The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1936-05-07
1(luJI'ioaaPgt| S5jqei[k
National Topics Interpreted "a Gll81@
by William Bruckart MITlfDTR
National Press c.


xa.hlns.on. D. c: NslFInuH
that the use of funds in the conStruc.
ton of permanent things like buildings,
roads and bridges gives the govern
ment and taxpayers at least something
for their money. But, be that as 1t
may, the ground swell against Mr.. Hop
kins is very powerful and If Mr.. Hop
kins possessed any understanding Of
the science Of the times he would see
it. Thus far he has given no indication
that he understands what it means.
Where will it all end?
The answer to this relief problem
is not now near
WHATS enough to hazard a
the ANSWER? guess.
Let us go back for
brief review. When President Roose-
welt took hold of the relief problem
early in his administration, he adj
vanced two theories. They were to
solve our problems and solve them
quickly. He urged the MIRA and the
PWA, which with the AAA, formed
the first battalion of the alphabetical
army. The NRA was designed to regi-
ment business and indirectly force re-
employment by the shortening of hours
and the spread of work. The PWA was
to provide a lot Of construction jobs
Immediately, giving work to those not
absorbed in private commerce and in
dustry and thus take up the slack I'M
til buying power of individuals had
been restored.
By November, 1888, it became quite
evident to unbiased observers that
NRA and PWA were falling short of
the mark. So, out of the Presidential
hat came the CWA. Congress promptly
provided funds so the Civil Works ad-
ministration-and here is where pro-
fessional reliever, Mr.. Hopkins, came
on the scene-could hire unemployed
who had not been absorbed by PWA or
had not been restored to jobs in COM
merce and industry by NRA.
1t was not long until CWA was as
much in disrepute as the original
schemes for providing employment. I
believe it was in even greater disrepute
because ordinary citizens could see the
utter waste and the reckless expendi-
lures of money occurring under CWA
for its relief raking and stone gather
ing and other nonsensical job-creating
results. CWA went the way of any I'M
sound proposition.
Forward then came FERA. 1t was a
proposition of emergency relief. Wash
ington writer's were deluged with
speeches and statements that none
should be allowed to starve. The spig-
OTIS of the treasury were opened wide
and $4,SS0,000,000 gushed forth. In
every section of the country, federal
money was distributed and distributors
in Washington were none too careful
of how they passed it out. In parallel
lines with FERA, the politicians formed
to the right. They saw the money and
from precinct to pinnacle of politics,
they were On the job and they have
been on the job ever since. $500
Last year, the President became con-
WINGED that there was too much waste !;
that FERA was
Too Much building up a Glen
Waste tele Of millions who
were saying, both
publicly and privately, that it was no
use to work when the government
would feed them and he ordered a
quick change in course.
With this change in course came a
locking of horns between Messrs. Hop
kins and Ickes. Mr.. Ickes was licked
by the simple eXpedient of a new fed
eral agency. Bounding forth came Mr..
Hopkins own brain child, WPA. While
it stands for Works Progress admins
tration, a different name, the initials,
to those who have studied the situa-
ton. spell FERA and CWA combined.
The President announced to the
country that "this business of relief
must end" Those who could not be
employed must be taken care of by the
states and local governments and
those who were employable would be
taken off relief but they must do work
for the funds which the federal govern
ment passed out to them. The result
has been a considerable mess and there
is not a day goes by that congressional
mail does not reveal cruel results, abb
solute restitution and hardship and
privation unparalleled in the United
States.
Where will it all end?
"This business of relief" is still re-
lief by whatever name the alphabetical
agency in Washington may be known.
1t can be only relief and there can be
no doubt that it must be continued.
Although President Roosevelt had
demonstrated his willingness to make
shifts in his program, it is becoming
more and more evident that a funda-
mental alteration of his whole scheme
must be undertaken. How it will be
done, is question upon which there
is violent disagreement. / hope, how
ever, that the number who followed
the lead of the original shouters fo-
vast use of federal money is diminish
ing and l believe that number is grow
ing smaller as they see the futility of
their efforts.
G Western Newspaper Union.