The Washington herald., 1907-07-28
Government Will Not Dis
charge Old Employees.
RUMORS OF REFORM ALARM
Committee Appointed to Devise
Means to Increase Service in the
Treasury Department Decides Vet
Grams should BE Retnined-New
system, However, Recommended.

Uncle Sam is a friend Of the old.
The old, the feeble, and the infrm en-
ployes Of the Treasury Department can
rest in peace-Uncle Sam has decided to
see that they hold their positions until
their dying day.
Several weeks ago a committee was ap-
pointed for the purpose Of increasing the
efficiency Of the service This was done
at the suggestion of Secretary Cortelyou.
Those on the committee are James B.
Reynolds, acting Secretary OF the Treas
ury; Assistant Secretaries Winthrop and
Edwards. Comptroller Traceweu, and
Auditor Person.
For a time It looked as though there
was a possibility that the committee
might do away with the services Of many
Of those who had grown gray and weak
in the department Meetings were held
and the question discussed. Most Of the
executives were in favor OF reform, but
at the same time keeping the pensioners.
And at last this was decided upon.
The Treasury Department has in its
employ more veterans of the civil war
and other aged citizens, both men and
MUiiltnf AAAnA aAf9 NLA4NA AFdAANAt VI iii
service. They occupy positions in all
parts OF the great building. Some of
them have been there practically all their
lives. One of these is E. B. McSwyney,
ninety-two years of age, the Oldest man
in the service Of the United States gov
eminent.
Loyal and True Employees.
These people have been loyal and true
to old Uncle sam Their work has been
their ideal, their future. and their liveli-
hood And then the news was whispered
about the great corridors and through all
the various Offices that a reform was to
be instituted. Naturally the veterans in
the service became anxious. Many OF
them are without any support in the
world except their salary, received
monthly from the government.
One Of the characteristic sights Of
Washington is to see the government
clerks going to and leaving their work.
Many of them at the Treasury, and the
other departments, too. for that matter,
some in different styled antiquated We
hicles. Some of these are old night lin
ers which are nearly worn out, after
years OF service here in social lines and
other duties when many notables &C.
cupied the cushioned seats.
These cabs have fallen into the hands
Of old negro drivers and many Of them
have their regular customers, whom they
carry to and from their work every day.
Not a few Of the employees use crutches.
Others are still strong enough to get
along with the assistance OF a cane. and
riding on the cars, wend their way slowly
through the immense structure to their
respective quarters. Some of those ar
irving in their own or hired vehicles
almost have to be carried into the build
ing and to the elevator.
The report of the proposed reform
spread like wildfire. The dear, old women
and the trusty men of years were almost
broken-hearted. To work for the govern
ment Is second nature with them With
out their positions they would be virtually
lost, out in the world with a home, may
be, and still with a feeling Of homesick-