Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-05
WILSON RET|CENT
ON PENSION PLAN
Has No Definite Scheme to Aid
Federal Clerks, HamiII
Learns.
VIRGINIA POLITICIANS
STILL IN WIDE SPLIT
Unable to Agree Over Patronage.
President Hears Arguments
for Penny Postage.


who has been taking much interest In
the movement to bring about legislation
for pensioning superannuated govern
ment employees, today sought to obtain
the views of President Wilson. He found
the President unprepared to commit him
self to any particular plan, although
favorable to some legislation in the fu-
ture that Will be fair to the government
and to its aged employees. The President
states that his mind is open on the sub
ject, but that later on he intends to give
II much thought.
Mr. Hamill plans to speak before the
Civil Service Retirement Association
which Is to meet here tomorrow, and de-
sired to present the views of the Presi-
dent to that body. As already stated In
The Star the administration mas not
worked out policy on the subject OF
civil pensions, and will ask no ieg1sia-
ton from Congress at this session. 1t
will do SO in the future, however.
Discuss Virginia Matters.
Representative Glass of Virginia had
a frank talk with President Wilson to-
day about patronage and political mat
ters of deep concern to the democrats
of that state. Mr. Glass did not go
further, in reply to questions. than to
state that he had presented to Mr.. Wilson
the views Of the anti-organization element
of Virginia democrats, but 1t is known
that the struggle between the organiza-
ton and anti-organization forces, the
former represented by Senators Swanson
and Martin, and the latter by Representa-
tives Glass Jones and others. is as acute
as ever, with each side insisting on hav-
ing its way.
President Wilson, desirous of keeping
IA Ia ra m
making at least five appointments that
would have been regarded as recognf-
ton for one side of the other, and long
ago conveyed. in tactful words. the
view that II the democrats there could
not get together and lay before him
candidates who would be agreeable to
all concerned. he would not bother with
the matter
Gulf Is Widened.
Instead of coming to Some agreement
the factions are apparently wider apart
than ever before. Recent attempts on
the part Of the two senators to make q
beginning toward disposing of the
patronage met. with such determined
opposition from the. anti-organixation
leaders that nothing was done or Is
likely to be done for long time to
come.
Senators Martin and Swanson. it is
understood. decided to ask the admin
istration. through Secretary McAdoo.
to nominate Peyton st. Clair of Giles
county as collector Of internal revenue
for the state. When word got out
that they were taking this action the
antis swooped down in such force that
drawn. Practically the same thing
happened in the recommendation said
to have been made by the senators OF
Lee Clark as marshal of the western
district of the state.
The charge is boldly made by the anti
organization forces that both Of these
men were violent anti Wilson advocates
in the. pre-convention campaign of 1912
and that the organization. led by the
senator's, is seeking to discriminate in pat
ronage and otherwise against every man
of prominence who supported Wilson for
the nomination.
Oppose Discrimination.
They object to this alleged discrimina-
applied to all the pre-convention Wilson
people. The President has been told re-
peatedly that the sentiment Of Virginia
was overwhelmingly for him in the pre-
convention fight, but that the real senti-
ment of the people was thrott1ed by the
organization. The President Is being
urged to 20 anedQ dIu uiahc liiC AsoihAiud-
tions of important federal offfceholders in
his own way and let the two senators
support or oppose him. as they like.
There are two republicans holding
United States marshaiships and their
terms expired long ago; two of the oppo-
sition drawing salaries as United States
attorneys, another as collector Of internal
revenue and dozens in lesser positions.
such as collectors of customs. postmas-
ters. etc. all because of the fight now
Postmaster General Burieson has had
great difficulty in his selection of the
postnasters already named for Virginia.
but the President has depended upon the
Texan to make the distribution with fair
ness; to name only the best men: regard
less Of their former or present amnatons.
and to give no thought to whom the men
were for prior to the Baltimore conven-
ton.
Situation Delicate One.