The Washington herald., 1918-02-04
BorIand and Patriotism.

Persistency has fixed place in any standard
that measures quality of craftsmanship. For pos
session of that attribute Representative Borland, of
Missouri, cannot be overlooked.
1t is not new love that Mr.. Borland espouses
in devotion to the measure that would add another
hour to the working day of the government en-
ployes. Rather is it Affection that borders upon
obsession, that it is not surprising to see him
grasp eagerly at any argument that he feels might
testify to the sincere character of his fealty.
Those among the government employees who
object to his regulation of hours he would deport
to Germany and consign to the tender mercies Of
a Prussian standard of working hours Why?
Upon the fact that they lack patriotism, that they
display spirit of sacrifice to win the war.
Postmaster General Burleson had the distinc-
ton of being the first responsible agent of the
government call national loyalty to the front to
bolster tottering argument. He made the
pounding discovery that the underpaid postal en-
pfoyes paid better than the summoned
to the trenches and worked shorter hours, hence
there was cause for complaint Henceforth he
must share his honors with Representative Borland
To take for a moment his own argument, where
the majority of the members of the House
when his amendment slipped quietly through the
Committee of the Whole? There is no roll call
record 1t would seem proper that membership
should be indelibly enrolled on such an important
war measure. There opens a field for Mr..
Borland. There is as he we'll knows, yet upon the
books of Congress that power to WITHHOLD compen-
sation from members absent without leave. Why
not invoke it a striking example for his col
leagues who think so little of his pet measure
to be absent from the city when it to
issue.
Long before the United States entered the war
the Missouri Representative waged exceedingly
vigorous fight for his eght-hour bill 1t has been
rejected again and again. and the fact that he now
stands by the flag to strengthen his position, en-
-phasizes its weakness.
For the government employees to be placed in
the same category as members of organized labor
IS not to their dscredt but unfortunately it is not
true as slight Investigations will prove.
The employees have organization and have
secured in a limited degree that which is logical
for united effort But the Federal Employees Union
is distinct from the average labor union. 1t fixes
no hours of labor, wage scale, and it expressly
prohibits strikes any organized walk-out to Grip
pie the governments business, in order to enforce
demands.
In the tremendous increase of business essential
to the war, the employees have given unlimited
hours in overtime. They have worked without
complaint upon Sundays and holidays. They have
not received q penny for this in overtime.
How many members of the average labor union,
OF ganized to the point of efficiency have been asked
to make the same sacrifice. Extra pay for over
time and double pay for Sundays and holidays is the
rule, and we do not attempt to argue that it is
unfair.
Patriotsml What group of employees through
out the length of the land has supported more
Loyalty with time and money the liberty loans, the
Red Cross, the savings, the food the fuel and
the other campaigns designed to aid the progress
Of the war to its ultimate victory.
Congress may enact the Borland amendment into
.1zw-although we doubt t-but if it does it should
be upon some other argument more pertinent and
germane than patriotism.