Evening star., 1937-09-26
SURVEY FINDS i. S. RELIEF
BASED ON MISCONCEPTIONS
Chamber of Commerce Study of 100
Cases Holds Legislative Remedies
Would Be Futile Gestures.

and lat average number OF days
worked in 1923, to SO average salary
and six days worked this year 1t is
explained that these figures are estab-
lished by dividing total earnings and
total days worked by 100.
Typical Cases Cited.
Pointing out, however, that only Sc
of the group were employed in 1929,
Greenman, who discusses the survey
in the chamber organ, says that their
median annual wage was S780 and
average annual earnings were s940.
The income that year of 35 persons
in private business averaged SLIT,
several of the number earning more
than $4,000. The highest paid worker
was bricklayer.
There are IL typical" case records
cited, as follows:
Woman-No occupation. Odd jobs
and day work. Says she never wor-
ries, just "let's the Lord provide" Has
never made over So a week in her
life. Never had a bank account.
Man-No occupation. Lived with
mother and did neighborhood jobs un-
til married in 1888, then went on re-
lief. Never had bank account.
Man-General laborer. Had small
huckster business for self until Sep
tember, 1880, and made an average
yearly income of $500. Has had moth
ing since.
Man-Janitor. No work for IL years.
Janitor in schools until 1925, when
hurt in line of duty. Crippled and has
rheumatism. Went on relief in 1888.
Has never had bank account.
Few Had Bank Accounts.
Man-Shoemaker. Was in business
for self until 1890, making an average
of sl,500 year. Worked 78 days in
1881 and earned $500 and has had
no work since. Never had bank ac-
count.
Woman-Housewife. Husband de-
serted in 1925. Has lived on charity
since husband left.
Man-Janitor. Worked 3l2 days at
S468 a year during 1928 and went on
relief in 1886. Never had bank ac-
count.
in 1928 at $3.50 and 220 days in 1929
at $1,000. He has not worked since.
Went on relief in 1885. Had bank
account until 1881.
Man-Picture frame maker. Worked
3l2 days in 1923 and 1929 at $3.50 a
year, and 156 days in 1880 at s340. Has
not worked since. Never had a bank
account.
Woman-Housewife. Was supported
by husband until his death in Novem-
Der, 1880. Has not worked. Two old
est children worked until they married
and helped take care of mother and
younger children. Never had bank
account.
Woman-Seamstress. Hasn't worked
in Is years. Went on relief in 1886.
No bank account.
"No Intent to Criticize"
In offering the results of the survey.
the chamber disclaims intention "of
criticizing the amount that is paid
tnose who are unable to work" adding
tnat perhaps such amount should be
greater" Davis. however, Celebrates
on the argument against make-work
legislation.
Most of the legislation seeking to
change the age-old methods of doing
business in America has been based
upon this unemployment as being a
problem of industry" he says. Much
of the industrial legislation that has
been passed and which was proposed
IN the last Congress and which will be
up again next year is based on a prem
ise that the four or five million men
on relief rolls are a problem of in
dustry.
There Is vast difference between
man who is employabie and one that
is unemployable. Unemployment rolls
nave been made up from all classes.
not only those who are employable. but
those who belong to the hoboes' asso-
citation, those who are opposed to anv
work and those who are physically or
mentally incapable of working. The
inclusion of the unemployable works
to the detriment of those willing to
work"
The chamber believes the further
study of the matter that is advocated
should be undertaken in connection
With the impending jobless census.