The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-12-04
NEW BATTLE
IS BEGUN TO
SAVE RAISES
FOR CLERKS
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national president of the Federal
Employees Union, declared IL would
be q national calamity IL the wages
now received were cut down.
The question OF the effect on war
work OF a decrease in salaries and
consequent falling of in number OF
Government employees was brought
forward by one Government official,
who refused 10 be quoted. He stated
that anything to cause a sIackening in
the vast amount of detailed work
being done here now would seTi-
ously impair the Governments war
machinery and undoubtedly would not
be countenanced for a minute by the
Administration.
Uncle Joe Cannon's Views.
II don't care to try the case before
It has been presented TO the commit
tee" said 'Uncle Joe" Cannon. 81
voted for the increase, that's all 1
want to say about it now.
TITS premature to talk about the
men being cut on when we have until
next June to provide against It.
THE best way for Congress to do
things is to cross the rIven when
they come to It"
Senator Wadsworth, of New York, Ia
for the 5 and 10 per cent increase for
Government workers In Washington.
y ~ rot see how this Increase can be
denied at this time" he said today. ut
was gratefully the opinion OF Congress
that II was needed last year when II
was granted. There is certainly no less
need Of It now, and I don't see how 1t
can be denied"
James P. Maher, Congressman from
the Fifth New York. said:
Il believe there should not be any
change in the present pay Of the Fed
eral employees Of Washington. At the
time the appropriation was passed I
did not think 1t was enough-the in
crease then provided for. 1 still think
so, and therefore feel that at least
the amount then given should be con-
tinued. l am much in favor of retain
ing It when the question comes up for
adjustment"
Against Any Reductions.
Congressman Slemp. Of Virginia, q
member OF the Committee on Appropria-
lions. said:
Il win oppose any attempt to reduce
salarieS"
. member OF the Appropriations Com
A1ittee, said:
Il voted for the increase last year as
q compromise measure only. ! do not
care TO give any opinion until l have
thu facts before me. No. will not even
say whether 1 have changed my mind
Frederick H. GilIstt, member of the
Appropriations Committee. said:
'aThe Appropriations Committee has
not even considered the subject, and
L. n n
pose It will not be taken care OF. /
know the attitude that they took last
year will be their attitude this year.
The appropriation will be provided
for covering these men"
Il believe that justice should be
done to all Federal employees" said
Congressman Oscar w. Swift, Of
Brooklyn" When asked what he
thought of the Washington situation
relative to increased salaries. he
added, 81 think my statement covers
that"
can OutraEe"-GOnpePs.
Samuel Gompers, president Of the
American Federation OF Labor, said:
'TThis is an outrage.
'The attempt to reduce the salaries
Il Government employees when the
cost of living has gone UP so enorm-
OuElY Is almost ~ &c al
outrage even to suggest it-much less
10 carly it into effect.
at would simply mean the giving
Of encouragement to other employers
TO follow the same course. Nothing
could give greater dissstisfsction and
divide the people than an attempt OF
this character.
at feel confident that it will be sue
cessfuIly resisted"
Byrnes Opposes Plan.
Congressman J. F. Byrnes Of South
Carolina, a member Of the Appropria-
lions Committee. said:
II don't believe in reducing any
salaries at this time. II there was
necessity for the additional and 10
Der cent last year. there is certainly
a necessity for It now"
1T would be a very regrettable thing"
was the opinion Of A. LeftwIch Sinclair.
president OF the Chamber OF Commerce.
at is well known that the salaries OF
the Government employees are made
ouate, and II would be harsh. indeed. to
reduce them now with living expenses as