The Washington herald., 1912-05-17
SLIM ATTENDANCE
Anglers SPEAKER
Post-OfHOe Clerks Chief FlayE Gov.
srnment Employees Lack of
Interest.
ASK FOR INCREASE IN WAGES

Deplortng the small attendance at the
annual meeting Of tile Civil Service Re-
tirement Association, held at the @. A.
r. Hall last night. Oscar Nelson, OF
Chicago, President Of the National Fed
Grafton OF Post-ofiee Clerks. said II the
members OF Congress could see the slim
attendance at this meeting which Is
fIought with 50 much significance to the
employees Of the government they would
hasten back to the Capitol and pass the
measure limiting the appointment OF
government clerks to terms Of five years
and thereby practically invalidate the
civil service law.
Mr. Nelson added that II he was a
member OF Congress and was told that
tie annual membership fee OF the asso-
ciation is only e5 cents. he would make
up his mind that the members Of the as
socistion are not very earnest In their
efforts for the ameiioration OF their po-
sition and did not deserve Of any par
ticular consideration. The speaker urged
all civil service employees. to get to-
gether and respectfully but firmly and
in unmistakable language voice their
protest against the passage OF the pro-
posed measure, His remarks were loud
ly applauded.
protesting against any legislation which
will 're-establish the 'spoils system
and impair the efficiency Of the Civil
Service: and further. in the interest OF
civil service reform we invite the at
tention OF all civic bodies to this retro
gressive act" II was also resolved that
copies of the resolution be sent to the
press, to every Senator and Representa-
tive in Congress, and to all representa-
tives of Civil Service organizations
throughout the United States, requesting
their immediate cooperation in protest.
ing against the proposed measure.
Urges Clerks Federation.
President Tafts message to Congress
in relation TO the subject OF retirement
from the classified Civil Service OF su-
perannuated employees was indorsed by
the convention. provided that there will
be embodied in II the recommendations
that all salaries OF employees OF the gov
ernment OF s., 900 and less receive an in
crease Of Is per cent
DR.. Llewellyn Jordan. secretary Of the
association, in his annual report, said
that the time had come when the en-
ployes OF the government must be fed
Grated the same as employees OF private
and other concerns for their own protec-
ton. He advocated that both factions
OF the association join hands in their ef-
forts to obtain legislation for the bene-
fit OF all.
A declaration OF principles setting
forth the views OF the association were
unanimously adopted. It states that In
view Of the fact that the officers and
employees OF the civil service are Affect
ed like other citizens by the increased
cost OF living, I'VE hold that we are en-
titled to the same relief, that is in
creased wages or compensation, which
as ais Tlng - n
those outside. OF government employ
ment.
"An equitable retirement measure
based upon the contributory plan is
advocated. The need of a national fed
Grafton OF civil service employees for
Is recognized, The formation OF State
organizations whose representatives
shall compose a national assembly is
advocated. Many OF the problems of
practical Administration will not be
solved in a satisfactory manner until
the principle of cooperation between
the government and the employees, is
practically recognized"
Ohicers Are Elected.
George L. King. President OF the Ma |
tional League OF Government Employees, |
spoke against deferring action in the
matter or in using tactics Indicative OF |
fear. saying that the President had |
freed the government employees from |
the gag law, and that everybody had |
now right to speak his mind.
The convention voted the sum OF 800 |
to Mrs. Llewellyn Jordan for her faith
full work in the cause of the association |
The report Of the treasurer showed a sur |
plus in the treasury Of nearly 1900, and |
the auditing committee reported the |
books in good order.
The election of officers resulted as fol- |
lows: William f. Russell. OF New York, |
president; Col. Solomon E. Faunce, first 1
vice president; Mrs. Jennie l. Munroe, |
second vice president; Leslie c. Whita-
ker. OF Chicago, third vice president: |
DR.. Llewellyn Jordan. chief OF the bond /
ing division. Treasury Department, sec
rntarv nd p Stnna Jackson traasrrar