The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-10-25
Retirement of Clerks.

Cogent reasons FOR the bettermeht or
the conditions attending the clerical EN-
ployes Of the government are 10 be
found In the annual report OF the Com
mlssary General of the Army. That Off
Ger. Brig. Gen. Henry G. Sharpe. devotes
q liberal portion of his report. otherwise
dealing with the purely military aspects
Of his bureau, TO the circumstances at
tending the clerks OF his Office. His re
marks would apply equally well to- as
they are made in behalf OF, the clerks
OF all the bureaus in other executive
branches of the government.
General Sharpe points out the difficulty
OF retaining the best clerks, fve Of whom
resigned from his Office this year-two to
take advantage OF better opportunities in
tho business world and three going TO
other departments where more liberal
salaries are paid. and where the chance
or promotion is greater than in the war
Department This calls attention 10 the
lack OF uniformity which prevails in the
government departments regarding the
compensation Of clerks and the oppor-
tunlties for advancement Il IS urged by
Gen Sharpe that Congress enact what is
known as the Redistribution bill. which
has been reported 10 the House, and
which will go far toward improving a
deplorable situation. The salaries paid in
the Federal civil service are based on
the law OF 1853, and the average pay Of
the clerical force has not changed ma
terially since then. while. as Gen. Sharpe
remarks. the work has become more com
pick and widely ramified and the respon-
sibllities and exactions Of the service are
greater than ever before.
Another pertinent feature OF Cen
Sharpe's remarks on the condition Of the
clerical force is his eloquent appeal IN
behalf OF a measure providing for the
retirement Of old and faithful superan-
/ nuated employees OF the government. The
Z comment made by Gen. Sharpe in this
/ connection should be appreciated by
! every government clerk who has the
prospect of an uninterrupted career as
such, Gen. Sharpe has provided in a
succ!nct way and in tangible. and what
| ought TO be convincing. form the rea-
sons that justify Congressional action in
behalf OF a civil service retired list.
The provision would for instance. at
tract a better class OF employees. and
| induce the qualified clerk TO remain: It
would automatically eliminate those
whose efficiency has been impaired by
I age or infrmity, and serve 70 introduce
/ younger and more vigorous men. Il would
/ afford an assurance Of future mainre-
nance of families AT a time when the
| earning capacity OF the individual IS
reduced by age or disability; it would
remove the anxiety and apprehension OF
discharge for protracted illness. and It
I would be in the line OF the practice
adopted by the railroads. corporations.
and commercial houses. who find il worth
while to recognize and reward long and
/ faithful service by retirement. and who
have made that provision as a good
business investment
! 1t would be all this that Gen. sharpe
points out. and more. There would be a
/ contentment Of individuals, which In It
/ self is a contribution TO clerical efficiency
Boss Cox may be going TO New York
/ 10 help his friend Col Roosevelt cinch