The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-05-27
Retirement of Government Clerks.

Commendable progress has been made
toward the realization Of the project for
the retirement of superannuated govern
ment clerks. Secretary Macveagh favors
this provision for the departmental
employee who has served long and faith
fully and who by virtue Of that record,
IS entitled TO some other consideration
ehan dismissal at a time In life when oc-
eupation outside OF the government is not
possible. The necessity is emphasized
by the reduction OF the force of the
Treasury Department II there were
a retired list 20 which government clerks
could be transferred, there would be Gre
ated sufficient vacancies 10 care for
those who are now being separated from
the service, and some Of whom, at least,
must be OF value in Office.
Congress has been liberal in providing
retirement for commissioned officers and
enlisted men Of the army. navy. Marine
Corps. and Revenue Cutter Service.
While It may be considered that service
in the military-navaI establishment is
perilous quite beyond that of the duties
exacted Of a government clerk. II must
also be recognized that the retirement OF
The members OF the military-navaI person
mel Is an expense on the government. The
retirement Of the government clerks Is
proposed under a method which will in
volve no additional cost 10 the country.
&c INT oh,
contribute from their pay to a re-
tirement fund. Most corporations which
have any consideration for the services
rendered by their employees have pro-
vided means OF retirement There IS
every reason why the United States
government should treat civil employees
with equal consideration and justice.
especially as the method would be a
direct contribution 10 clerical efficiency.
Many Of the government clerks are doing
work which IS Of the greatest value.
measured by any standard Of occupation
in civil life. Few OF them attain 70 posi-
tions which enable them to save any
money toward maintenance in a period
following dismissal or against the time
when they may be denoted. The govern
ment clerk has no opportunity so to
fortify himself that he may go out into
civil life with n reputation which IS OF
any commercial value 20 him. and those
who do resign and engage in civil pur-
suits are apt 70 use their experience and
information in claims and proceedings
against the government They are not
10 be blamed for this when they find the
prospects OF continued government serv-
fee so unalluring
The retirement OF a government clerk
who has served a lifetime In an execu-
tive department VIII not only increase
efficiency by enabling the promotion of
juniors with assurances of pay more in ac-
cord with their duties than is now the
case, but It Will produce contentment
among the clerks. which IN itself is an
important factor In that same efficiency
There should be no difficulty in providing
for the retirement OF government clerks
when It is placed on a basis that calls FOR
~ e'N' eA'4iei Va III VII 'llS bUDllC treas Iy
And the delay which has occurred I'm thu
realization Of this project is the more in.
explicable because Of the llberality mani
Tested in military-navaI retirement and
the prospect that 100000 a year. in ad
dition to present pensions, will be re
quired 10 establish a so-called retired
list for volunteer officers and enliste,
men who served in the civil war.