Show I Loafers Increasing I 0 rHOSE HOSE in in the United St tes who are not 11 g gainfully employed total 7 almost thirds two of the population Of c o that stupendous number inc d ds s children chit chit- ff dren most housewives dependents dependent and loaf loaf- h ers who are not employed gainfully as far as r statistics show Either those seventy mu- mu live on relatives public charity or on coupon clipped income Housewives of 1 course ourse white while not earning wages are working for their families and making an contribution to society The figures are a revelation They may maybe t be looked upon with for alarm it is decidedly decided decided- t ly disconcerting that so many are or existing they may be viewed pleasantly ts reflecting increasing prosperity t The The decline of the working per percentage ent ge in ini i the United States is shown by the national in- in dush al conference board as follows In 19 1910 0 per percent cent were employed I in 1970 1910 per per cent 1925 per percent cent At the same time the number of hours worked by each individual has been t decreasIng and the luxury to be had for au an hours hour's w work rk increasing It is estimated that it took nearly half again as much work to i support a family on the same scale under lJ resident President Taft as und under r President Preside t Coolidge The age of machines and great industry try 1 i making it increasingly easier on men The worker will get more time with his family around the fireside or on motor j k ja jaunts Grin ing routine will consume less Jess and less df his waking hours H It is natural g for us to declare that this is wonderful f. f ider though warnings i ti ns that have crumbled Think back a few J centuries ies to decaying Rome with its Greek r slaves and lazy citizens Today Sour our slaves i inventions and machines Our r prosperity is unsurpassed 1 t k The question have js-have we as a pe people kept ept pace with our material progress Vill f we suddenly scorn work as oppressive when really it it is the greatest boon of m l we w- be able to use leisure wisely wisely-do S ve we have the cultural background to use it h L sanely a If less work means indolence indolence laziness and nd frivolity the present transition i is alarm alarm- 2 ng If it means men will have more time for creative enterprise and will not squander their energies the is a godsend |