Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-21

1t Il unfortunate that the zeal for
economy in the administration of public
departments and offices should have been
kept within bounds until a season when
all over the country private business estab-
lishments have been compelled to reduce
the number OF employees and on account of
the suspension or partial suspension OF
many industries, the chances Of getting
employment are much smaller than in a
better time. II there is any one fact which
the organization of Coxey armies has en-
phasized it is that throughout the country
men have been driven to folly by lack of
employment. Their avowed purpose in
marching upon the Capitol is to secure
nom Congress laws which they think will
provide work for the unemployed. In the
face Of such demonstrations is it well for
khe government to add to the numbers of
che unemployed and the misery represented
rs existing by taking such time for put
ting into effect the ideas Of men who desire
10 pose as economists? While no good
citizen would favor undue extravaganza in
the number Of persons employed to conduct
the business of public office, at the same
time care should be taken that the zeal for
economy should not be permitted to prevail
20 an extent that would cripple the opera
Gcns of the government. II the times and
The state of the country do not justify
maintaining a greater number of employees
In a government office than an examining
Commission may deem necessary. certainly
they do Justify giving most careful con-
stderation to the recommendations of a
commission organized for the purpose of
economizing to make sure that its ardor in
the cause which it was appointed to serve
does not carry it beyond the line of wise
81 1faN- -.
) waite concerns have adjusted their business
and their relations TO their employees, so as
TO keep in employment as many persons as
possible during these months when the
country Is suffering from the effects of an
unprecedented Industrial depression. Uncle
Sam Is the largest employer in the country.
The humane principles that have infiu-
enced so many private employers ought
Certainly to be regarded by the govern
n emit to the extent at least of preventing
any hasty action on the judgment of a few
people who hope to make records as great
economists. Government offices are not
eleemosynary Institutions but the govern
n.ent. as an employer, ought to be fair to
its employees The government, as well as
any other employer. owes something to an
employee who has rendered it faithful serv-
ice. The employee has a right to expect
IfldI ne Will y Su1uenly De deprived OF
employment w.-nout good reason. The SEN
timent that he should not be made sub
servient to political strikers in order to
continue to mold his place. has already
made such Roadway as to become an es-
tablished principle with the American peo-
PIE: not less should he be protected from
Il-considered raids by professional econo-
nists- The Star appeals to those who d.
EJECT the policy of the government to con-
slider well, in view Of the times, every
recommendation made looking to wholesale
discharges Of government employees. 1t is
certain that under existing conditions pub
lie sentiment will sustain the administra-
ton in checking the work of the economist
and giving the benefit of the doubt to the
employe. where it is not made absolutely
Gear that the recommendations OF the
economist will work greatly to the advant-
age of the government