The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1936-06-05
WHAT is THE SOLUTION?

ABUSE OIL duLuOIlty ID Cldi 6cu
against the Works Progress Admin
istration in various parts of the
country. Exploitation, intimidation
and political discrimination perme-
ates the entire work-relief system as
now administered from Washington
if some reports may be credited.
Despotic powers are exercised, it is
stated, by subordinates of the federal
regime, with no redress afforded local
authorities or those with alleged
complaints. All the while thousands
among the worthy destitute suffer
some because of discrimination;
others because of delayed wage-pay,
several weeks past due, reports
claim.
These conditions are causing much
agitation for a return of the relief
administration to the states But is
this a solution of these relief prob
lens, observers are asking. They
point to- the period from July, 1888,
to January l, 1886, when the states
were permitted to handle the dole.
From many sections of the country
came reports of fraud, accompanied
by evidence of graft and corruption
in the administration of relief funds
under state control 1t is generally
conceded that many such irregular
tiles were linked up with politics.
What is the solution for these
raids on the relief funds and for the
alleged intimidation and discrimina-
ton connected with their distribu
don?
Malefactors have little respect for
the present laws governing the dis
tribution of federal relief funds,
whether they handle them through
state agencies or directly through
the agencies of the Federal Govern
ment. Some observers believe that
a solution of the political phase of
the problem is to put the distribu-
ton of these funds under the control
of non-partisan state bodies. Others
think the distribution should remain
under the Federal Government, but
be administered by a non-partisan
commission in Washington and nom
partisan committees in state centers,
with the right of appeal to a sepa-
rate, non-partisan board of relief
workers and citizens in cases of in
justice.
The creation of appeal boards, it is
conceded, would be an additional ex-
pense, but they would further the
ends of justice and inspire respect
for law and order, so much needed
today in the conservation of the prin-
ciples of democratic government.
In addition to these checks and
balances, it is suggested that rider
be added to the next relief appropria-
ton, making it possible for the Fed
eral Government to prosecute the
employee who appropriate or diverts
federal funds to his own use.
Malefactors have a more whole
some respect for federal authorities,
because of the speedy prosecution of
offenders of the national kidnapping
law.
The details connected with the adj
ministration of relief constitute a
tremendously complex problem. This
is evidenced not only by the expert
ence of state and federal control of
this important function, but by the
confusion of the Republicans in the
House and Senate. Trial and error
processes should be discontinued in
the handling of this matter. The
President, it is declared, should cease
to ignore those who urge a nom
partisan expert relief board to arrive
at long-range handling of the whole
problem. If he is not amenable to
the plan of having expert non
partisan minds help him, then he
must assume blame for all further
mistakes. Washington News Bu-
reau.