Evening star., 1933-12-31
|LI!NO|S WINNING
PROSPERITY
WITH HELP OF i. 5.
PeSSimists Practically Routed
by Generous Spending and
0Id.Time Spirit.
BY RUTHWELL DUNCAN.

sneciaI Dispatch to The Star.
CHICAGO, December 30.-1t is gen.
orally conceded that Christmas came
to Illinois in more happy and hopeful
spirit than for several years. Nor is
that fact in any large part owing to
the repeal of prohibition. There was
seasonable conviviality in the urban
communities. but underlying it was
feeling that conditions are slowly but
steadily improving, that ground Is be.
ing gained and that the threshold OF
the New Year holds promise of better
things than the State has seen since
1929
More generous spending was every
where apparent. Chicago on Christ
mas eve took on its old-time glamour,
and the outdoor Christmas tree bloomed
in colored lights on every block, while
at least a million candles Shone from
the windows of homes as proof that
the spark Of faith burned with re-
newed light and warmth in the hearts
within.
Government Money.
The stimulus of Government money
distributed in pay checks to thousands
of persons who have their first jobs
in many months had part in promoting
There are some skeptical persons
left, however, who ask gloomlly whether
the stimulus will last. and what will
happen when the c. w. A. the c. c. c.
and other sources of temporary supply
are withdrawn. They are in the
minority. For the most part revived
expectations OF happier days dominate
the public psychology. Sanguine per-
sons explain that just as the physical
apparatus Of the individual can be re-
stored to normal operation by stimulants.
SO the social and economic machine
will begin to generate its own energy
and make progress toward Self-sustain-
ing vitality under the effect of Federal
cordials. Or, it is suggested, the effect
Of Government aid will be like the
strong push to stalled car which
friendly neighbor may give. 1t will
start the engine and the car will begin
to run again on its own power.
That is why 1884 will be ushered in
with greater rejoicing than any Of its
four immediate predecessors.
Chicago has two less relief stations
than it had a year ago, and downstate
those dependent upon the American
firm of dole.
Red Agitation Subsiding.
An interesting phase of the changing
situation is the subsistence of the more
disturbing type of Communist agita-
ton. The police are having less
trouble, In part this is owing to the
fart that Federal recognition OF Soviet
Russia has affected Communist tactics,
but it is undoubtedly due also to a
better temper on the part of those who
furnished fuel for the meters Of paradeS
and demonstrations.
The most pressing problem through
out Illinois is that of education. AS
the New Year approaches local authori-
ties in many school districts are Won
dering how they can meet the needs
and demands of childhood between now
and the long vacation of Summer.
There are said to be 5000 teachers
downstate who are serving for pay
lower than the Federal codes guaran-
tee as minimum in industry There
are many who have not been paid for
months. The $4,000 persons on the
pay roll Of the Chicago Board Of
Education have been paid up only to
the end of last April A deficit of So
600 900 faces the board, in addition to
the over S20,000,000 owing to the
teachers.