The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-03-27
MONDAY MARCH 81. 1888.
FOR 25O.O00 MEN.


ITO those whose sympathy and indignation
have been stirred by labors wrongs, la
boris denunciation of President Roosevelts
first action in its behalf comes as rude shock
The President proposes organization of
100000 men for work in national forests, at
$50 month, with food, shelter, clothing and
medical care. Labor sees in the plan regimen
tation of free workers and danger OF general
dollar-a-day wage scale
AS details of the Presidents plan have been
disclosed the error in labor's objection has be-
come more and more apparent.
Unemployed workers who want to go to
the camps will volunteer Those who prefer
to stay at home on relief, part-time work. or
any other basis will do So From those who
apply, the secretary of labor will select the
most deserving
These men will go to army camps, not for
army training, but to be fed and built up
physically until they are strong enough to do
outdoor work. Medical treatment will be given
those who need it.
Free transportation will be furnished to
camps in the nearest national forests Work
will be done under supervision of the forest
service not the army. Men will not be free to
come and go at will-obviousy they could not
be- because of the problem of maintaining ade-
quate work crews and adequate supplies in
remote forest camps.
But if men wish to leave before the end
of the year during which the government is
willing to care for them, they will be allowed
TO do SO under common sense" regulations.
1t should be obvious to labor that this is
so, for the government hardly will insist on
caring for men against their will.
The primary purpose of the project is not
to get work done, but to provide work for men
who need it. 1t is not proposed to take over
the regular work of the department and de-
prive men now employed of their jobs.
So much for RECOMMENDATION" Labor OBJ
lection to the payment of $50 month to
members of the corps is even less appealing.
AS Secretary Of Labor Frances Perkins pointed
out, this is in no sense a wage, and the fear
that it will establish a low wage standard is
not justified.
Payment of Is cents a day to unemployed
men working in municipal wood yards has not
established rs cents as a standard wage, nor
has it called forth objection from organized
labor Hundreds of lumber camps and farms
under state. municipal, and charitable aus
pieces are operating for the benefit of men
glad-t to work for shelter and clothing only.
The $50 actually is intended to provide for
the mems families Would the American
Federation of Labor withdraw its objections
to the Presidents plan if no money were paid
IN the mon he nroDoses To aid2
There remains the complaint that other
public works will be halted for a time by
diversion of this money, This is an argument
that probably frightens congressman more
than labor. Only small part of the money
that might be spent for this purpose between
now and July would go to workmen
There are three parts to the Presidents
relief program. Relief for those unable to
work. healthful outdoor work for those need
ing rehabilitation, and, finally, regular jobs
at regular wages on the contemplated con-
struction program.
The first need is being met temporarily by
r. F. c. funds the conservation camps are
designed to care for the second, the third will
be dealt with at this session of congress, as
soon as plans can be drawn.
Nothing in this program will batter down
wage scales or violate labor's right of con-
tract.