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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Dec 19, 1893
Page
6
The Post outlines meal tickets for the hungry, grocery tickets for destitute families, and coal tickets for cold hearths funded by a popular subscription. These measures, numbered items 1 and 2, frame a community relief effort with seven, eight, and primary support from local readers.
The Post argues Boston unemployment likely under 20 000 though destitution rises with dependents. It calls for employment first, relief while awaiting revival, and pledges to aid without conflicting with official relief. It notes urgent need and commits to cooperate if official schemes arise.
Arrangements with several restaurants to accept meal tickets, and with local grocers Cobb Bates Ezra and Cobb Aldrich to supply groceries at low prices in exchange for tickets. A coal firm will offer coal at cost in varying quantities for ticket holders.
The plan offers meal tickets costing 15 to 20 cents each to ensure a square meal. Contributors of percent or more to the fund can receive tickets to distribute, or the money may be placed in a general fund managed by THE POST for disbursement.
The grocery and coal tickets are intended for destitute families. Contributors of $1 or more will receive the equivalent in tickets, or THE POST will distribute them to those in genuine need after investigation.
The speech praised tariff reform led by the Wilson bill and defended by Democratic leaders. It argued protection enriched special interests, urged continuous reform, and cited past Massachusetts votes for tariff reductions. It lauded Henry W. Hamlin and the party’s plan to restore purchasing power and boost industry.
Lawyer John F Simmons of West Winded Conn held on $100 bonds for trial in February for sending threatening postal cards to C E Cables of Terryville. Also, George Colburn of Needham sentenced to five years in Dedham House of Correction for killing Fisher Ayres on Hermit Hill.
Mesers Hollings and Co at 623 and 523 Washington street advertise a vast stock of lamps. They promise sterling goods at fair prices and urge buyers to inspect their stock for quality during the holiday season.
In Boston a relief meeting convened by Mayor Matthews gathered leaders from charities unions and civic groups to plan coordinated aid for unemployed residents. A committee was named to raise and dispense funds with a target of at least 100000 dollars and to collect employment data from police routes. The call urged careful distribution to bona fide residents and emphasized work over alms.
Boston postal district employees vote to donate one day's pay to aid unemployed citizens. About 531 carriers and 600 clerks would contribute, potentially raising more than $1000 from each group, with funds sent to the Mayor for distribution by January 15.
Responses from Mayors and Mayors-elect of Malden Brockton and Everett indicate very little distress in local situations. The letters are cheery and confirm stable conditions in the area.
John J. Whipple, the mayor-elect of Brockton, responds to questions on unemployment. He cannot give a definite number but says unemployment is not much higher than previous years. Factories run but not full time. no unusual suffering. He plans to propose city measures to aid those out of work and asks for any helpful information.
In a December message, Mayor Henry Winn states there has been no unemployment census and Malden industries remain prosperous. Few workers lose jobs, and a small street department appropriation funds additional work to extend employment, with no further official action taken.
The mayor-elect notes Everett has no large factories and small factories run normally. He estimates unemployment is not as high as in other cities and suggests most jobless are those doing business in Boston.
The mayor of West Newton states unemployment is low with no distress. He says the Board of Overseers of the Poor can handle any aid needs this year and no citizen action is required. Dated December 18, 1893.
Mrs. Lawrence ONeil of Commercial Street faced eviction for unpaid rent when Sheriff Craig arrived with two men and a three day notice. A six year old sick child required Dr Storer care, and Dr Willam Dunn certified exposure risk, stopping the eviction. The landlord relented as the child remained ill and the husband was at sea.
The Monday Night Club held a closed meeting at Trinity Chapel on the unemployed crisis. Boston figures shared by William A. Clark estimate 27 645 in principal trades with 37 percent out of work and total unemployed at about 37 390. John Graham Brooks spoke on European treatment of unemployment.
A union committee formed at 699 Washington to plan work relief for the city’s unemployed. Vice-President McCarthy presided as members from affiliated bodies named an executive committee. They will seek distresses cases, coordinate relief with donors, and urge teachers to distribute clothing and food to those in need. They also call on workers to aid the police census of the needy.
Mayor Matthews serves as fund treasurer as Boston hosts afternoon and evening benefit shows. A matinee for public school children and an evening program feature a fresh troupe of volunteers from local theatres. Tickets available at Music Hall box office and multiple hotels, with programs to be distributed citywide.
A letter criticizes the Evangelical Alliance meeting at Bromfield M E Church for opposing subscriptions to aid the poor from theatre managers and saloon keepers. The writer asserts managers and actors have often helped in times of calamity and bets liquor dealers would respond generously, urging compliance with city and state laws.
A letter urges a two member committee to demonstrate humanity and willingness to share the burden with distressed individuals, stressing communal duty and public responsibility.
Detriot December 18 Joseph Jefferson the actor gave a lecture at Whitney's Music Hall on Dramatic Art with proceeds for the city poor fund He announced plans to leave the stage temporarily to lecture on Dramatic Art.
Homestead, Dec 18. Every department of the Homestead Iron Works will close Dec 23 for an indefinite period. About three thousand men will lose work as orders have dried up. No resumption is expected before Jan 1, after which a readjusted wages scale will take effect.
Police divisions raise funds for the poor with a Division 14 relief fund and Division 12 subscriptions. G W Parker to host his eleventh annual turkey dinner for 600 at Faneuil Hall on Christmas Day. Station 10 reports about $200 raised. Evangelical Alliance supports broader church relief. Cambridge City Hall talks on city work for the unemployed end without action. C E Osgood offers temporary payment reductions at Washington street shop with debtor verification required.
The Mt. Washington Co operative Bank will issue a new series of shares and present its semi annual report at a meeting next Wednesday evening at the court house corner of Fourth and Dorchester streets. 780 shares were taken in the first issue and the bank reports encouraging progress since starting in South Boston last June.
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