Seattle Tried to Garden Its Way Out of Unemployment

The meeting at the Chamber of Commerce rooms last night of citizens interested in the proposition to provide land and implements with which unemployed men, principally with families, could raise vegetables enough to tide them through next winter, was a big success and showed the proper spirit. The meeting was called by the executive committee of the Bureau of Associated Charities and presided over by Rev. D. C. Garrett. Besides a large amount of land, hoes and money were donated.

In opening the meeting Mr. Garrett explained the plan as operated successfully in Detroit, an account of which appeared in yesterday's issue of the Post-Intelligencer, and stated that to carry out the plan in this city donations of land, implements, etc., would be needed. He also thought that one important factor in the success of the undertaking would be the formation of a good strong committee to apportion the land and superintend the work of the men. In this way heads of families out of employment could be provided for. He called attention to the fact that the Detroit plan had been in operation since last June, and that the land had produced vegetables to the value of $6,000, at a cost of about $3,000. He read the five facts the Detroit plan had demonstrated: that at least 90 per cent of people in straitened circumstances as a result of hard times are ready, willing and anxious to work; that a large number of such people can be supported by utilizing vacant land on the outskirts of the city; that a very small space of ground is sufficient to raise enough to support a family through the winter; that a majority of citizens who own vacant land would rather allow it to be cultivated by the poor than pay a large tax for their support; and that the needy are thereby assisted without creating the demoralization in habits that gratuitous aid always entails.

Mr. Garrett then called on Rev. Dr. Taylor, who made a few remarks in favor of the project. Mr. Taylor said he was greatly in favor of the proposition, as it placed men unfortunate enough to be out of work in a position to provide sustenance for their families next winter. He thought every man should help the scheme along and get it in good running order. He said: "Why, if they can make this plan a success in Detroit with the land they have there, we can make it a double success in Seattle with the magnificent land we have here that is going to waste for want of cultivation. The plan is perfectly feasible. People will be better off anyway to live on more vegetables and less meat, if the plan is successfully put into operation. It will not necessitate men and women going to bed next winter hungry."

At the conclusion of Mr. Taylor's speech Chairman Garrett called for loans of land, implements or money to insure success. David K. [surname unclear], who lives at the corner of Seventh and Marion streets, stated that he had forty acres of good land at Smith's Cove, ten acres near Green Lake and five acres near the Rainier avenue car line, any or all of which he would loan to the movement. Clarence Hanford offered a lot of land near the Rainier avenue car line. Ferdinand Toklas said he had fourteen acres of bottom land near Lake Union which he would loan to the good cause. Crittenden Van Wyck said that he had called on the representative of Senator Squire in this city and stated that the senator would undoubtedly loan forty acres of land near the James street power house.

The cash subscriptions included Dr. Garrett, $10; Dr. Taylor, $10; H. W. Stein, $5; Fred Ganch, $5; F. D. Black, $5; Winfield R. Smith, $2.50. Ferdinand Toklas subscribed one dozen hoes; F. Black, two dozen; H. M. Thompson, half a dozen hoes.

Considerable discussion was had on securing aid from the city or county in the way of a cash donation. The consensus of opinion was that a committee should be appointed to wait on the city council and ask financial aid. Commissioner Ganch, who was present, asked if the county could help by a cash subscription, and replied that it could not, as there was no provision for any such purpose and the board had to account for everything paid out. Chairman Garrett then appointed the following committee: Ferdinand Toklas, F. Black, Robert Bridges, H. M. [surname unclear], H. W. Stein, Major W. S. Marian, Rev. Dr. Taylor and himself, ex-officio chairman. The entire management of the affair was left in the hands of the Bureau of Associated Charities, which would appoint a special committee.

H. M. Thompson stated that while he was in Olympia during the session of the legislature he had a conversation with Senator [name unclear] and others in regard to the matter, and they told him that any quantity of seeds could be obtained free at Yakima and Ellensburg. They suggested that a committee be appointed to secure a low rate from railroad companies for transporting the seeds to this city. Chairman Garrett said he would appoint the committee in the near future. Robert Bridges asked whether lots bid in by the city at the delinquent sales could be utilized for this purpose, and it was suggested that a committee confer with the prosecuting attorney and get an opinion. H. M. Thompson suggested that anyone having land they deemed proper and wishing to loan it for this purpose make it known through the columns of the Post-Intelligencer.