Evening star., 1914-03-06
RETIREMENT LAW
FOR CLERKS NEAR
Members of Congress So Tell
Civil Service Associa-
ton Delegates.
UNITY OF ACTION URGED
ON FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Harmony Held Necessary to Achieve
ment of Goal-Commissioner
Siddons Speaks.

The 200 delegates, representing more
than $4,000 civil service employees in
all parts of the country, in attendance
at the opening of the second annual
convention of the National Association
of Civil Service Employees at the Old
Masonic Temple today, we're given en-
couragement by members of Congress
who addressed them, and predictions
were made that Congress would soon
enact civil service retirement law.
The main point urged upon the MEM
bers by the invited speakers was unity
of action. When there is harmony in
the ranks, they were told, the bill will
pass Congress. Representative James
A. Hamill of New Jersey, an ardent
supporter of civil service pension legis-
lation. told the delegates that when
Congress had passed the bill there
would be little trouble at the White
House. This brought forth prolonged
cheers from the convention.
Commissioner Siddons and William f.
Guide, president of the Chamber of Com
merce, welcomed the delegates to Wash
ington. Representatives Donoghue and
]. w. Logue, both of Philadelphia, also
spoke
Routine Matters Taken Up.
Following these speeches the conven-
ton proceeded to the consideration of
routine matters looking to the organiza-
ton. After much wrangling over minor
points, and the passing of resolution
for an executive session tonight. the re-
ports of the officers covering the work
of the association for the past year were
read.
A motion that all government employees
be admitted to the sessions of the con-
vention caused storm of protest which
brought many members to their feet cry
ing for recognition.
The fear was expressed that any en-
ploye might come into the convention and
delay. the proceedings by delivering long
speeches on pension propositions not adj
vocated by the association. President
Mckee settled this matter by declaring
that the convention need have no fear
of having its proceedings delayed as at
the last convention. when the associa-
ton was being formed. He said every
body was given a chance there This
transitory period. 1t is now permanent.
1 will not recognize opposition. The dele
gates need have no fear of passing
through the same experience Of last
year.
Regrets Differences.
Telling of his great interest in civil
service problems, particularly retirement,
Commissioner Siddons of the District of
Columbia expressed regret that there was
any difference of opinion on the retire.
ment proposition. He expressed the hope
that In the near future all of the forces
working for retirement along opposing
lines would harmonize their differences.
Your movement" he continued. has
reached the stage where sentimental
grounds have passed away. 1t must be
dealt with in a practical manner. The
fundamental principles Of the PROPOSE
ton must be carefully thought out.
In the consideration of the matter there
are two things which must be needed:
First, the underlying fundamental prin-
ciples must be determined; second. you
must then confine yourselves to the ac-
complishnent of these principles, and, at
the same time. while working to accom-
plish them. you must not forget the very
sharp differences of opinion in men in
public life to whom you must appeal in
your efforts to accomplish your ends.
Hopes for New System.
Il have reached that stage in life where
have come to lay aside. as all must
do, all that youthful enthusiasm Of new
idea, and to realize that after all the
least resistance. / want to see a just
retirement system realized early. / think
that if you will fairly debate and discuss
the question, as all American citizens
ought to do. approaching the problem In
the right spirit, I believe the time is
not far distant when the people of this
country, through their representatives in
Congress, are going to write into the
statute books of the nation retirement
system that will be just to all. In con-
clusion 1 wish to say that / hope that
the deliberations at this convention will
bring the results so devoutly wished"
GUIDE Promises Support.
That the civil service employes could
depend upon the support of the business
interests Of Washington for civil service
retirement plan was the declaration Of
William F. GUIDE, president of the Wash
ington Chamber of Commerce This
statement brought forth storm of ap-
plause from the delegates
When Representative Hamill was intro
duced the delegates rose in their seats
and cheered for some minutes, and it was
| with some difficulty that President Mckee
| quieted them down. Il have come here
simply for the purpose of seeing." said
Mr. Hamill. I'VE are in accord The
piece of legislation for which we are con-
| tending means a radical departure on the
part Of the government in dealing with
| its employees. 1t means a new and i'm
| portant piece of legislation. However
| that may be. the fact remains clear that
| the proposition we are contending for is
SO just and appeals to every fair-minded
| citizen Of the government that there is
not particle of doubt about the ultimate
success.
| Representative Logue told the delegates
| that their work was to advise the mem
| bers of Congress. Your work is to In
| struct u.s." he said. The report Of the
secretary told of the increase in the size
of the association. and he pointed to
the great number Of letters he daily re-
| ceives in advocacy of the straight PEN
sion plan.
| The report of the credentials committee
was read. and it showed that there were
200 delegates accredited, holding 14.762
| votes.
| The convention continued it's session
| this afternoon. Sessions will be held
morning, afternoon and night tomor-
row.
SenreuatiOn of Clerks