Evening star., 1937-11-15
Unemployed
Continued From Page B-2D

tC0ntlnlP0 FROM rage b-Z.)
formation sought in these IA ques-
tions, we will know not only the extent
of unemployment and partial unem-
ployment, but we will know the geo.
graphical location of unemployment
by States and communities. We will
likewise be able to tell what age
groups are most severely affected.
But most important of all, we will
know the work qualifications of the
unemployed: we will know in what
industries they are suited to func-
ton, and We will be equipped to de-
termne what future industrial trends
sre most likely to absorb these idle
workers.
I think it is necessary to empha-
size that only those unemployed, or
partly unemployed, who are able to
work, and who are seeking work.
should All out these cards. All others
may disregard them.
But I appeal to all of you who are
employed today to enlist as good
neighbors to those who are unem-
ployed in your communities and who
may need help in filling out their
cards properly and promptly They
may need the stimulus of your CO.
operation. to recognize the impor-
tance of this national effort to help
them.
I think this neighborly cooperation
will be very helpful in dispelling from
oft Lo
that the information sought in this
census is to be used for any purpose
other than helpfulness. I repeat the
assurance to the unemployed that the
information which you give on these
report cards will in no sense be used
against you. but so far as lies within
my power will be employed for your
own good and for the welfare of the
Nation
President Says Importance
Justifies National Approach.
When we have ascertained the full
facts of unemployment, We can ex-
tend the voluntary and neighborly
character Of this effort to the task of
finding the solution to the perplex-
Ing problem. Its Importance justifies
national approach, free from preiu-
dice or partisanship and warrants the
cooperative endeavors of business. of
labor. of agriculture and of govern
nent.
l am confident that this Nation OF
ours has the genius to recorder it's af-
fairs, and possesses the physical re-
sources to make it possible for every
one, young or old, to enjoy the oppor-
t1nity to work and earn. There is
neither logic nor necessity for one
third OF our population to have less
Of the needs of modern life than make
for decent living
Our national purchasing power is !
the soil from which comes all our |
prosperity The steady flow of wages |
m our millions of workers is essen |
tial if the products of our industry
and of our farmers are to be con-
snmed
Our far-Siehted industrial leaders |
now recognize that very substantial |
snare OF corporate earnings must be !
paid out in wages or the soil from
which these Industries grow will soon
become impoverished Our farmers
recognize that their largest customers
are the workers for wages. and that
farm markets cannot be maintained
except through widespread purchas-
ing power
This unemployment problem is,
therefore, one in which every indi-
Vldual and every economic group has
direct interest 1t is problem
whose discussion must be removed
from the field Of prejudice to the
fleld of logic We snail find the solu-
tlon only when we have the facts, and
having the facts, accept our mutual
responsibilities.
The inherent right to work is one
Of the elemental privileges of a free
people. Continued failure to achieve
that right and privilege by any one
who wants to work and needs to work
Is challenge to our civilization and
to our security. Endowed, as our
Nation is, with abundant physical
resources, and inspired as it should
be with the high purpose to make
those resources and opportunities
available for the enjoyment of all,
we approach this problem of re-em-
poyment with the real hope of find
ing better answer than we have
now
The unemployment census. as
sensible first step to constructive
unemployment program. ought to be
a successful bit of national team
work from which will come again that
feeling of national solidarity which is
the strength and the glory OF the
American people.