Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-06
URcESPAY INCREASE
Gen. Sharpe Thinks Clerical
Salaries Are Inadequate.
BUSINESS, NOT SENTIMENT
Would Be Profitable to Pension
Aged Employees, He Says.
LUMP SUMS FOR. SALARIES
Commissary General of Army Favors
This Method of Makine
Appropriations.
BUSINESS, NOT Sentiment
LUMP SUMS FOR. SALARIES

Like Paymaster General Whipple and
Inspector General Darlington. Brig. Gen.
Henry G. Sharpe. commissary general
of the army, is strong advocate Of in
creased pay and retired pay for faithful
and efficient employees of the government.
In a report to the Secretary OF War,
Commissary General Sharpe urgently
recommends the passage of what is
known as the Redistribution bill. re-
ported to the House of Representatives
February %, 1870 and the passage of a
measure providing for the retirement. on
some equitable plan, Of old and faithful
superannuated employees Of the govern
ment. These recommendations. he says.
are made in the interest of the service
and in justice to deserving employees
He invites attention to the continual
resignation of efficient clerks to enter
better-paying commercial pursuits, and
attributes them to the slender prospects
of advancement in the federal service.
Basis of Pay Anticipated.
THE salaries paid in the federal serv-
tce." he says. ARE based on the law Of
1853, and the pay of the clerical force
has not changed materially since then.
while the work has become more complex
and widely ramified, and the responsible
ties and exactions of the service are
greater than ever before. 1t Is disheart-
ening to be compelled year after year to
meet the constant and increasing de-
mands for living expenses and for other
calls without any advance in salary. An
increase. Of pay and evidence of considera-
ton would be an incentive to greater
effort. and believe the government
would be repaid for its interest and the
small outlay necessary to carry into
effect the provisions of the bill referred
to.
Il. am also convinced that If a lump
sum were appropriated for the clerical
force OF this office, leaving its allotment
to the chief Of the bureau according to the
character of the work and the clerks who
perform It, increased efficiency and econ
omy OF administration could be effected.
This rs practically the method followed
in large corporations and business estab-
lishments. and in this way a man could be
compensated for unusual interest, ability
and work, thereby insurng greater 10y
atty. zeal. economy and efficiency
Would Attract Better Employees.
Gen. Sharpe, in support of his plea for
the retirement Of superannuated en-
ployes, says that such action would at
tract a better class of employees, and would
1CooiI III Atdl hCQ Improvement III the SEW
ice. The periodic and automatic elimina-
ton of those whose efficiency has been
impaired by age or infirmity, and the in
PRODUCTION OF younger and more vigorous
men. he says. would insure the mainte-
nance of an active and efficient working
force, and make it possible in time to
transact the business with fewer en-
ployes.
ASIDE from all sentimental considera-
lions. 1t Is believed" says Gen. Sharpe,
that the service would be greatly i'm
proved If it should be known to all who
enter 1t that a provision is made for the
support Of themselves and their families
when old age comes upon them. It would
be an inducement for them not only to
remain in the service, but to deport them
selves In such a manner as to do nothing
to forfeit so valuable provision"
The commissary general closes his plea
with the statement that railroads, cor
porations and commercial houses recog-
nize and reward long and faithful serv-
ice by retirement, and regard it as good
business investment. and that other gov
ernments make some provision for their
aged and WORKOUT civil servants.