The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-10-31
Representative Mann and the Clerks.

IL is only recently that Representative
James R. Mann, OF Illinois. one of the
most prominent and influential members
OF the House of Representatives, has
manifested any favor toward the propo-
sition 10 provide adequately for the gov
eminent clerk who has become old in
the service and who. under the existing
conditions, is liable TO be thrown upon
his own resources without any considera-
ton for his individual needs. Mr.. Mann
has been what may be described as a
professional economist, and he has car
ried this idea TO the extremity Of oppos-
ing many propositions which were in
reality entitled TO support His change
Of front respecting the plan for the re-
tirement Of clerks will be appreciated
among the benehciaries Of that proposed
legislation. Mr. Mann ought TO be in a
position 10 do much 10 further the in
terests OF such measure.
At recent meeting Of the postal en-
ployes in Chicago Representative Mann
said that as he grew older he became
more philosophical, and had now reached
the conclusion that in some way the
government must find method OF help
ing 10 take care Of the old and injured
and disabled employees" He has not
been able TO decide as 10 the best method
by which this can be accomplished.
but he expressed himself as opposed TO
the plan which would establish a govern
ment retirement fund by levying tribute
upon the monthly pay OF the government
employe, lie took occasion TO remark
further:
! do not doubt that sooner or later. and
J do not think it vii! be so very mucn
later the idea of old age pensions will
sweep through all the civilized world
In the condition OF civilization in which
We live the man or woman who goes
through life contributing as best he or she
can or as he or she does in the labor
common for the benefit Of all Of as. I saw
they ought 10 know that when the time
is reached and they are no longer able
10 compete with the younger forces Of
human life, il is not merely q pau
poorhouse, but that IN old age they may
receive at least a part OF the paw. which.
perhaps. has been withheld while they
were younger. ! have no doubt that
an old age pension list will be created
IN this country. as IL has been created in
other countries, but that is another cues
ton, ! want the pOst-OmCe employees, not
only the pOst-of7ce clerks and carriers.
and the railway post clerks, but all other
employees In the different branches Of the
government service, TO keep working on
the idea, and not emOtOnally, nor with
the viewpoint OF their own individual
needs. but I want them 20 keep working
with the idea that We must come 20 the
point in our government where we will
pay, out Of the general fund. for the
care, or as a part of the wages which.
in case YOU are IN the government serv-
Ice, you ought 10 receive If YOU reach
The point of disability. and that ought
not 20 be taken out Of your pay now"
This is the manifestation of the true
spirit which the national legislator should
show toward the government clerk. Tha
civil service employee has had less con-
.sideration Of his needs and less apprecia-
ton for the value Of has work than those
Of any other branch Of the government.
The mnitary-naval personnel has pros.
pered beyond compare. ana members of
the legislative branch have literally treat
Ell themselves by their enactment Of self
beneficial legislation. It is time that
something were done for the government
clerk, and the remarks of Mr.. Mann.
hitherto opposed TO the plan Of govern
ment cierkship retirement give promise
OF "a Just issue