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Editorial
February 3, 1932
Windham County Observer
Putnam, Windham County, Connecticut
What is this article about?
Editorial exposes a case of an employed, pensioned man fraudulently seeking unemployment aid, praises investigation, criticizes dole system abusers, and urges public listing of fraudsters while safeguarding privacy of the truly needy in Greenwich.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
GRAFTING IMPOSTORS
Nothing has been heard regarding the "smallest" man for some time. but present conditions and the widespread interest in caring for those in need have afforded an excuse for this human atom to emerge He was discovered in a town not very far away, up state. where he appealed for help from the unemployment fund.
The wisdom of investigating all cases was proven in this instance when it was discovered that the man was working regularly. receiving $30 a week in wages, and getting a monthly pension of $25. and was so little of a man that he was willing to apply for charity. of which not in need. knowing there were many deserving ones absolutely destitute On learning the facts the authorities promptly and properly rejected the application for aid, and as a gratifying sequel of the investigation it is interesting to learn that now "at least one of the family's creditors is receiving weekly payments on a bill long over due."
One objection urged against the dole system was the danger of producing laggards and lazybones, who would sit calmly down and accept whatever was handed out—a sort of "world owes us a living" attitude but there are other leeches, who are even more reprehensible and this man belongs with them.
Many stories are coming to light- and undoubtedly our Greenwich charity and welfare agencies could relate interesting instances revealing sly. cunning. small and deceitful methods being used to secure charity funds. by people who would shrink from having their names made known: people neither in need nor deserving of help. on the other hand there are many deserving people whose pride forbids making known their true condition. and who are suffering deep privations.
The pity is, there seems no way of equitable designation, but the names of the worthy who are aided should be secure from publicity. while those who deliberately take advantage of the opportunity to sponge on charity when not in need. should be publicly listed the same as those drunken drivers whose licenses are suspended for they have broken the law of common decency and deserve nothing better than the contempt of their fellowmen.-Greenwich News and Graphic.
Nothing has been heard regarding the "smallest" man for some time. but present conditions and the widespread interest in caring for those in need have afforded an excuse for this human atom to emerge He was discovered in a town not very far away, up state. where he appealed for help from the unemployment fund.
The wisdom of investigating all cases was proven in this instance when it was discovered that the man was working regularly. receiving $30 a week in wages, and getting a monthly pension of $25. and was so little of a man that he was willing to apply for charity. of which not in need. knowing there were many deserving ones absolutely destitute On learning the facts the authorities promptly and properly rejected the application for aid, and as a gratifying sequel of the investigation it is interesting to learn that now "at least one of the family's creditors is receiving weekly payments on a bill long over due."
One objection urged against the dole system was the danger of producing laggards and lazybones, who would sit calmly down and accept whatever was handed out—a sort of "world owes us a living" attitude but there are other leeches, who are even more reprehensible and this man belongs with them.
Many stories are coming to light- and undoubtedly our Greenwich charity and welfare agencies could relate interesting instances revealing sly. cunning. small and deceitful methods being used to secure charity funds. by people who would shrink from having their names made known: people neither in need nor deserving of help. on the other hand there are many deserving people whose pride forbids making known their true condition. and who are suffering deep privations.
The pity is, there seems no way of equitable designation, but the names of the worthy who are aided should be secure from publicity. while those who deliberately take advantage of the opportunity to sponge on charity when not in need. should be publicly listed the same as those drunken drivers whose licenses are suspended for they have broken the law of common decency and deserve nothing better than the contempt of their fellowmen.-Greenwich News and Graphic.
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Reform
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Charity Fraud
Impostors
Unemployment Fund
Dole System
Deserving Poor
Public Shaming
What entities or persons were involved?
Greenwich Charity And Welfare Agencies
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Abuse Of Charity By Impostors
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Fraud In Welfare System
Key Figures
Greenwich Charity And Welfare Agencies
Key Arguments
Investigate All Charity Applications To Uncover Fraud
Impostors Who Are Employed And Pensioned Yet Seek Aid Are Reprehensible
Publicly List Those Who Deliberately Sponge On Charity
Protect The Privacy Of Deserving Poor Who Suffer In Silence