The San Francisco call., 1904-02-13
TEACHERS RETIREMENT FUND.

COMMITTEE representing the Teachers Re-
II tirement and Annuity Association has requested
4 the Board of Education to obtain the opinion of
the City and County Attorney as to the power of the
board to deduct dollar a month from the
salary of each teacher with without her consent
the benefit OF the fund AS the is mandatory
regards this city, and perfectly pain this re-
quest for opinion to the constitutionay of the
law. AS this question is morally certain to be some
time tested in the il early begin its
careful examination.
The legal aspect of the case, however is the only
phase needing attention 1t imperative before pro-
ceedng much further in the matter obtain report
OF competent insurance actuaries what annuties
any given contribution be relied on to produce. A
life annuity of $50 per month, if purchased from
company. the age of fifty years would
a lump sum of $56o2 40 if made payable quarterly A
teacher contributing ST per month pays into the fund
but 5000 in thirty years If the contribution S, per
month, it would amount to SIo8o in that period The
money paid into insurance company would be in
vested and income. But small part of the pay
ments OF teachers is to be invested There is dis
crepancy here which needs explanation The city
not afford to be party TO deception.
1t is certain that great number of the teachers
dissatisfied with the working of the law 1t asserted
by that this is the feeling of the majority That
secret ballot would be very trifng and the Board of
Education would do we'll to take The opposition
even of considerable majority. however should not
necessarily defeat the plan. provided it is financially
sound, is there much to believe that any
serious opposition would exist the establishment of
annuity system basis recognized equitable, fna-
cally sound and within the of the contributors
A claim on a reliable annuity fund is a very valuable
asset, but it money. There is no way by which
provision Tor old age be made without serious cost
involving for most people present sacrifice. But
is worth having. Provision for superannuated workers
question which inevitably arises whenever tenure of
service in public employment is made permanent 1t has
been settled in all other countries by pension system
American public sentiment has favored that
The question is burning one in the Federal civil
service. 1t has become in school department
1t will arise in all branches OF city government in
the of time. The great employing corporations
already dealing with it. The Federal civil service
employees have taken expert advice find the cost
retirement annues prohbtory their present salaries
The Federal Civil Service Commission has recommended
the creation of fund half by deduction from sta
res, and one half by contributions from the Treasury
Thus far city authorities to have been pro-
ceedng bindy. There many young teachers who do
not believe they will themselves ever get benefit from
their contributions The annutans are in fear lest those
who dissatisfied may bring suit 1t is a question
which should be faced openly frankly and in kindly and
liberal spirit But should be dealt with thoroughly and
on expert advice