The Redwood gazette., 1935-02-28

REDWOOD i
One Year (NIthIn SO Miles Of City, $3.50
One Year ELSEWHERE In United states) $2
One Year (outsIde United states) $3.50
One phase of the new deal which wor-
ries us far more than the national debt
which we hear so much about and the al
legged disregard for the constitution is the
relief problem which does not seem to be
solved to any great extent by the revival in
business and Improvement of conditions In
general.
One of the first duties of government
is to provide for the needy. This has been
recognized for years and the unfortunate
destitute citizens have been cared for
through the smaller units of government
and private charity for generations. 1t was
almost necessary that the federal govern
ment take hand some months ago when
direct and work relief was provided from
Washington.
No one begrudges fellow man food,
clothing and shelter for himself and espe-
ciaIly for his children but persons close TO
the relief situation say that the mdepeno-
ence which a generous government Is prov
''iding is causing many to lose their lnlIla,
tive, that some who could rustic anu hho
work if they would are content to remain on
charity. One family in a section on relief
sometimes causes others to give up trying
to remain self-supporting. Many relle1
clients feel badly about their plight at tlrst,
then gradually they become Indifferent to II:
After few months some demand help ana
drop all attitude of appreciation for it.
No government can go on ndehnlteiy
sunnorting a great share of it's citizens. The
load cannot be dropped suddenly but the
program should call for gradual taperlng
off with drastic methods OF dealing WIN
those who refuse to work or fail TO make an
honest effort to be self-supporting. Some
change in the system which would produce
results toward this end is needed Dadiy.
A month ago Frank Gregg trudged
slowly up and down the Wall street district
of New York, carrying sandwich sign 1or
81 per day. Penniless except for his meag,
or WAGE he was one of millions who failed
in his prime years to provide for old age:
vet admirably, he chose to support hlmseil
hv the hest means available rather than de-
pend on charity.
Probably he pondered as he walked on
what shortcomings or misfortunes MADE
him almost a down. -and-Outer While otners
who hurried past him on either side made
rniljons in single deal on Wall street. On'
doubtedly he wished, as each OF us mas WISH.
cd that he might change places with some
of these men who paid little attention tt
him Perhaps he resented their lndl1erence
TO his existence particularly on bltter coi'
davs. when his work was especially unpleas
ant.
Then one day in the snow he dlsrovere'
a nacket containing 1000 worth OF nego
table securities lost there by messenge
bow. The story of his honesty in returning
fine bonds was blazoned over front pages
newsnaners everywhere and radio announc
a,s talked of his sterling character. He wa
given a much better job, gifts were snow
cred unon him, attention paid him whereve
he went. =,
Gregg was happy for while. Then tn
change was too much for his simple mlno
last week he went crazy. The rise from on
scurity to the limelight gave him the ILLUSION
that he was God.
Tragic, but interesting. This stor
might be made the basis for splenoio Sc!
mon on being satisfied with ones station Il
life and not coveting the good fortune tina
befalls neighbor.
A daylight saving law has been intro
-duced at the state legislature which woul
make us arise and complete our daily task
an hour earlier from the last Sunday. II
April to the last Sunday in September
thereby giving more time for play in tn
early evening. :,
Such plan is generally welcomed Il
cities and towns and has merit in that |!
results in greater use of recreational faclii
ties, particularly golf courses, tennis court
and diamondball fields and gives many hsn
ermen more opportunity to get IN a1ter
work fishing. -,
This was tried several years ago bu
was not so popular in the country wher
little morning. time was saved because O
heavy dews and time was actually lost OF
days it was necessary to quit work earilel
in the afternoon to make trips to town be
fore stores closed. =,
This is a topic Farmers clubs might
well consider under the Growing plan ane
mass the majority opinion on to their iegls'
lators.
knSx aHre0h