know that man does not live
by bread alone. and yet in our first
analysis of the present situation we are
apt not to take this fact into considera-
ton. To neglect necessary welfare
services today is to pile up both trouble
and expense for the future.
There is money enough in this coun-
try to see us through. No nation in
the world has larger securities than We;
none is more abundantly endowed by
nature. There is no need for us to let
fear creep into our thoughts or the spirit
of surrender to prevail. The fight ahead
for the next six months or a year is a
hard one, but it can be won and
glorious victory obtained if we have the
necessary faith, courage and vision.
Copyright, 1892. by North American News
paper Alliance, Incl