Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-20
REFORMS TO BE SOUGHT
THROUGH UNITED STAND
Federation to Embrace All 0rgani-
cations Under Civil Service.
G. L. CAIN Is PRIME MOVER
Sends Out Appeal for Support.
Pledges to Be Asked of
Big Party Con-
ventions

me FORMATION OF a gigantic feGerat1on
OF employees of the United States gov
eminent. patterned after the American
: Federation of Labor and embracing all
the various organizations of civil service
workers. is proposed in a circular letter
which is being sent out by the National
League of Government Employees through
George l.. Cain. its president.
The federation is proposed to include
organizations of government workers.
not only here in Washington, but
throughout the country, In post offices,
navy yards, arsenals. along rural routes.
in custom houses and other offices and
construction camps where Uncle Sam Is
the big boss.
Mr.. Cain. the president Of the organiza-
ton making the proposal, is here from
his home in Lynn, Mass, to arrange for
a delegation of government employees
which is to appeal to the republican and
:. democratic national conventions to incor-
porate in their national platforms specific
pledges for reforms in the civil service
which the employees think imperative-the
adoption of retirement system, of
more equitable wage scale. of system
Of merit promotions, of longevity recog-
milton In the pay envelope and of other
remedies for defects. But that is a plan
for the immediate future.
Scheme of Organization.
The larger and more comprehensive
scheme. through which Mr.. Cain sees
opportunity to bring about these re-
ferns. is the confederation of the
many organizations of Uncle Sans
employees for closer union and for
more effective work through united
effort. The present organizations are
N fhoir ~ nr
their individuality They are to send
representatives to a central body, and
these delegates are to form a con-
federation through which a united
stand can be taken for the common
welfare of all the members Of all the
separate organizations.
The germ of this idea became active
at the biannual convention of the
National League of Government EN-
ployes in Washington last January,
and since that time the officers of the
organization have been working out
practical details The definite plans
are being laid before government en-
ployes this week.
Convention Is Proposed.
As a practical step toward the for
nation of the federation it is sug-
gested by President Cain in his circu-
lar letter to government employees
that there be held in Washington next
August or September a national con-
vention of the associated delegates
from the various existing separate or
ganiZations, and that this convention
formulate a working organization.
The federation OF these organiza-
tions, having in view a far wider
scope of national usefulness than has
heretofore been undertaken by similar
organizations. would, as a natural re-
suit. have greater success" says
President Cain in his letter to govern
ment employees, in painting a picture
OF the possibilities of such an organi-
zation.
Task Not an Easy One.
If in union there is strength, closer
and larger union means greater strength
and influence" he continues. We wish
10 federate the government employees or
ganizations for mutual advantage To-
ward the accomplishment of this purpose
essential steps should be taken and we
fully realize il to be work not as easy
ii looks seems: for, first and fore
most. ii means the modification of many
personal preferences. the REIMBURSEMENT
of purely selfish advantages the elimina-
tion OF petty prejudces and the fusing of
a host of individual units into one har-
monious, powerful, composite body.
If We expect and hope to successfully
complete this great business organiza-
tion. all the proved leaders of the various
individual organizations must advance il
by steady, measured and determined eff
fort We should be able. for our mutual
welfare. 10 successfully complete this
great business organization.
Should Have Great Power.
An organization such as is proposed
is possible of tremendous power, il II is
wisely and conscientiously handled If
personal ambition or organization poll
ties are allowed TO play an important
part in its councils it will only be a
question of time when its influence would
lie small and insignificant. II it devotes
itself earnestly, honestly and determined
ly 10 the advancement of the aims and
objects for which ii will be formed. it
can be enormous power for good
throughout the nation for the employees
Of the government, and will be so in
fact.
The responsibility that will rest upon
the officers and executive board of such
n powerful organization will be so great
that they can only justify themselves in
whatever action they take by honest
belief and careful and deliberate study
and "a sincere feeling that they are work.
iag for the best interests of the member
ship OF the federation
Objects of Organization.
Mr.. Cain then turns to an outline OF
some OF the questions which the fedora
tion would aim to solve and some OF the
objects it would seek to attain. Here is his
list:
"A better and more liberal compensa-
ton act. along the lines Of bill pre-
sented by Representative Paul Rowland
of Ohio, and sensible and businesslike re-
adjustment OF salaries. pay and compen-
sation, with a practical system of auto
matte promotions and longevity pay, now
provided for and enjoyed by the Army
ice. marine hospital service and judges
of the federal courts; the establishment
Of uniform working day of eight hours
with full compensation for overtime; uni
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