The Washington times., 1919-04-11

; labor, and his working conditions.
Principle Recognized.
THE commission on reclassifica-
tion has frankly recognized this
principle. We have sought the CO.
operation Of the employees and they
have responded in the most CRAFTY
ing fashion.
THE task OF securing cooperation
with the employees has been greatly
simplified by the fact that they are
organized. ] think 1t is safe to say
that at least 65 per cent OF the Gov
ernment workers in the District of
Columbia belong to some union or as
socistion. Perhaps the percentage is
higher
"In the past there has been some
prejudice in certain circles against
the proposal to organize Government
employees. From my own experience
am convinced that such opposition
is without justification and that or
ganization is such a good thing for all
concerned that the legislative and
executive chiefs of the Government
should urge their subordinates to af-
filiate with the employees associations
tn the end that Congress and the ex-
ecUtive might deal with employees in
Groups rather than as individuals.
'"The Government of the United
States should pay its employees a liv-
ing wage. and by a living wage !
mean a sufficient salary to permit the
workers to live according to Ameri-
can standards and to put aside some
thing for the inevitable rainy day
should Be CIassIaed.
THE jobs of the employees should
be so classified that men and women
who do the same work and assume
the same responsibilities should re-
ceive the same wages. OF course.
there should he no discrimination on
account of sex.
There must be hope OF advance
ment for every employe of the Gov
ernment who does good work and who
is willing to At himself or herself for
promotion.
"And finally we must provide an ade-
quate retirement system to take care
OF the faIthrul employees who have
grown gray in their country'e' serv-
ice.
I'm return for this the Government
has a right to demand a fair days
work for a fair days pay, and the
employe who fails to attain a, reason
able degree Of efficiency should be
separated from the service.
1--WE must so change the American
civil service that it. will furnish a
desirable career for the ambitious
youth of the nation. Every depart
neht, bureau. division, and section
mutt be vitalized. Young men and !
voting women who enter the service |
mutt be made to understand that they |
srsiexpected to go forward or get out, |
Ind well defined paths must be pro-
vidsd which will lead from the |
hufhblest positions in the service to |
thelplaces OF power and emolument.
Must BE Model System.
4This must be not only a merit sys-
ten. but a model system. 1t is not |
enough that the Government depart
lns1ts be managed as we'll as business
concerns. They must become the pat
terms which will be eagerly studied
by business men who desire to in
.roduce into their establishments the
inest standards of efficient service.
"If I were outlining a program l
would suggest that the members OF
this association cooperate with the
of the various Fed
!
the members of the Civil Service
in the hope that they
nay be able to work out a well-con-
;idered plan for civil service reform.
shouldn't SeOId Congress.
But, you say, 'suppose-we devote
months and perhaps years to this
task anG present the re-
Iult Of our labors to the Congress OF
he United States. what reason have
We 20 believe tina. our suggestions
will not be tucked away in some COM.
Mite pigeonhole?
'It is the fashion on occasions like
his to scold Congress and to de-
cribe il as a body made up of small
own, porkbarrel politicians. Those
Who entertain that view of our ma
ionaI legislature do a serious injus-
ice to the greatest legislative body
n the face of the earth. In my judg-
nent a plan OF civil service reform
which carried with il the Endorsement ,
4 this association of the employees ,
rganizations, and of the members of
he national Civil Service Commits
ion would challenge the attention of :
congress and would secure from that
ody the most y;apsthetic consid- {
ration" ,