Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-04-07
Relief Weighed
BY Mclaughlin

AlOuA lol1CQ Ill LIc community,
Commissioner Robert E. Nc
Laughlin said last night.
He reviewed the city's history
OF handling relief funds for the
poor during a radio talk over Sta
ton WWDC. expressing hope the
public would be patient while
we're working and wrestling with
this problem.
In the pre-depression period,
he related. there was a question
as to whether tax funds could be
used to supplement earnings of
fathers with low in
come levels, or to support fam
lilies Of fathers who we're employ
able but out Of work.
During the depression, Federal
funds were made available for
this purpose, he recalled. but
about 1889 these funds dried up
considerably" and. particularly in
the District. there was a period
lasting until about l94S Of gen.
eral recession from the philoso-
ply of aiding employables or the
low-i income employed.
Ruled Out In 1913
Mr.. Mclaughlin noted that
around l948. the then autonomous
Board Of Public Welfare definite
y ruled out from public assist
ance both of these categories.
This has remained the basic rule.
During the last two or three
weeks while the city has been
emergency food rations.
this rule has not been regarded
20 rigidly." he pointed out. how
sver.
I'VE are now faced with the
of whether as a COM
nunity. as distinguished from
he Federal aid of the I933-1939
oerlod. We are going to broaden
)ur base to include these many
thousands OF additional fam
lies" he said.
He said there is a sociological
because we recognize
hat INSCRIPTIONS employers may
'ictimize rather marginal en-
'loyes by paying them less than
heir work is worth and refer
ing them on to the public well
are agencies for supplemental
unds."
He added-that it is recognized
tlso that MANY people have a
psychological indisposition TO
work" and might find "a way to
let along on the public assist
nee with their families rather
han work. though they are
physically all right and employ
BILE.
Problem Recognized
I'VE have this problem. and
'e recognize the immensity of
UGH a program. We do know
ne greatest suffering probably
ccurs In those families" point
lg out that families eligible for
'uolic assistance do have mini
1um subsistence from the Dis
riot Government with matched
lnds from the Federal Govern
lent.
AS for the present situation
lr. Mclaughlin said he thought
ossibly the renewal program (
ere made conditions appear /
and perhaps they are"--worse
'mporarily in the Southwest I
mere some INDECENT families are
.lnging TO their status in mar /
NAL properties so they will have
rst priority for getting into /
ublic housing.
Oeiierally, ne said he imag-
led there was a gradual general /,
lcrease i'll the income of the
'erage family in Washington.
AS to whether a liberalized re-
Ell program might attract pub ,
2 assistance prospects here 1
ON other areas less consider I
e OF their poor. he said that is I
eiinitely matter we have In
ind"
I'm Delicate Balance" 4
He said the whole balance of
le welfare situation as related s
the tax structure lis in very I
elicate balance" Also involved.
? added. is the public housing {
sue. because we may in our J
'stricted area and with our high {
nd values construct public $
here" which really will
serving the adjacent States
I'd territories and is much less
ipensive. {
He said he did not believe. I
owever. that this had been the 9
use In the past. I
On another subject, the COM
issioner said the city heads s
opposed home rule bill has been y
'ery carefully studied" at the :
mite House and is understood
be just about ready to clear 4
ere. He said he thought the I
lmmissioners would take the
II up TO the appropriate men, \
RS OF Congress in both houses {
tn a request that 1t be intro @
iced.