The New York herald., 1922-04-11
SHAKEUP IN BUREAU
NEEDED BY SERVICE,
HARDING EXPLAINS
Tells Head Of Federal En-
pl0yees' Federation Rea-
son for Dismissals.
MADE AFTER INQUIRY
Nothing Less Could Assure
Protection of Govern
ment's Interests.
NO CHARGES ARE MADE
Dismissed Workers Entitled to
Retirement and Other Civil
Service Benefits.
NO CHARGES ARE MADE

WASHINGTON, April 10-President
Harding states in a letter to Luther
c. Steward, president of the National
Federation Of Federated Employees,
that the changes made in the Bureau
of Engraving and Printing were or
dered after extended deliberation and
were inspired wholly for the good of
TIE service" The letter follows:
have before me your letter of
April l, in which you write to me in
protest of the Executive action in eff
fecting the reorganization of the Bu-
reau of Engraving and Printing and
with which you enclose to me the let
ter of Gertrude M. McNally. secretary
OF the Women's Union, making SINH
lar protest. Because you and Miss
McNally speak officially for so large
a part of Federal employees, 1 desire
personally to make courteous ac-
acknowledgement, but / must suggest at
the same time tkat courtesy shall not
be confused with apology
The changes made at the bureau
were ordered after extended delibera-
ton and We're inspired wholly for the
good Of the service. 1t was so stated
at the time. l do not understand that
such statement or such an action
fmpugns any ones character or calls
Tor charges against the employees con-
cerned or demands explanation by the
Executive.
Points Out Misunderstanding.
THE order in the case specifically
stated that those of the dismissed en-
ployees who were eligible to retirement
would be retired as from the date of
the order. which think you will agree
ie not subject to the construction that
their characters We're impugned in any
way.
Miss McNaIy's letter states that
these persons are ineligible to REIN
statement in the Government service
because summarily dismissed on
charges and they lose the benefit OF
the retirement act This indicates a
distinct misunderstanding of the ac-
tion taken. There were no charges
and there was a distinct assurance
that the benefits OF the retirement act
were preserved.
I'm the circumstances which were
presented to the Executive at the time
of taking this action 1t seemed apparent
TO me then. as 1t does now. that no ac-
tion less sweeping than was taken
could give complete assurance of the
full protection of the Governments in
terests.
II shall maintain every regard for the
civil service law. but 4 responsible
executive head may not tske such ac-
tion rs Is deemed necessary for the
good OF the public service then such an
fulihrf to, ov the t,fwara IF fba Esxarti-
tive ought 10 be made very clear to
Congress. to Government employees and
to the American public TO which we are
all answerabie. Tnen the responsibility
may no longer be lodged with the Ex-
ecu.ivc. Until such understanding Is
made clear I invite you and others who
speak for Federal employees to Join me
In doing the things deemed necessary to
promote the highest possible degree OF
Federal service
Reply to President.
The federation replied to Mr.. Hard
ings letter and pointed out that In
addition to the stigma attached to them
by the manner of their dismissal all
but two of the dismissed employees will
lose their. retirement annuity"
"The principles of the civil service law
are the fundamental safeguard to the
DuDl1C SERVICE. TIE ItlttT sHAd, dddlb6
that the highest efficiency, sense OF duty
and responsibility to the public should
'be brought about through a strictly
merit system OF appointment. promotion
and dismissal
Continuing, the letter said "Your let
ter states that there are 10 charges
against the dismissed officials. We re-.
spectfuly submit that had this state
ment been made at the time of the dis
missal that they were dropped without
prejudice to their record they would
have beer without the lifelong handicap
now imposed upon them In seeking other
employment.
.'As the matter stands the summary
dismissal without notice. under circum-
stances which implied a cause not di-
vuged, their record Is such that they
are disqualified for any service In the
Goverrinent whatsoever: at any rate
ineligible for reinstatement in any ca
pacity even under the five year extern
sion order issued by you under date of
81