FOREWORD
This book is, frankly, an appeal for social action. It attempts to set forth the need for a constructive policy with regard to the aged. While the tide in social legislation seems to have turned during the past few years, so that in many states attempts are being made to repeal long sought for protective measures, there is on the other hand evidence of an awakening of many to the realization that the problem faced by the aged cannot be ignored or postponed much longer. There is a growing consciousness that social action is as inevitable for the United States as it was in most countries abroad. Suffice it to mention the many state commissions investigating the problem recently, the great number of industrial concerns grappling with it, and the numerous resolutions adopted by many church bodies, fraternal orders and trade union organizations endorsing government legislation with regard to the aged. The fact that twenty-six foreign countries have already adopted some form of social action for the relief of the aged is indicative further that the problem is a matter for social rather than for individual solution.
The writer did not approach the question of insurance with any preconceived notions. Three years of first hand study of the problems of the aged in one of our leading industrial states—Pennsylvania—convinces him, however, that no other way out is feasible. Our present methods, in dealing with the aged are antiquated, inefficient, ineffective, costly and demoralizing. Some constructive social policy must be inaugurated. In discussing the plans suggested for adoption, an earnest effort has been made to present the merits and demerits of each proposed scheme of legislation impartially. The writer may be accused, however, of a certain bias in connection with this presentation, to which he pleads guilty. Absolute impartiality in matters of social policy is only possible when convictions and interests are slight. After everything has been said and done it remains for the individual to determine what he understands by “right” and “truth,” and he can only be guided by his own conscience and convictions.
In describing the pension systems of foreign governments, an attempt has been made to bring the facts up to date. This was only partly successful. Since the beginning of the war, European documents which were readily obtainable under normal conditions, have been very meagre and limited, and some reports have not been brought up to date.
The subject matter in the book beginning with Chapter Eight has been drawn liberally from the report of the Pennsylvania Commission on Old Age Pensions which was written by the author in 1919. Everywhere, however, an attempt has been made to collect and present the latest available data.
The writer wishes to record his debt of gratitude to the Pennsylvania Commission on Old Age Pensions, which has so generously extended to him the time and the office facilities which were necessary in the preparation of this volume. The keen interest of members in the problem has been a constant encouragement and source of inspiration. He also wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness for helpful suggestions in preparing the manuscript to Professor Henry R. Seager of Columbia University, Mr. George M. P. Baird, formerly of the University of Pittsburgh, Miss Mary Bogue of the Mothers’ Assistance Fund of Pennsylvania, Miss Theresa Wolfson of the Consumers’ League of New York State, and Mrs. Helen Glenn Tyson, of the University of Pittsburgh.