Evening star., 1932-12-04
The Hunger Marchers.


called hunger marchers from various
parts of the country, to the number OF
between two and three thousand, will
arrive In this city by various routes
They have been assembled and their
march has been promoted by an organ
nation styling itself the National Com
mittee of Unemployed Councils, group
known to be of Communistic origin and
purpose. They are coming TO make
certain demands on the Government.
One of these is to force the Federal
Government to supplement local relief
by giving every unemployed worker $50
cash for Winter relief, I.1s $40 for
each such workers dependent" An
other demand is for Immediate unem-
ployment insurance at the expense OF
the Government and the employers.
Another Is mot penny off the wages;
not q penny Of taxation on articles OF
mass consumption; not cent for war"
Incidentally, they demand the imme-
diate payment Of the so-called bonus
10 all veterans.
No provision has been made for the
housing Of these petitioners. No public
FUNDS are available for their main
tenance. The promoters OF the march
have accumulated stores OF food Tor
their subsistence for few days.
The District Commissioners are pre-
,,sred to maintain order upon the ar
rival of these people and will seek 70
prevent their assemblase in force for
public demonstrations. The Capitol au-
thorities have notified them that they
viii not bs allowed to gather on the
CAPITOL grounds. Nevertheless. the pro-
noters Of the movement assert their
p,rposs 70 hold parsdes and meetings
ana to make demonstrations ct certain
points = the city.
NstmaIiy there b keen public inter-
- N this spectacular. promoted as
ssuahlass Of petitioners and there u
acme apprshension lest their presence
IN Wsshinston may lead TO disturbance
such a. has already occurred in some
a the citiss through which they have
passed On their way 70 Warrington.
nh the part Of good citizenship at
such Q time for all readents Of wash
ington to keep away from these groups
and not to add to the danger Of tur-
MOL by making them objects OF curl
osity. They are poor, unfortunate men
and women, sufferers from the prevail
ins economic distress afiicting all parts
of this country. They have been de-
luded by bad counsel into coming here
with their demands, none OF which can
be granted. While doubtless most of
them are disposed to be peaceable. un-
ouestionably some Of them are ripe for
riot.
Ifa conflict should occur between the
police and these marchers the spectacle
will be distressing enough without the
injury of bystanders and onlookers who
may swarm in to view such unhappy
incidents.
These people cannot remain here for
an indefinite period. Their original
plans contemplated their departure by
the middle of the week. One Of their
leaders intimates that II the lack of
oficial cooperation prevents their pro-
posed demonstrations they may pro-
tract their stay indefinitely. That. OF
course, cannot be tolerated. For their
own provisions will be limited and they
cannot be permitted to become public
charges. especially as at this season OF
the year there is grave risk Of great
suffering incident to exposure to the
elements.
With all the sympathy in the world
for the sorrowful plight Of these peti-
TONERS Washington must not itself be
exposed to dangers for which there is
no other remedy than force and ex-
pulsion.