Evening star., 1926-02-14
by VIII y. KENNEDY.

~ UR constant labor turnover
is one of the greatest wastes
in the American Government 4.
~ Not only from good business
administration motives, hui
as a matter Of simple justice involv-
ing the honor of the Nation. Congress
must provide for payment of salaries
to Government employees that viii
attract competent men into the SerF-
ice and permit them TO bring up
families according 10 modern ana
American standards of living. J.
should he made d matter OF national
pride. promoting truest love of coun-
try.
This is the boiled down admuui-
tior and warning given 10 Congress
by two of the best known. men IN
The United States. both of whom
have been leaders of their respective
parties in presidential campaigns. won
honor and resDect in international
affairs. held exalted positions in ou.'
Government, and bad years of eN-
perience with Government employees
Charles +. Hughes and John W
Davis. Both have served large cor
porations as counsel. and so are able
10 view the question from business
viewpoint as we'll as governmental
and humanitarian.
Their convictions We're expressed III
Il public hearing before the judiciary
committees of Senate and House in
joint session. While the hearing was
specifically on a bill to increase the
salaries of Federal judges (Which mas
been favorably reported TO the House,
both Mr.. Hughes and Mr.. Davis broad
ened their testimony to include the
entire Federal service and laid down
fundamental principles regarding the
duty of the Government toward its
workers. They made particularly
strong appeals for preserving the in
tegrity of the judiciary and making
1t an attractive life work.
Davis Sees Waste.
John w. Davis. former member of
Congress- Solicitor General of the
United States. who held the highest
position in the foreign service of this
country, as Amba Ssad dor to the Court
of ST. James, counselor of the Amer
lean Red Cross, president of the
American Bar Association, and recent
candidate for President, said he found
it both a duty and honor" TO testify
.'One of the greatest wastes, l am
persuaded, in the American Govern
ment is our constant labor turnover.
said Mr.. Davis. Il fancy that we are
more prodigal of experience in office
and less disposed to profit by ripened
years than any self-governing people
in the world.
NO man who is inadequately paid
no man who feels his wife and chill
dren tugGing at his gown, can be
Independent in thought, however clear
he may be in conscience and in
morals, unless he is furnished an
adequate stipend for the support of
himself and those who are dependent
upon his eXertions.
Every employer of abor. whether
he be a manufacturer or farmer. or
the Government of the United States
must, in fixing salaries, consider at
least two factors: The first is. if he
is an honest employer and wishes to
do justice for himself and those who
serve him: What is the fair value
of the services I seek to procure? ?
Only prodigal or philanthropist will
pay more. only dishonest man will
pay less And the second considera-
tion-and this is selfish one on the
part of any employer. and on the part
of the Government peculiarly so-is:
What salary is necessary to attract
competent men into serviceo'
Can't Bid on Experts.
Now, of course, the Government
can never hope to bid, and should
never seek to bid with private en-
ployment. in expert services. 1t Of
ferS to those who serve it more than
mere monetary compensation. 1t Of
fers them honor and prestige-and. in