The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1935-07-12
(IpII'j'ia2'9f|S5ji@2la(&k
National Topics Interpreted - G44AaNR
by William Bruckart TIIlIIEM
Press D. c.

there are thoughts fitting back and
forth inQuiring whether 1t Is possible
for a central group like the federal
government to arrange satisfactory
methods or occupations for a popula-
ton so far flung as our own. 1t Is
further doubted that sufficient aexi-
bility can be worked into any program
to permit of any genuine good coming
from the expenditure Of even so vast
a sum as fifty million dollars.
Beyond that, l have heard it asked
how the administration expects to find
employment for unemployed youths in
industry when late figures show
larger list of unemployed adults than
obtained at this time year ago.
High schools and colleges, Of course,
are available to provide the educational
requirements forming one idea in the
general program. Those youths who
desire to continue their education GER
tainly are deserving Of help and the
NYA offers a means to that end. 1t
Is too early to forecast what the re-
quirements will be or what sort Of
rules will be laid down respecting ap-
plicants for educational assistance.
But even the administrations most
vigorous critics have omitted throwing
any barbs at this feature of the NYA.
Almost simultaneously with the
Presidents announcement of the NYA
he made known that
Non-Federol the way was clear
p.:.~s. for construction on
what he said was the
first group of non-federal projects I'M
der the public works section Of the five
billion dollar fund. He gave his ap-
prevail to 63 projects, the total COST OF
which was figured at approximately
twenty-one million dollars.
Each of the loans made In this allo-
cation of funds was based on grant
of As per cent of the cost of the par
ticular project by the community where
the work is to be done. The federal
government loans the other 90 per
cent. In this way the cost to the gov
eminent in most instances is expected
to be held within the Limitation OF
81, 143 per man per year.
Some weeks ago the President flg-
ured out that the cost of no project IN
which the federal government put
money should exceed an amount
greater than $1,143 for every man en-
ployed. This was designed to spread
employment. But the rule thus far
has been imperative because not
single man has been put to work I'M
der any of these projects,
In the meantime, numerous ana
sundry other proposals for expanding
parts of the federal money have either
been thrown overheard or have been
held in allegiance pending further con-
sideration. This is true of gigantic
housing program worked out by Secre-
tary Ickes It was planned there to
spend $250,0O0000 and when it was
announced a press statement was
Forthcoming from the Public Works
administration that hundreds Of men
would be offered Jobs within month,
so far had the plans advanced.
Also, since April 8, nothing whatso-
ever has been done toward elimination
of dangerous railroad grade crossings.
1 was told at the Interstate Commerce
commission and again at the bureau
of public roads that their plans were
all ready to proceed with reduction of
these highway traffic hazards and
eliminate potential death traps where
highways cross railroads. Something
has blocked the effort in this direction,
however, and as far as present infor-
nation goes actual work on grade
crossing elimination will not be started
for the next several months.
While the administration is seeking
to develop new projects to aid unem-
ployment and relieve
Pet Scheme restitution, one Of its
Runs Amuck pet schemes appears
to be running amuck.
T refer to the effort to transplant 200
Middle western farm families to the
Matanuska valley of Alaska. This
colonization project was carried on
with federal relief money and those
families which were uprooted were
taken to Alaska to find the end Of the
rainbow. According to activity around
the Federal Relief administration here
it is made to appear that the end Of
the rainbow was, as usual, some dis
lance further on. Certainly 1t was not
in the Matanuska valley because a
number of the families already have
determined to quit and return to their
home communities in the states.
Members of congress who are &C.
uuainted with Alaskan conditions tell
me that the Matanuska valley Is prob.
ably the most fertile spot in CONT
mental United States They hold to
the conviction that almost any kind
of food can be grown in the soil Of
that valley. But these men are under
no illusions. They know the hardships
that confront those settlers who were
being planted there by the federal gov
eminent in the hope of colonizing
+hot oroo Eom of Thorn tho houSn