“The whole plan of a Municipal Relief Association, as Mr. Lyons terms it, is nothing more nor less than a lottery—and I think it disgraceful that the greatest and richest city in the world should stoop to gambling to feed and shelter its unemployed and needy,” Aldermanic President Bernard S. Deutsch declared.
Stating his views thus on the lottery plan for relief, sponsored by Borough President James J. Lyons of the Bronx, Mr. Deutsch voted “no” when the lottery resolution came before the Board of Estimate for adoption.
Charles F. Abel, representing Borough President Raymond V. Ingersoll of Brooklyn, also voted against the resolution but after an appeal voiced by Mr. Lyons to give the measure its necessary majority for adoption, Mr. Abel changed his vote.
“I remain adamant,” Mr. Deutsch replied to Mr. Lyons’ plea that he too change his vote and make the adoption unanimous.
Borough President Samuel Levy voted for the measure, stating, “There are now millions of dollars being sent out of this country annually on Irish and Canadian sweepstakes, and I think that a due portion of this money should remain here to help our own destitute citizens.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
