The Washington times., 1910-12-20
Several Thousand Requests
Received by The Times for
Chance TO Vote.
EMPLOYEES HAVE
DECIDED OPINIONS
Officers of Association Urge Work
ers to Take Advantage Of
Opportunity.

Several thousand requests. some
appeals. for The Times TO conduct a
poll On the retirement question. which
IS now agitating the minds OF the
Government employees. have poured
into this office since Sunday, when
this newspaper offered an opportunity
for the 3O.o00 men and women con-
cerned to express their views.
Every vestige Of doubt regarding
the interest the Government employees
have in this momentous question has
been swept away by the tide Of re-
spOnses to the suggestion Of The
Times There is not the emblance
Of a doubt that the employees are
anxious to present their side to Presi-
dent Taft ard Congress through the
medium OF this newspaper
Relative 70 their eagerness to vote
on the two paramount propositions
straight civil pension OF compulsory. con-
tributOry retirement-the employees Of
the Government have spoken IN q loud
voice. Their answer IS given decisiveiy.
Further Expressions Sought
Despite the avalanche OF returns
thus far received The Times Is anxious
10 have the decision OF the employees as
broad as possible because OF the in
suits Of the poll It, therefore, invites
further expression OF opinion today.
Michael T. O'DoBOghue. president OF
what is now known as the ''reorganized''
United States Civil Service Retirement
Association, IS taking an active part IT
the campaign preliminary 70 the ex-
pected poll he urges employees in every
branch OF the classified civil service 70
Join the rcOvemeut iuaugurate5 by The
Tines believing the interest OF Con-
gress can be stimulated in 10 more e<-
fsctve manner
Ny appeal 20 the Government en-
pIoyes, regardless Of their affIliatioR
with our organization or any other. is
for hem TO come TO the front and ex-
press themselves. SAID Pres dent
O'DonoghUe- Any apathy or indiffer-
ence IL This movement on the part Of
the employees themselves is sure 20 have
q fatal effect on OuT cause
IF the Government employees want
better working conditions and pTOIec-
tiOn in their old age they should join
any movement looking toward that
end The Times has generously offered
its columns 10 the employees and IL be-
hooves them for their own interests 20
take every possible advantage OF the
OGer-
Dr.. Jordon Adds Plea
Dr.. LleweIlyn Jordan, founder OF the
original retirement association. is an
other emplOye who believes there should
be no delay IN getting action in Con
gress and iulpressins on that body the
fac1 that the employees are deeply con-
cerue1 in retirement legislation No
stone should be left unIuTned. he says,
in the 5EhC for some just and equitable
provision for supeTa1nuateo employees
Congress must be apprlsed Of the
seriousness Of the present situation as
regards the Gillett bil," declared Dr.
- m H-~a T~r=~
or the whole proposition viii De lost
The situation is acute, and the en-
Ployes should 90 ali in their power to
boost the movement
zone Of the best ways 10 get this
retirement bill passed IS 10 convince
Congress that it Is vitslly important
This can be done admirably in q poll
such as suggested BY The Times
Mr. CantweII's Views.
Speaking OF the plan contemplating an
oatright pension for superannuated en-
PsSyes, Edward J CsntweU. secretary
Of the United States Civil Service Re-
tirement Association, said
y am sure that the employees viii vote
decistvely for the straight pension plan
and I am anxious to see them take hold
of The Times suggestion with a vim
that viii mark their interest as well as
an appreciation OF the good work Of
s'The retirement association, which I
represent, sincerely and cOnscientiously
believes IN the straight pension plan as
the most equitable prOpC Csition.
I'VE respectfully submls that IN arrfv-
ing at its conclusions Congress should
treat with consideration he feelings and
opinions Of the employees who win he
affected in al their business and do
mestic relations Therefore, in addition
&C the protests and petitions, al looking
toward the pension plan. we are eager TO
express this sentiment even more fore
ibly-tHat IS. by means Of z big vote
when The Times conducts 81 3 poll
Members OF Congress are looking with
interest TO the agitation begun BY The
Times TO clear the doubt in their minds
CONTINUED on Third Pake)