South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-05-14
SAYS LAWMAKINC BODY
HAS BIG TENDENCY TO
USURP EXECUTIVE POWER
POSTAL SITUATION
GROWS SERIOUS
IN ALL PARTS u. S.
National Organization Pre-
diets Breakdown Unless
Relief is Given.
BY LOUIS LUDLOW.

" NASHlNGTON, d. c, May l..-
A break down Of the United States
postal system within the next three
months is predicted by the national
organization Of postal employees un-
less congress shall provide better
pay for employees of the service. The
organization has warned the gov
ment that this outcome may be eN-
pected. 1t is asserted that within
the last few weeks employees have
been quitting by the thousands &c
accept employment along other lines
at better pay and that many OF the
larger postoifices have already been
seriously crippled.
No amount of persuasion on the
part OF the national organization, il
is asserted, can hold the men In the
service under existing conditions.
Even afer being appointed 10 posi-
tiOns as railway mail clerks men
are declining in droves and OF late
the president has been obliged TO
withdraw from the senate a num-
ber Of postofice nominations because
the appOintees have found that they
could 20 much better financially in
civil life.
situation Serious.
The situation is becoming 30 seri-
Gus that chambers OF commerce and
other commercial organiza tions in
been asked to give il consideration.
In order that such ORGANIZATIONS may
be informed Of the status of the leg
iSlation for better pay the national
organization Of employees is sending
out a communication in which the
following statement Is made.
The joint congressional commits
sion on postal salaries was appoint
ed in February. 1919, 10 investigate
salaries of employees Of the service
and TO reclassify them on an eQutt-
able basis. This commission has
been considering the matter since
that time. 1t has held hearings and
collected data and has closed in
vestigations The commission has
not vet reported The Indications
are that il viii not report Cunless
great pressure IS brought TO bear) in
time so that any legislation can be
passed at this session OF congress
which will adjourn probably before
the first week in June.
Commission DELAYS.
The postal service. as well as the
employees. IS suffering because OF
delay OF the commission. Expert
cnced men who have been in the
service for many years are resign
ing daily TO take positions which
offer better salaries. II is impossible
20 replace these men by men OF no
experience but Of the same ability
because men of the required abilit5
find better opportunities elsewhere.
Il is poor economy 20 do business
with inefficient help. You. who are
patrons Of the postal service, are
interested IN having better service
Commercial organizations are
asked 20 take up the subject with
their senators and representatives..
The unrest of the postal service
men has been growing during the
last two years. II Is asserted. and
is probably true. that the condition
is rapidly becoming alarming. The
postal authorities say they are help
less so far as Offering any RELIEF un-
til congress shall do something The
postoffice department IS heartily in
favor OF a substantial increase IN
pay for all men in the service.