The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-27
WANTS YOUNG MEN.
Mr.. Wares Pension Office Pol
icy Causes Trouble.

Washington, Feb. 27.-Pension Com
missioner Ware is trying to increase the
efficiency of his clerical force. and is ex-
periencing some of the troubles that
have confronted others like him who
were trying to improve the government
service. The cabal is at work to make
him unpopular. The charge against him
is that he is discharging superannuated
law and medical clerks in the pension
Office and filing their places with
younger men. He is accused of having
made 50 vacancies and filing them with
young men, and the old-time clerks ara
watching the commissioner with great
interest, for fear that lightning may
strike them
It is asserted that Mr.. Ware is apply
ing competency as the only rule in de-
Gliding the fate Of his official force. and.
in carrying out his policy of rejuvena-
ton, has discharged a number of old
soldiers. These are calling on their rep
resentatives to come to their assistance
and make their woes known to the pres
ldent. AS q consequence the White
House to day had several callers who
were interested in finding out to what
extent the adnliniStra ton is behind the
commissioner. They were informed that
the policy was based entirely on the
commissioner initiative and expresses
no more than that officials view of the
most desirable methods in the bureau
over which he presides."
Commissioner Ware says he allowed
the vacancies in his office to remain un-
filled that he might obtain clerks who
had PASSED the medical and legal exam
nations of the civil service commission,
and who had shown that they We're es-
pecially prepared for pension work He
has made no movement. he says, to free
the Office Of aged employees who are
competent.
1t is reported that Commissioner Ware
prepared a large list of aged employees
whom he desired to have dismissed. and
submitted 1t to Secretary Hitchcock, who
is said to have refused to approve such
move. In the notices sent out by the
civil service commissioners announcing
the examination for law clerks to I'LL
places in the pension offices, it was sta
ted Colonel Ware preferred men not
more than 80 years old. The minimum
age was fixed at 20 years The exami-
nation was held two months ago, and
125 men passed it. Although old men
were not barred from taking this exam
nation, and the civil service rule which
requires that veterans shall be given the
preference has not been waived. the
commissioner of pensions had such free
dom in making his selections that no
old man could have secured an appoint
ment.
AS is customary in the appointment OF
clerks, the names of three men who
have passed the examinati ton are certi-
fed to Commissioner Ware at a time
No names can be certified more than
three times: consequently, the head of
the bureau is not forced TO take any
man whom he does not want
Civil Service Commissioner John r
Proctor said today he was surprised
that fault should be found with Mr..
Wares desire to fill vacancies in his Of
flee with young clerks.
1T is to the interest of any depart
ment to secure as young employees as
are capable of doing the work, said
Mr.. Proctor. Young appointees viii
have many years to serve. and their Sc
lection must necessarily be to the best
interest of the government
There is no fear that Wares reform
movement will extend to any Of the 9TH
er departments