Evening star., 1921-03-04
made - ~
ReelassiAcatio. Measure.

made
ReelassiAcatlon Measure.
Ihe report Of the joint commission
on reciassincation Of government en-
pioyes was submitted to Congress in
March, 1920, and was referred in the
senate to the appropriations COM
mittee and in the House to the com
nittee On reform in the civil serv-
zee. In the House a reclassifca ton
Dill was reported favorably by Chair
man Leh1bach. In the Senate the re-
port and bill remained before the ap-
p,,Opfiauons committee without ac-
t!oh: senator Sterling. chairman Of
the Senate civil service committee, in
the last few weeks of the session
made q drive to have the appropria-
ions committee discharged from fur
ther consideration Of the reclassifica-
matter referred to his committee. His
enort was blocked, however, by rnem-
bers OF the appropriations committee.
who insisted that IL was the purpose
OF the committee to undertake re-
classification legislation in the new
Congress.
In this connection it was announced
by Chairman Warren Of the Senate
appropriations committee that no
further bonuses would be allowed
government employees and that the
reclassification Of salaries would be
made particularly with that idea in
| mind.
Plan Department Recognizing.
Proposals for reorganization of
the government departments in
Washington were introduced in both
houses. Representative c. Frank
Reavis OF Nebraska fathered a bill
in the House. and Senator Mccormick
Of Illinois in the Senate. A Joint
| resolution sponsored by Senator
Smoot in the Senate and Reavis in
the House was put through. This
provides for joint committee of
Congress to investigate and report
upon the entire question OF govern
| ment reorganization. The commit
Smoot as chairman and plans to be-
gin work almost Immediately II
has been estimated that it will re-
quire a year and a half to complete
the study and report.
Among the measures relating to
the District which failed Of action
was the Curtis-Gard child labor bill.
. Hearings upon this measure were had
before the District committees OF
both houses. II is expected that this
bill will be pressed for action in the
J new Congress.
I Another important measure which
failed Of action was that to regulate
( traffic in the District and provide for
! a traffic court. Extensive hearings
were held on this bill.
Efforts were made to obtain action
on the proposed constitutional amend
/ ment giving the people of the Dis
| trict national representation. Hear
| ings were held before the House ju-
dietary committee. at which author.
I ized representatives of the principa
business. civic and professional organi.
+; cations spoke in favor Of the meas
ure and no one appeared to represent
! organized opposition.
! Committee Inquiries.'
! Several Investigations into condi.
tions existing in the District were
| made by congressional committees. A
| special committee Of the Senate in.
vestigsted the public school system
and made recommends tions that tho
| board of education be appointed b,
! the President instead Of by the ius.
tees Of the District Supreme Court
, for the appointment of business
manager for the schools and for a
further survey of the school system
The investigation was asked al a time
! when controversy was in full swa,
over DR.. John Van Schaick, jr., ther
president Of the board Of education
land the then superintendent OF
schools. Ernest l. Thurst2p. DR.. Van