Among the lucky few working for Burbank a few years later would be young Hilliard Comstock.
BURBANK DOES NOT EMPLOY EVERYONEGETS HUNDREDS OF LETTERS ANNUALLY FROM PERSONS ASKING FOR JOBS
Would be Exceedingly Pleasant to Him if He Could Employ the Army Who Apply to Him For HelpFrom the vast number of applications for positions which come to Luther Burbank the wrong ideas has gone abroad that he employs a great number of men. The correspondence that reaches him is probably greater than that which reaches any of the largest employment bureau in the country. So arduous did the task of answering all the letters and cards become that Mr. Burbank since found it necessary to have the following slip printed and there has been a generous distribution of the same:
“Dear Sir: In reply to yours of . . . . . . . . . . . : The constant stream of applications from all directions for a position have necessitated this printed slip, as I do not wish to be considered thoughtless in regard to these worthy applications; not one in ten thousand of which can be complied with, as I employ my neighbors only, most of them have been with me for many years, and cannot give steady employment of these even, and have no possible place for any one else. It would be exceedingly pleasant to me if I could employ the army who apply. My kindest and most heartfelt wishes are that each may find the employment desired. Sincerely yours —– “
– Press Democrat, December 22, 1904