Home Photo Gallery Classroom Documents Dear Mr. President: I was more than pleased to receive your letter a few days ago asking for my suggestions wherein the Government can best serve the people. Well, my dear President, this would be a big undertaking as I know not all the minds look at the same subject in the same manner. First, let me congratulate you on your great effort to help the people of the U.S. arise from the maelstrom of depression that has engulfed them for the past few years. I know you have been criticized, for your noble effort, by those who do not understand the conditions not the evils of fallen humanity. But I say may God bless you and give you strength to carry on your noble work. I think your idea of getting the suggestions from the Clergymen of the different denominations will greatly help you in the solution of your problems, if all the Clergy will give their honest opinions and not take this opportunity to criticize and find fault with the government, forgetting even the dignity of your own person and the virtue of charity toward all men. The conditions in this parish are very poor. Heads of families not working and not getting relief because they own their homes or are insured and trying to keep their families together. Many come to the Rectory day after day begging for food or clothing. When they apply for a job to the welfare office they get very curt answers and are told there is not job for them, and they see young men and women sitting around in offices doing nothing but drawing big salaries while they and the members of their families are starving. In some places they are asked their religious belief, and are told they cannot help them. Around New York and Brooklyn the Jews and Italians are well taken care of. There are others that have to live and eat but are starving because they cannot get work, especially those who were at one time prosperous but through depression lost their all and are too proud to beg for help. You are doubtless aware that there is no organization so well conducted, as far as morals and love of the poor are concerned, as the Catholic Church. With one Supreme Head, the Holy Father the Pope, under him Bishops, and, under them priests who carry out the teachings of the master to the last degree. There is no body of men who have their fingers on the pulse of humanity like the Catholic Pastors of their flocks. They see humanity at its worst and at its best. Give to them the distribution of the monies assigned for the welfare of the old, the infirm, the poor and the children and you will find the work done in a most efficient manner. There will be no overhead expenses and no large salaries. I know you would be criticized, and all kinds of pressure brought on you to avoid such a plan from the critics, the chiselers and unscrupulous politicians. Allow the St. Vincent dePaul Society, the Knights of Columbus and the many other societies professing the Catholic religion to go after the poor, the infirm and the needy in their own districts or parishes and report to their pastors those in need of help and the distribution will be a success. Let all other religious denominations do the same and surely no one deserving of aid will be missed or neglected. Too many chiselers and too many high salaried officials are now spoiling the Works Program and will continue to do so unless some legal curb is placed upon them. This is my council and advice sincerely given, as you asked. I am, Sincerely yours,
Rev. James J. O'Reilly
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