Evening star., 1933-06-29
Do Not Despair!


rupt of human sympathy can be indif-
ferent to the plight of the thousands of
Government employees who, as the fiscal
year draws to close, are overwhelmed
with anxiety as to their future. Surely,
the great majority of the people in
Washington must be deeply touched by
the spectacle of their distress.
Changes. Of course were implied all
through the campaign of last year
They were inevitable following Presi-
dent Roosevelt's election, for reforms
and economies were among the pledges
which he made in his endeavor to win
the favor of the voters. Normally. those
men and women in Federal service who
had reason to anticipate dismissal would
have been able to prepare for the fatal
day when they would be released. Many
would have been successful in obtain
ing new employment; many would have
| been in position to save something from
their salaries for the period during
which they would be making the neces-
sary adjustments. But because of the
depression most of them have failed to
find other work and have been power
less to lay by any savings commensurate
with their need. They, therefore, face
the prospect of enforced idleness with
horror bred of the consciousness that
they are unprotected against its threats.
The community Of which they are part
cannot be unmindful of the agony
through which they have been passing.
It's effects have been felt throughout the
Nation, but particularly in the Capital
have they been manifested. There can
be no question about the tragic inf1u-
ence which the long uncertainty has
exerted upon the economic life Of the
city. nor can there be any doubt about
the sad reaction which the final blow
will cause
But there is no advantage to any one
in making a fetish of despair Those
familiar with the history of their coun-
try know that there have been other
occasions when political changes brought
equally drastic alterations in Govern
ment policy and resulted in equally
poignant transitions. They must realize
that invariably each individual finds a
solution for his problem, new oppor-
| tunities, new rewards. A season of trial
and suffering there may be, but even
tually the sun emerges from the clouds
and life, disciplined by the ordeal, goes
on. There are numerous indications
that the present slump is being Equi-
dated, and there is reason to believe
that the vast majority of its victims
soon may be emancipated from its tolls.
| Much depends upon President Roose-
velt's ability to control events. He
knows that slashing right and left with
out regard for consequences would cost
the Government much in terms of de-
creased efficiency, increased expense
and extravagant confusion. He knows
also that such policy would have
deleterious political effects Too wise.
as his friends believe, to be willing to
risk the dangers of mistakes Of that
kind, he will resist the pressure of per-
sons and groups more directly concerned
with spoils than with justice. Surely,
he will wish to retain in Government
service all who have merited Federal
employment. 1t is logical, then, to hope
that many who now are being dis
charged or furloughed may be recalled
during the next few months.
At least, the die will be cast and
those scheduled to be dismissed will
know their fate. For those definitely
dropped the return of prosperity will
signify relief. Let them be of good heart
They have friends who will not abandon
them while they courageously struggle
to fird new means of livelihood. The
American people are not savages. can
enthusiastically devouring each other. Or
the contrary, their record proves that
they are brothers in fact as well as in
democratic theory.