Evening star., 1939-01-08


ment leader" Of Wilmington, N. c.,
believed a success could be made II
about 500 families were shifted to
one locality, but doubted the FEAST
bility Of attempting to carry out the
project with just few. '-
Others consulted 'felt that the
migration from the Southland could
be guided but not reversed in any
reasonably near future" These had
found farm settlements "initialiy ex-
pensive and unsatisfactory in many
respects" Still others recognized
the problem as one belonging to the
immediate future"
upon the assumption that capa-
BILE management will be forthcom-
ing" Mr.. Lewis, whose findings have
embroiled him with local relief off,
cials, offers breakdown" to support
his previous recommendation for an
increase over the present appropria-
ton, Of $859,311 for relief needs and
reorganization of the relief ma
chinery.
Fund Needs Estimated.
To provide "for a fair propor-
ton" Of those who have applied for
relief in the Public Assistance Divi-
sion or for work in the w. P. A. and
have not obtained either-the re-
spective totals are 1924 and 4,791-
the cost is set at $685., ,150.
For the revamped machinery
and special rehabilitation activities,
| $629, 800, would be required, and Ger
tain incidental fund needs would
add $3O8,647
These three would total $1,576,-
SGT. Repeating that $7l7,139 could
be saved by proper administration,
leaving the money for other uses,
the difference of $859,311 would re-
quire an additional appropriation,
the report says, adding, however
that anticipated savings from good
management and from retraining
the unemployed in connection with
the P. w. A., w. P. A. and Alley
Dwelling Authority" gradually will
cut down this need, and that the
process would be facilitated further
by the evacuation of the stranded
unemployed.
The report takes rap at the sys-
tenn of handling surplus commodi-
ties, though explaining that definite
allegations concerning misuse" came
too late for more extensive in
quiry. A closer check is needed ac-
cording to the report, which puts
the customary household allotment
at $4 to $6 per month except in old
age assistance cases, and says the
same tendency is noted here as In
other sections of the country ito
substitute surplus commodities for
cash relief" despite an executive
order prohibiting this.
More Skilled Efforts Urged.
The report declares If the most
is to be gotten out of the relief sys-
tenn here more and more skilled
efforts in the direction of family re-
habilitation should be made"
X 1t stresses the hope, in this con-
nection, that housing at public
expense will be provided in reality
Tor the low income groups where
the need is greatest and where the
opportunities for profit making in
the money sense are out of the ques-
ton. The reliefers cannot live in
the pretty pictures which. when re-
duced to practical building plans,
usually cost two or three times the
original estimates"
I'VE hope, too," Mr.. Lewis SAYS,
that our investigation may stim-
ulate the interest of the people OF
the District in building
activities, because of the extent of
illicit sex relations and the numer-
Gus local failures noted in our case
record reports, and lead them to re-
quire parents if illegitimate children
to support their offspring"
Meanwhile. Mr.. Lewis yesterday
drew fire from two quarters-the
Board of Public Welfare and the
Public Assistance Division-for his
criticism of the local relief agencies
Two things make it difficult to
take Mr.. Lewis report seriously -
said Frederick w. McReynolds
chairman Of the board. THE first
Is his prejudiced and inteniperate
statements to the public press some
weeks ago and second. the
apparent animus against the Board
OF Public Welfare running al
through his report. I trust this
matter is not due to the fact thai
a few years ago Mr.. Lewis was ar
applicant for a subordinate posi-.
ton under the board to which
after full investigation of his rec.
ord and qualifications it found
itself unable to recommend him.
Disappointed With Report.
Mr.. McReynolds said the board
is "dissatisfied' with the report, anc
added: I'VE had hoped it would
contain constructive suggestions
based on facts. To date we have
nothing but Mr.. Lewis personal con.
cluslons (Which the Supervisory
Committee has carefully disavowed)
based upon so-called discoveries
which he has not disclosed to the
public, or even to the board, to-
gether with violent criticism OF
Woodworking, honest, District en-
ployes.
The board will, of course, care
fully investigate all cases of fraud
alleged by Mr.. Lewis when and II
sufficient information is given. II
will carefully weight all his recon-
mendations, and other action there
on will not be Influenced in the
least by his apparent animus.
"As to his criticism of Directo,
Street and Chief of Public Assist.
ance Hill, that also will be consid-
cred. The close association of the