The Federal Government provides for an extensive and valuable program of
constructive social service, in education, home building, protection to
women and children, employment, public health, recreation, and many other
directions.
In a broad sense Federal activity in these directions has been confined to
research and dissemination of information and experience, and at most to
temporary subsidies to the States in order to secure uniform advancement in
practice and methods. Any other attitude by the Federal Government will
undermine one of the most precious possessions of the American people; that
is, local and individual responsibility. We should adhere to this policy.
Federal officials can, however, make a further and most important
contribution by leadership in stimulation of the community and voluntary
agencies, and by extending Federal assistance in organization of these
forces and bringing about cooperation among them.
As an instance of this character, I have recently, in cooperation with the
Secretaries of Interior and Labor, laid the foundations of an exhaustive
inquiry into the facts precedent to a nation-wide White House conference on
child health and protection. This cooperative movement among interested
agencies will impose no expense upon the Government. Similar nation-wide
conferences will be called in connection with better housing and recreation
at a later date.
In view of the considerable difference of opinion as to the policies which
should be pursued by the Federal Government with respect to education, I
have appointed a committee representative of the important educational
associations and others to investigate and present recommendations. In
cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, I have also appointed a
voluntary committee of distinguished membership to assist in a nation-wide
movement for abolition of illiteracy.
I have recommended additional appropriations for the Federal employment
service in order that it may more fully cover its cooperative work with
State and local services. I have also recommended additional appropriations
for the Women's and Children's Bureaus for much needed research as to facts
which I feel will prove most helpful.