The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-08-15
Unemployment Agitates Political
Scene In 1886 National Campaign
Jobless Man Is Now Fac
ing Situation Which Pre-
sents Very Perplexing
Problem
By BYRON PRICE

HresS washington
Idleness, says an old proverb,
is the root of all evil. Changing
the wording slightly, it may be
said that unemployment is the
source and fountain-head of those
manifold national troubles which
agitate the political scene today.
Unemployment calls the roll of
the issues. 1t has fathered the
relief structures, with its vast
ramifications. 1t has resulted in
expenditures which raise i'm
portant questions about the pub
lie credit. 1t has inspired govern
mental policies regarded by many
as violative of liberty and the con.
stitution.
The lingering shadow of un.
employment becomes increasingly
conspicuous now that other de-
preston factors have begun to
melt away. 1t presents a supreme
challenge to American ingenuity,
and to every responsible Amer
lean political leader. The jobIess
man is the unforgettable man at
every political conference.
A workable prescription to cure
enforced idleness is the most
coveted of all political possessions
in 1886. With further apologies
to the proverb-makers, whoever
invents a better unemployment
plan will find the country not only
beating pathway to his door,
but insisting that he move into a
new and larger house.
What is political leadership
doing about it?
Leaders Agree On Problem
1t would appear that there is no
difference view as to the di-
rectness or'the Importance of the
challenge.
"The record shows" said Gov
ernOr Landon in his acceptance
speech, "that in 1886 the primary
need still is jobs for the unem-
ployed."
No exactly parallel statement
has been made recently by Presi-
dent Roosevelt, but on August g
his secretary of commerce issued
a business review saying:
"The government deficit springs
from the root of unemployment,
which is still the major problem
confronting the country"
1t is true that other commerce
department data estimates that the
unemployed have diminished by
more than 100000 since 1888,
and now number less than 1O,-I
100000.
But even such a number is
recognized universally as too
Notwithstanding to the business
community, a drag on recovery, al
worry to everyone who pays
taxes.
One of Mr.. Roosevelt's warmest
political supporters, Major George
l.. Berry, has openly asked bust
ness men to consider seriously
whether the country can properly
be said to experience recovery
when so many millions remain
jOblesS.
Answers May Come Later
An examination of Governor
Landon's acceptance speech dis
closes that, after stating the chal-
lenge, he set forth certain general
principles without proposing speci-
fic legislation.
He said the government must
dispel fear, encourage individual
initiative, do away with govern
mental intimidation and hostility"
end currency uncertainty, and en-.
force the antitrust laws.
"Once these things are DONE"
he continued. "the energies of the
American economic system will
remedy the ravages of depression
and restore full activity and full
employment"
Even less detailed are the ref
erences to this general subject in
President Roosevelt's speech of
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