UNEMPLOYMENT

Evening Post, Issue 113, 10 November 1930, Page 9

UNEMPLOYMENT

SERIOUS IN UNITED STATES

PRESIDENT'S RELIEF PLANS

WASHINGTON, 9th November. That the unemployment position in the United States is serious is indicated in the latest official figures, which re-' veal that the number of idle workers has now reached four millions. Several months ago. the Government figures were 2,500,000. A fortnight ago 3,500,000 were conceded, and to-day's figures admittedly official are four million. , The Department of War has authorised the use of army cots and blankets for the destitute. Efforts throughout all largo cities to concentrate for the coming winter's charity needs as distinct from providing jobs are being increased. In certain quarters there is an open demand for a national dole. Following on President Hoover's post-election announcement that the job before the American people now is concentration upon further measures for economic recovery, the President made another announcement to-day. He will ask Congress' for a special emergency appropriation of an amount not yet determined for expediting unemployment relief through public works, and for free distribution of seed to farmers. With a total' building programme under way comprising five hundred million dollars, the new funds will be utilised for further and more ambitious undertakings. DEMOCRATIC PAKTY PLEA. A statement issued by seven national leaders'of the Democratic Party, including Messrs. Al. Smith, Davis, and Cox, respectively Presidential nominees since 1920, declaring that the "country faces a parlous condition" and undertaking that Democratic members of Congress "will not seek to embarrass the President, but will be glad to cooperate with him in every measure that conduces to tho welfare of the country," has aroused tho resentment of the Eepublicans and statementa from Democratic Congressmen against , their leaders for interference in Congressional affairs. / This exchange has merely emphasised the disturbing fact that neither political party will control Congress, and the legislative uncertainty and the indetermination of tho election are confusing the nation and seriously disturbing business. SLUMP IN "WALL STREET. Wall Street, wiiich is the country's most imprcssiona.ble barometer, has been selling down every day since the election. Stocks slipped sharply in heavy selling to-day, fifty representative issues touching the lowest average .for more than three jwars.

isters may become untenable. They will either have to withdraw their opposition to the Government or give up their portfolios.