The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-07-03
By JAMES HAY, II.

That a majority of the clerks in
the Department of Commerce and
Labor who are slated for dismissal.
demotion or reprimand are young
men, is the most striking fact result
ing from an hours conference TODAY
between Secretary Nagel and Assist
ant Secretary MacHarg of that de-
partment.
The conference confirmed the
predictions made a week ago that
the determination to put the incom-
petents and the drones out of the
department would influence at least
10 per cent of the nannber of clerks
now employed.
Mr. Nagei and Mr.. MeHarg did not.
OF course, have time to examine all the
reports that have been sent in by the
bureau chiefs. As a matter Of fact.
some Of the chiefs have not vet re-
ported, this being particularly true OF
the Immigration service. whose branches
are scattered all over the countr,-.
Judging, however, from the conclusions
reached after the conference, there Is
even more reason than before for the
statement that the Department Of Com
merce and Labor IS due for a shake-uu
Of greater extent than has ever been
the case SO far as the personnel Of the
clerks Is concerned.
Resign Under Fire.
It is now believed that the whole
matter in that department viii be dis
posed Of by July Is. Already several
clerks have resigned rather than try 10
show cause why they should not be dis
missed. During nex1 week and the fol-
lowing week there viii be numerous
designations or dismissaIs. and demo-
tions in salary win hit people in a good
many bureaus In other cases. clerks.
both men and women. win be called be-
fore Mr.. Nagel or Mr. MacHarg to be
told that. unless they do better and
more conscientious work for the Gov
eminent, they viii have to seek another
payroll.
In other words. the conference today
served 10 emphasize the decision OF the
heads OF the department 10 get rid of
Is merely cOoi place TO lie around in
and listen to the plums falling to the
ground with succulent and pleasant
thuds.
Although official announcement of the
results Of the conference was not made,
the reliable talk al the department this
afternoon Is that the study Of the re-
ports or the bureau chiefs by Mr. EageI
and Mr.. MacHarg showed that the
Bureau of Corporations, of which Her
bert Knox Smith is chief, will be less
anected by the shake-up than any other
branch OF the department.
Bureaus Affected.
Other bureaus which will be hard hit
are the Bureau OF Labor. OF which DR..
Charles P. NeiH is the head; the Bureau
Of Steamboat Inspection, and the Eureau
of Navigation.
Secretary Nagel takes the position
that, II the head Of a bureau shows
that the force under him is not adequate
to do the work he is held responsible
for. his force of clerks and other en-
ployes should be readjusted so as 10
give satisfactory results. If this re-
adjustment involves the dismissals OF
clerks and the employment OF Others,
such action viii be taken.
Above all things, both Mr.. Nagei and
Mr.. MaCHarg are determined TO have
throughout the depa rtment a force of
men and women who will do their work
in a conscientious manner. What they
are looking for cOES:sts Of the indus
trious and the conacien-to and what
they want to lose is tle drone and the
loafer.
Provision To1 kged.
AS was predicted a Ihe Times last
Wednesday, there is every disposition
on the part Of the Secretary to take
care OF the aged or superannuated clerk
who has rendered faithful service to
the Government and who is still doing
so 10 the best OF his or her ability.
The old clerks will not be dismissed ex-
cept in the most fragrant cases. IN the
line of demotions, according to the
showing made today. there viii be as
many young men as old There Is a
tendency in this depa rtment as there
is IN the others. not 10 indulge In