Evening star., 1938-05-13
JOBLESS CENSUS
MAY Be RETAINED
Work So Valuable It Might
Be Made Permanent,
President Says.
BY J. RUSSELL YOUNG.

"y Nv SSJGAA oSNos
President Roosevelt indicated today
that the unemployment census taken
last December was Of such value that
there will be similar census taken at
regular intervals in the future.
The President told his press con-
ference that this census not only re-
vealed the first accurate estimate of
the unemployed but produced certain
figures and facts which would be valu-
able to the Federal Government and
to cities. counties and States as we'll.
The President opened his remarks
by saying he had just received the
semi-final report on the December un-
employment census. He said the
completed printed report will be made
public later.
Much Lower Cost.
The President was delighted to re-
port the census was achieved at
much lower cost than was at first an
eiSiPuVCd. llC sdIu klldI Uub vi bliS
$5,000,000 appropriated. only $780,
900 was spent. The remainder will be
turned back TO the Treasury.
The President called attention to
the fact that 85,OO000O unemploy-
ment report cards were distributed in
one day. and with interest aroused by
press. radio and motion pictures, H.
100000 people voluntarily filled out
registration cards. OF this number.
5.033,40l reported as being totally
unemployed. 2,0ll.6l5 as unemployed
except for emergency work and 3,2l9.-
6o2 as partially unemployed.
The report showed that Is tons OF
postal cards came into Washington
and when stacked 10 feet high they
occupied space l foot wide and 600
feet long.
John D. Biggers, who had charge
of the unemployment census. in his
report to the President said the
census has demonstrated the pos
sibilities of quick action and CO.
operation between branches of the
Government in emergency tasks. He
said that this voluntary registration
afforded the quickest means of ap-
praising the unemployment results,
and that the numerical results were
announced within six weeks. and that
in seven months.
Date of Permanent Value.
Regardless of fluctuating totals of
unemployed" the President read from
sMr Biggers' report, data showing
characteristics and composition of un-
employment have permanent value
These facts developed include study
of ages and sex; dependent workers,
geographical distribution; industries
and occupations, all of which will be
necessary as basis for any compre-
hensive re-employment plan. Since
this information is available by coun-
ties and cities of 10000 and more pop
ulation. an opportunity and a chal-
lenge is presented to local communities
to assist in solving our principal eco
nomic problem
The President then read the follow
ing paragraph from the report. in
which he seemed to be greatly inter-
ested. and which he said was of great
value:
An interesting revelation is the
fact that as the breadwinner Of the
family is thrown out of work. addi-
tional members of the family seek
work. which accentuates the number
Of unemployed in depression times.
Likewise, it proves the fact that to
bring about recovery, it is not neces-
sary to provide jobs in equal number
to the unemployed. bcause. as bread
winners are restored to work. other
potential workers vanish from the
labor market"
During today's conference the Presi-
dent was asked if he thought the
machinery of the Government used in
taking this census could be taken for
use of mobilization for national defense
II emergency arose. The President
answered that no thought had been
given to this.