The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-12-27

sion whatsoever. Instead of a pfnsion.
let me suggest that Cd an invest cation
be made into the fairness Of the present
Salaries, with a definite in5ention Of in
creasing the salaries wherever condi-
tons justify: and that %, a definite re-
t1rement age be specified, for each class
OF work, to 90 into effect at a definite
tine IN the future; then, leave every
san free 70 work out his own financial
eStiny, thus preserving his seIf-respec
rather than Gripping him. mentally. by
the assurance OF being provided for IL
OLD age, when he could. and II he could,
then should, do 80 for himself (straight
pension PLAN; OF by coercins him into
saving according 70 any legal dictate
compulsory contributory PLAN.
IN preparing the ballots for The Times
poll on pensions let me suggest what
maEy have expressed themselves as
wishing. that there be a place on the
ballots for those who prefer an increase
II salary rather than any form OF pen
sion
To be sure, my husband. fo- one. since
hd Is a human being, would not object
10 an increase OF salary, yet he candidly
regards the salaries In his own parJicu-
-he scale OF promotions equally just. II
be did not. he would at once resign IA
favor Of other work open 10 him
I am convinced that all who sanction
any pension system make an iguobIs
confession OF inability 20 do their hon
Orable, manly duty Of regularly and
Systematically saving a portion Of their
income
Many. I realize. are favoring a pen
sion, not for themselves, but Tor their
weaker brethren, whom they regard a.
not having enough strength OF character
70 save for themselves have heard
this argument presented, and Il appears.
at first glance, 10 be a loyal, commend
able motive; but they have other breth-
ren whose interests should be consid-
cred. alec. They have failed to hear the
cry OF those noble, striving. hOme-lOvinE
men. who are already investing their
monthly savings as their own free wills
and judgments dictate. but who fear
that they may lose much Of their money
already invested, and also, what Is Tar
0eaTsr 10 themselves and their families.
the little homs, not yet all paid
out" Il the compulsory contr -5utOry
plan IS adopted Is such q pension JUS
uCe 70 such a man, either financially or
morally. and is he not more worthy Of
considering than the man who has not
the sta ultna to 90 other than always i've
from hand to MOUTH
Is there justice In the ambitious, capa-
bic man, in line for frequent promotions,
being compelled TO give up one-fourth
OF each increase OF salary for the sake
Of CREATING fund to help those who
have never schooled themselves TO save
money for old ags2 The young man
might be glad to give money, voluntar-
legal coercion, never Any such policy
Will tend TO drive the capabls, progress
sive- justice-eppreciating Young men out
OF the Government service VIII the
standard OF Government employees be
ratSed or lowered thereby
Does Congress wish TO establish an eZ-
pensiTe bed Of ease for lax. and grum-
bling, and incapable employees, or to
present sufficiently attractive salaries
to Graw into the service capable enough
men to DO the work with less waste in
time and IL material than IL is now be
ing done-men with seIf-respecting pride
and with conscientious interest and in
teiiigent comprehension OF the work they
the being paid 10 do7
EMPLOYEES WIFE.