The Washington times., 1920-07-17

are still capable of rendering efficient
service, and it Is unQuestionably true
that it will be advantageous to the
public service to retain them under
the extension provisions of the act.
They may be separated from the serv-
ice at any time that inefficiency is
established Furthermore, justice de-
mands that sufficient notice should
be given as to the time retirement
will be required.
1--WE wish to make 1t plain that we
neither request, nor desire the re-
tention in the service of those now
inefficient by reason of age. What
we ask Is that the plain. expressed
purpose OF the act be carried out, and
that where retention in the service is
requested. and efficiency is estab-
lished, the language from section 6
above quoted shall be given effect.
POINT OUT INJUsTICEs.
"The retirement act is a beneficial
one. ard, in accordance with we'll
settled principles of statutory con-
struction, should be administered in
the interest OF the class intended to
be benefited.
"Our attention has been called to
instances in which persons who would
in a short time-a year. or even less
fifteen years Of service, are being
denied opportunity to "round OUT
such period. or course, such action
may come within the letter OF tho
law, but 1t seems to us unworthy of
our great republic, and we are con
vinced that such action would not
have your approval
1--WE believe the act is well drawn
and that IL is bound to operate with
complete satisfaction after II has
been in effect a few years. And we
further believe that all should be re-
tired upon reaching the retirement
age, after the law has been in effect
for several years. The last proviso in
section is especially significant in
this connection, as 1t shows clearly
II was never intended that the full
purpose of the act should become
effective until IL has been in opera
ton for ten years. A period OF grace
Is really established to permit the
exercise Of administrative discretion
to meet conditions in the first few
years of the laws application. A
blanket order to force the retire.
ment OF all OF retirement age in any
department ignores this very inn
portant feature of the law.
HEARINGS NOT GIVEN.
"The retirement law afforded a
splendid opportunity to apply the
spirit OF collective bargaining. The
heads of departments issuing in har-
monious orders 10 rthe retirement Of
employees did so without extending
the courtesy OF a conference to any
representatives of the joint retire.
ment conference, and, so far as we
are informed, did not grant opportun-
ity to the employees to submit their
views concerning the administration
OF the act. We feel sure that IL this
had been done better results would
have followed and a uniform method
OF applying the law would have been
adopted. A great degree of satisfac-
tion would have been produced and
the retirement system launched under
happier auspices.
awe trust that you will recognize
the Justice of this appeal and will
take such action as may be necessary
10 correct the Objectionable orders OF
departmental heads subject to your
authority. IL Is apparent that action
must be taken before the twenty-frst
of this month II change Is to be
made in the orders referred to, as the
law requires that certifcstion be
made by departmental heads to the
Civil Service Commission for the re-
tention OF employees not less than
thirty days before retirement be-
comes effective"