Evening star., 1909-07-15
GOVERNMENT CLERKS UNEASY
McHARG'S NETTING OUT OF
JUSTICE STIRS THEM.
No Dismissals Made, But Salaries
Chopped and Harsh Talks
Administered.

The work of Furnishing the bad and re-
warding the good employees of the De-
partment of Commerce and Labor goes
bravely on under the supervision of AS
sistant Secretary Ormsby McHarg.
The clerical force is nervous and con-
ditions are unsettled, say those in touch
with the isituat ton. Another source of
uneasiness has been statements that dis
missals in large number have been made,
when, as a matter of fact. the principal
form of discipline that has been applied
has been demotion. This was the case
with the first hundred employees who were
made to feel the departments dissatis-
faction with their records. 1t was stated
today at the department that no dsmis-
sails have been made.
Reductions and Reprimands.
Clerks whose records were unmistak-
ably bad have been reduced. Some have
been permitted to resign. Others have
been reprimanded.
Mr. McHarg today declined to give out
any information whatever. because OF
previous statements that are said to be
erroneous.
There appears to be another side of the
story, too. Bureau officials who have
been connected with tie department diff
fer as to the efficacy of the present
course. Some assert that the department
employees have been putting in a. great
deal of overtime in order to establish a
record which 1t is impossible to maintain
during the regular hours of service.
No credit or consideration, it Is de-
clared, is given these men for overwork,
which has in some instances undermined
their health and put them out of condi-
ton. 1t is also asserted that there are
some who are in charge of the clerical
force who are not competent themselves
and who do not hesitate to mark others
bad who are more capable and efficient
than they are.
One official was so bold today as to
charge that there was a disposition In
certain quarters to make a personal rec
ord. regardless of the consequences to
others. This. however. in the light of the
frank statement of Secretary NageI and
his disposition to be kind TO those whose
records put them under the ban of OFF,
cial condemnation, seems to be the ex-
treme view of the situation
The fact remains. however, that there
is general disquietAde throughout the
government service as a result OF the
upheaval in the Department of Commerce
and Labor Leaves of absence usually
granted at this time of the year are not
so freely asked for. There is dfsposi-
tion among the government clerks TO
forego their summer vacations ana
an evil day.
More Changes Reported.
The following list of appointments. REIN
statements and promotions was given out
at the Secretary's Office today:
Appointments: Herbert A. Meyer. Ohio,
clerk, at $500, in the Office of the Secre-
tary. Samuel Cooper, District of Colum-
bia, unskilled laborer, at $500 in the same
office. Reinstated-J. Lester Brooks,
clerk, at S1,2OO, bureau of immigration
Promotions in the bureau of corpora
tions: Special examiners-Charles E.
Edgerton, New York, from $3.50 to
$3.50; David l.. Wing. New York, from
s2,1H0 to $3.50. Special agents-Harry c.
McCarty. Maine, from $1,S6O to S1,9SO;
Selden o.. Martin, MASSACHUSETTS, from
81 $50 to S1,9s0: John s. Bigss, Kansas,
from Sl,14o to Sls6o; James B. Peat,
Illinois, from $1,2oo to $13So; Arthur III.
Herschel, New York from 81 200 to 81 $50;
Robert K. Belt. Ohio, from 81 200 to S1,3o0
William B. Horne, South Carolina, pro-
NOTED from $1.20O to S1,3SO; Paul |. Zim-
norman, Maryland, promoted from $1.09
70 $1,2OO; Herbert l.. Anderson. Illinois
Dunsworth. Illinois, from clerk at 81 .OyC
TO 81 200. Clerks: NJ. q. Macdonald, Mary
land from $1,000 to 81 400; Ruioff V. L.
Stratton. New Jersey, from $1,000 10
LUZ, EDWIN 4. GarrettSon, Mary land
from $1,000 to $1,000; Arne S. Solem, New
York, from copyist at $500 to $1,000: Ish-
mael Burton, West Virginia, from copyist
at $500 to 81 900; Francis NJ Ball
Alaska from copyist at $3.50 to $1,000
William II. Gaibrath. Pennsylvania,
from copyist at $500 to 81 900: Harvey ].
Huebsch. Wisconsin, from copyist at $500
to 81 ECO: Jacob B. Glazer, New York,
from clerk at $40 to copyist at $3.50: Wal
ter p. Pickett, Maine, from clerk at $40
to copyist at $500.
A number of changes in the immigra-
ton and lighthouse board service were
also announced.