Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-19

DECLARING that "just and adequate
compensation for services performed
Is DO most important question con-
frodHing the country today" Cor
neIiAs Ford. public printer. stated
Of government printing office activi-
ties during the war. that 1.-The pro-
vision in the legislative bill reported
to the House Friday providing for the
$40 per annum increase is wholly
Inadequate in all cases where COM
pensation fixed years ago remains
unchanged"
The cost of the absolute necessi-
ties of life has reached a point where
relief in increased compensation to
the wage Garner is no longer to be
delayed" Mr.. Ford added Il sim
cerely hope that Congress will amend
the bill as reported and more than
double the figures named"
Referring specifically to employees
of Uncle Sans big print shop Mr..
Ford says they "have demonstrated
their claim to fair conside ration of
Just and adequate wage in this period
OF abnormal high cost of the necessi-
ties of life.
During the war, Mr.. Ford said.
employees of the government printery
periodically responded to increasing
demands. At the outbreak of war.
he explained, things had reached
point In the government printing
increase of output had from time 10
time seemingly reached its limit: and
yet, although many of the employees
were working four hours overtime,
and while the force had been increas-
ed not more than 25 per cent. by
mr. nj
throughout the plant its output more
than doubled when compared with
that of the period preceding the
war"
How Printing Aided Victory.
Not only does Mr. Ford's report
show the heavy work devolving upon
the printery, but ii indicates the con-
siderable part which printed matter
Some very large orders were
$4,000. 900 thrift cards. $4,000, 900
questionable blanks and covers.
81. ZOO. 900 notices of classification. and
numerous other jobs running in
This work was rushed to the limit
and furnished in a remarkably quick
time. In some cases a single depart
ment has entered orders for as many
Is 1o0,o0o.ooo copies of jobs in one
'iThe War and Navy departments had
psinting and binding done in this Of
nee to the amount OF approximately
"a. $780, 900.
'.rhe Agriculture Department was
furnished with many millions of
posters, circulars. etc. In connection
with the conserving of food. in ad-
dition to approximately 100000
copies of Farmers Bulletin and all
its current work.
The Treasury Department was fur
nfshed with posters. cards, bulle tins,
etc, running into many millions, for
uBe In income tax, thrift card and war
saving stamp business.
The numerous newly created bu-
reaus engaged on work incident to
the war were furnished with an enor-
nous amount of miscellaneous print
ing and binding. all demanded in a
hurry and some on almost mo-
ment's notice.
Paper Supply a Worry.
srhe paper situation is. and has
been during the past year. serious
proposition. and It was only by the
most careful and constant super
yt8ton Of this branch of supplies that
! was able to meet demands for print
mG. II has been necessary. to go into
the open market for a large portion
81 our stock. and in many cases
through persistence and personal in
texviews ut the mills 1t was possible
- seve the government considerable
money.
Some departments and bureaus
Ave 1t times ordered work on a more