Conditions Misrepresented - Editorial

The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1930

Everyone realizes that general conditions in Marietta are below normal, with more than the usual number of people needing some help in securing ordinary comforts, although observers find the situation much better here than in most cities. But it is doing harm, rather than good, for some of us to be circulating wild stories of suffering and hardship for which there is no foundation. This city has always taken care of its own people and we are confident that it will continue to do so as long as there is actual need.

For instance, there is the story of one family in such dire need of food that to dodge starvation it cooked and ate a dog. No one should be so credulous as to believe that, much less repeat it as fact. Then there is the more serious one, although there is no more truth in it, that fuel gas has been turned off at hundreds of homes because bills were not paid.

During November, the last month for which figures are available, gas was turned off at only six residences for non-payment of bills. Four of these were chronic delinquents, who do not pay until threatened in this way. Another was a case in which a relative guaranteeing the bill asked that the gas be turned off in an effort to force the head of the family to make an effort to take care of its needs, and the sixth was a case in which the family left town. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army have guaranteed gas bills for a few families.

Every effort is being made to help every individual in the city who needs and deserves help. Persons who know of families who are suffering should report them to the Associated Charities or the Salvation Army. That will do much more good than repeating senseless stories that have no foundation in fact.