Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-18
A Difference OF OPINION
As to Whether the Higher or Lower
Grades Should be Benefited.
THE BABY CABINET OFFICER
Mr.. Strauss Warmly Greeted by His
Older Associates-He Showed His
Zeal by Coming Early.

Representative Littauer of New York is
giving attention, as member of the House
committee on appropriations, to the ques-
ton of increasing salaries of government
employees, and ne today talked the subject
over with the President. The latter is not
understood to favor a blanket increase, as
has been proposed, although his mind is
not fully made up as to what would be the
fair thing all around. He is said to feel
that there are many brainy men in the
government service who deserve more pay,
but he doubts the wisdom or fairness, from
his Investigations to date, of bringing about
an increase of 20 per cent, or any stated
figure, in the salaries of all government
employees. He Is listening to the views Of
a number of congressman so as to ascertain
the feeling.
Mr. Lttauef is opposed to a general in
crease in government salaries. He does not
believe, he said today, that the man who
performs clerical labor is underpad in
Washington, as compared to similar work
in other walks of life. Living is no high
er here than it Is in Gloversville," he said.
He is not In sympathy with suggestions
that increases should go to men and women
working for the government on salaries be-
low 81 800.
II think that there are men in the gov
eminent service at the heads of bureaus
who deserve more money he said. They
are the men who initiate, plan and execute.
Often, too, they are the men who really
do the work of those higher up and Jeceiv-
ing much larger salaries. The government
profits by the brains of some OF these men,
but, / admit, it will be difficult to reward
the efficient and do nothing for the inef-
ficient" :.
There is such wide difference of opinion
among senators and representatives on the
salary proposition, except as to their own
that doubt is expressed whether 1t Will be
9th 10 for mi fn he
bill. One element believes with Mr.. Lit
tauer that the government should pay bet
ter salaries for men who initiate, plan and
b sreaas ses goos thai
the employees who ought to be better Paia
are those who get from $3.50 or $l,500
down to 500.
Seeking a Pardon.
Senator Clapp of Minnesota saw the Pres
ident today about the pardon of Mime
sofa man who is in bad health in federal
prison. He did not name the man, but the
Minnesota delegation has for year or
more sought vainly at the White House to
secure the pardon of Prof. Malchow, for
merly a respectable and respected professor
in the University of Minnesota. he wrote
an obscene book which he described as
text book. He was convicted of sending
this through the mails and was sent to the
penitentiary. The President has been sew
eral times asked to pardon Malchow, but
he has firmly refused and has expressed
his belief that Malchow was not sent to
prison for as many years as he deserved.
A week or so ago Senator Nelson and Rep
resentative Fletcher again urged the Presi
dent to exercise leniency with Malchow,
but he was as positive as ever in his de-
termination. Senator Clapp may not have
mentioned this case today.
Representative Sherman had a talk with
the President about Indian affairs, the In
dian appropriation bill being before the
House and certain things being under con-
sideraton in which the President is inter-
ested.
The "Baby" Cabinet officer.
Oscar Straus of New York received his
first knowledge of abinet meeting today.
He is the baby member of the cabinet
and he showed his zeal in his new job by
arriving at the White House fifteen min
utes before the time for the cabinet session
to be held, and remaining until after most
of the others had returned to their depart
ments. His initiation was accomplished
most pleasantly, the other cabinet members
greeting him cordially. Secretary Wilson,
the oldest members of the cabinet in point
of service, was one of the first to leave.
Attorney General Bonaoarte and Secre-
tary Metcalf who have spent twenty-four
hours becoming acquainted with the new
departments over which they preside. said
they did not have much business to pre-
sent from their respective establishments.
Secretary Taft was absent from the cab
met meeting, being the only absentee.