The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1923-08-24
RESIGNS PLACE ON
ACCIDENT BOARD
c. E. DUFFY QUITS BECAUSE OF
SALARY REDUCTION-TWO RE-
SIGNATI0NS IN WEEK

Charles e. Duffy, member of the
state industrial accident board, We'd
nesday rendered his resignation to
Governor G. G. Moore Mr. Duffy
asked that his resignation take effect
September l.
The board member stated in his let
ter to Governor Moore that the salary
reduction made by the 1928 legisIa-
ture was his reason for resigning his
state post. The legislature, after a
bitter fight lasting several days, re-
duced the salary of members of the
board from $3.50 a month to 1925
Mr.. Duffy's resignation is the Sec
ond to come to the governors desk
IN the past week because of salary
reductions made by the legislature,
says The Idaho Statesman. e. M.
Sweeley, president of the public util-
tiles commission, resigned August Is
because the legislature reduced his
salary from $500 a month to $3.50.
Six-Year Term
Mr.. Duffy came with the board in
January 1921, when he was appointed
to fill the vacancy created by the ex-
pIration of the term of Frank J.
Clayton His appointment was for
six years so that his term would not
have expired until January, 1927.
The legislative fight, which resulted
in the reduction of the salaries of
members of the board, was one of
the bitterest waged in the 1923 ses-
sion. One of the chief arguments
OF those opposing the reduction was
that the money used for the main
tenance of the board did not come
from the taxpayers. The board is
maintained from the industrial ad-
ministration fund which receives its
money from insurance companies in
the state through death claims paid
into the fund when there are no de-
pendents.
Charge Precipitates Battle
During the fight, E. It. Tavlor.
chairman of the house appropriations
committee, charged that members of
the board were using state funds to
pay for their private telephones. This
charge precipitated another battle in
which Mr. Duffy actively engaged to
defend the alleged attack on his
honor. After several days, Mr. Tay-
lor, being convinced of the error of
his statement, made a halfway re-
traction of the charge.
Mr.. Duffy's letter to Governor
Moore follows:
MY Dear Governor
L audfeSS TINS communication to
you with mixed feelings of relief and
regret
'As you must know, my salary was
'educed by the last legislature. This
'eduction was, no doubt the result of
the wave of economy set in motion
~ the political contenders during the
asst campaign
After the manner of waves this
)ne stopped over in spots.
The merit of true economy is uni
-ersally conceded; the efficiency of
I believe, is still ques-
Toned in some quarters.
II have endeavored to adapt myself
o the change wrought by the legis-
ature, but without success.
The administration of the work
mems compensation law by the in
Iustrial accident board, is vital to the
Welfare of the working men and wo-
nen of Idaho. The industrial acci-
lent board, in the great majority of
ases, is the court of last resort to
he claimant, due to his lack of means
o prosecute his case on appeal to the
ourts
ut necessarily follows that the in
ividual members of the board should
e men of unqestioned integrity, fair
minded, diligent and possessed with
ONE degree of ability.
ITO expect a man having the re-
uisite qualifications to discharge the
uties imposed by law upon a mem
er of the industrial accident board
or remuneration less than that
which can be earned by a skilled me-
hanic, is a manifest absurdity. 1
therefore, tender my resignation, to
AXE effect September 1, 1928
Very respectfully, G. e. Duffy"