As an aid to unemployment the Federal Government is engaged in the greatest
program of public-building, harbor, flood-control, highway, waterway,
aviation, merchant and naval ship construction in all history. Our
expenditures on these works during this calendar year will reach about
$780,000,000 compared with $260,000,000 in 1928. Through this increased
construction, through the maintenance of a full complement of Federal
employees, and through services to veterans it is estimated that the
Federal taxpayer is now directly contributing to the livelihood of
10,000,000 of our citizens.
We must avoid burdens upon the Government which will create more
unemployment in private industry than can be gained by further expansion of
employment by the Federal Government. We can now stimulate employment and
agriculture more effectually and speedily through the voluntary measures in
progress, through the thawing out of credit, through the building up of
stability abroad, through the home loan discount banks, through an
emergency finance corporation and the rehabilitation of the railways and
other such directions.
I am opposed to any direct or indirect Government dole. The breakdown and
increased unemployment in Europe is due in part to such practices. Our
people are providing against distress from unemployment in true American
fashion by a magnificent response to public appeal and by action of the
local governments.