The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-09-28
SMTTHWICK TAKES
MATTER UP WITH
NAVY DEPARTMENT
Reductions Are Part of Plans of
Government for CurtaiI-
ment of Expenses.
CUT is NATIONWIDE
AND NOT LOCAL ONE
Senator Fletcher Also Is Inter
ested in the Case and
Sends Information

The industrial commission OF the charl-
Der OF commerce today received word
from Congressman J. II. Smithwiok In
regard to the question Of the recent wage
reductions at the naval afr station.
In his letter to the Industrial conrafs-
sion, Mr.. Snithwick enclose a clipping
from the Washington Herald which he
requests be given publicity.
Mr.. Smithwick's letter in making this
request says. "I have a notion that
some of our people feel that these re-
ductions are local In their character, IN
order that they may understand what the
situation is and the responsibility there
for, hope you win give this as vide pub
licity as you can"
II have done what could to prevent
these reductions at the Penaacola navy
yard, but we have suffered along with
the others. The congressman and sem
ators from other points have used their
influence in behalf OF their own. and the
Washington navy yard employees. IN the
shadow OF the capitol. have put up a
stubborn fight and have had the assist
ance of congressman and senators
throughout the country.
''The clipping enclosed tells the story
and plainly shows that the congressman
and senators are powerless to prevent it,
Following is the Washington Herald
article:
Tho reduction IN wages for employees
at the Washington and other navy yards,
as well as curtailment in the operating
force, is a part OF the administration
plan for the return 20 normalcy in govern
ment expenditures and win not be
changed. II was made clear at the white
house yesterday afternoon.
The decision OF the government to
abide by the award OF the wage ADJUST
ment board. ends long and determined
fight on the part or organized labor and
the Washington merchants to have the
percentage OF reduction made less severe.
Appeals were made first to various cab
met officers and finally the cabinet re-
ferred the matter to the secretary OF the
navy, Mr.. DENLY, for study. It was fol-
lowing this review that the white house
let it be known that no further action
would be taken.
''The administration felt that no in5us-
tice had been done the employees, as Ia
Dor was represented on the board which
adjudged the pay scales and the board
had before it all the possible data on the
comparative reductions in the cost Of
living and encesvored to make the two
correspond. II was said. In this oonnec.
tion, 1t was stated many inaccurate state-
ments had been made which would leave
the impression that the reduction
was materially below the present living
costs.
The cut in the navy yard pay scales,
however, is only a part OF the general
economy program IN government opera
tions, the president intimated. He said
that from all over the United States In
sistent demands for elimination OF ex-
penses were being received and that
while there would necessarily be some
hardships. the necessity for economy Is
inescapab1e."
Following Mr. SmfthwicI<s letter. the
industrial commission also received q COM
munscation from Senator Fletcher which
likewise enclosed clippings from the
Washington Star which are at the request
Of Senator Fletcher also given publicity
''Many members Of the supervisory
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