a great national crusade to destroy enforced idleness which is an
enemy of the human spirit generated by this depression. Our attack
upon these enemies must be without stint and without
discrimination. No sectional, no political distinctions can be
permitted.

It must, however, be recognized that when an enterprise of this
character is extended over more than three thousand counties
throughout the nation, there may be occasional instances of
inefficiency, bad management, or misuse of funds. When cases of
this kind occur, there will be those, of course, who will try to
tell you that the exceptional failure is characteristic of the
entire endeavor. It should be remembered that in every big job
there are some imperfections. There are chiselers in every walk of
life; there are those in every industry who are guilty of unfair
practices; every profession has its black sheep, but long
experience in government has taught me that the exceptional
instances of wrong-doing in government are probably less numerous
than in almost every other line of endeavor. The most effective
means of preventing such evils in this Works Relief program will be
the eternal vigilance of the American people themselves. I call
upon my fellow citizens everywhere to cooperate with me in making
this the most efficient and the cleanest example of public
enterprise the world has ever seen.

It is time to provide a smashing answer for those cynical men who
say that a democracy cannot be honest and efficient. If you will
help, this can be done. I, therefore, hope you will watch the work
in every corner of this Nation. Feel free to criticize. Tell me of
instances where work can be done better, or where improper