The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-12-11
Increased Annuities for Retired
Civil Service Employees
By1 BILL PRICE.

should be cheering the than 10000 annuitan Of
The civil service retirement fund.- well those who
reaching retirement age that both Houses Of Congress
inclined to put through at this session legislation providing
for increased anuies for those who after long and faithful
service to the United States Government deserve sufficient
compensation to live without dependence upon others.
Congress well afford to put through the proposed lega
on in the light Of the uncompmenary fact that the cost to
Che United States Government for which these annuau gave
oil their best years comparatively nothing To the contrary
the Government distinct financial gamer by the replace
ment Of the ncapacated with young and vigorous employees
However the unpleasant fact remains that the annues
paid from deductions from the basic salaries Of civil service
employees that the Government kindly condescends col
lec the deductions invest the funds and pay the benefits
provided by law
Great Britain with the largest national debt in the world
and the heaviest tax upon it's citizens PAYS THE
WHOLE COST OF RETIREMENT deductng NOTHING from
the salaries Of its civil service workers Over there the PEN
don is called grauity gift Of grateulness for ef
ficiency, faithfuness, and loyalty.
Our Congress and Government generously gives millions
Of money the afflicted in all parts Of the world It IL
proud Of that record which at least mpresses alien peoples
When it to people to human consideration Of
Uncle Sans workers go into the matter cold.
blooded business proposition
We generous and fair in retirement pay in the army
and navy and to Federal Judges Of whom
faithfully efficiently than those who have become old
gray in doing their full duty in the civil service Of Uncle
Sam For example Federal judges retired on full pay
Under the present retirement bill the highest annuity paid
and women who have served from thirty fifty years. is
$720 collected from the salaries Of younger employees
The government Of Argentina has retirement law for rail
road employees An interesting feature Of the law that 40
Per cent Of the funds controlled by the be
loaned to employees to build homes the remainder being
vested in government securities The interest these
loans quite low The loans are largely those who
through disabilities incapac retire before they become
TOO old to build homes.
Nearly all European countries wacked Germany
have liberal retirement laws for their employees
founded principally upon gratitude for long and loyal service
The sponsors Of the retirement law amendments Con-
eess would doubtless favor fair participation by the Govern
ment but probably realize the difficulties ahead If United
States put to any material cost So the plan is the
best and most reasonable amendments that be gotten
through leaving the future to take of itself The
law would increase the maximum annuity 200 annually
but that would that thousands Of aged and
will have their remaining years frightened and ghtened
Those still active in the civil service will bear the cost in de-
auctions from their salaries but they will be happy in the
thought that good will result and that in future years they
will also benefit