Home Photo Gallery Classroom Documents My dear Mr. President: I duly received your letter of September 23rd, in which you enquire as to conditions in this community and ask where our Government can better serve our people. I am happy to be able to report that conditions here generally show an improvement, and that there has been a falling off in the number of unemployed. This has been due partly to improved farming conditions and more recently to increased industrial activity, especially in Mining centers. Whether or not this increased activity can be traced to the threat of war in Europe, or to generally improved economic conditions, I am unable to say--probably to both. Relief to distressed families continues on a large scale, and, on the whole, may be said to be fairly administered. Food and clothing have been made available to the needy, and no real suffering from lack of these necessities is apparent. However, the class that has generally been neglected and whose present need is perhaps greater than that of any other, is the so-called white collar class--or the forgotten man. When the depression came, this class for the most part perhaps owned or were purchasing their homes; and some life insurance and possible savings. As their positions failed, the sought to maintain their self-respect by borrowing or drawing on their resources until exhausted. Too proud to go on relief, many of them doubled up with other members of families, who perhaps were more fortunate in being still employed. Because they were not in receipt of relief, the make-work agencies refused to recognize their needs, resulting in much physical and mental suffering. There have been economic depressions in the past, and perhaps it is too much to hope that there will be none in the future. The working people of this nation are not responsible for these conditions, and yet invariable they are the greatest sufferers. Would it not be possible, Mr. President, for this great nation to work out a plan to forever banish unemployment? Would it not be possible for the Government, by means of public works, etc., to take up the slack in times like these and to provide work for those in need at wages slightly under those regularly paid until such time as industry could again absorb them? In my opinion, this would obviate the necessity of relief rolls, and do much to bring happiness and contentment to our people. May we hope, Mr. President, that the day will not be far distant when the threat of unemployment, with its attendant evils, may be driven entirely from our country. I have the honor to remain, Yours most sincerely,
E. Butcher, Rector
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