Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-07-04
TAKESSTEP TOMEET
REDUCTION IN FUND
Secretary Baker Explains
Necessity for Dismissal of
Temporary Employees.
WILL AVOID DEFICIENCY

Bureau chiefs of the War Depart
ment have been strictly enjoined by
Secretary Baker to avoid ANY and all
deficiencies in appropriations" for the
current fiscal year. despite the fact
that the appropriations for the pay q
war workers have been reduced From
rses6eNQ4s to- $4,000. 900. and WiuzEs-
4difS the gradual discharge OF more
than 3 900 employees on the temporary
roll.
Secretary's Memorandum.
In a memorandum to the bureau
chiefs Secretary Baker referred to the
appropriation of 100000 for the tenn
porary employment of. additional en-
ployes in the War Department for the
fiscal year 1920 and to the provisions
Of the act of February 81. 1906, that
amounts appropriated shall not be ex-
ceeded.
"It should be borne in mind,' said
the Secretary, that the appropria-
tion for thsi year calls for a reduc-
tion Of approximately so per cent of
the present force, and if any portion
of that reduction is not made at the
beginning of the year a correspond
-
subsequently. 1 am having an ex-
haustive survey made by the inspect
or generals department of the condi-
tions in the various bureaus and from
reports already received it is clearly
indicated that there is a considerable
excess Of clerks, messengers and jul
nior officers. Each chief of bureau is
expected to give this matter his per-
sonal attention and see to it that the
number of officers and civilian en-
ployes in his Office is reduced to the
efficiently.
Rule Made for Reductions.
I'm making this reduction, careful
attention should be given to the mat
ter Of duplication Of work, overlap
ping of activities, the simplification
and lessening of paper work. and the
necessity for consolidation and CEN
tralization of small branches and ac-
tivities which are now being main
tanned without sound business reason,
and therefore at unnecessary expense.
"An officer of rank, having ability and
tact, who. is amenable to reason. but
firm of purpose. who has capacity for
efficient and economical organization.
should be designated by each chief of
bureau. and it should be his exclusive
business to effect the necessary re-
duction in the expenditures of the bu-
reau or office, so as to keep it within
the appropriation granted by Con-
gress.
Depletion to Begin at Once.
ION and after July 1. 1919. you will
proceed at once to reduce your force
Of civilian employees to such degree
as to insure that the appropriations
made for their employment then in
force for the fiscal year 1920 shall not
be exceeded. No expenditure for en-
ployment or for any other purpose
shall be made or obligated that will
create a deficiency in any War De-
pbrtment appropriation during the
fiscal year 1920.
The purpose Of these orders is to
keep the expenditures OF the war De-
partment within the amounts which
Congress has appropriated and to
avoid any and all deficiencies in ap-
preparations. in accordance with the
intent of Congress-. as declared in the
act of February 81, 1906. The appor-
tionment of appropriations by month
Nv or other allotments will be prompt
ly made as therein required on or
before the beginning of the fiscal
year 1920.
'"if. in carrying out this purpose in
good faith, it should become neces-
| sary to determine which of certain
activities should be discontinued OF
curtailed, the question will be pre-
scented to me for decision"