Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-24

other departments informally what
their policies were. They differ. The
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
seems to approach nearer to the policy
of the Veterans Bureau than any of
the others. AT the outset they follow
strictly the laws. Well. Of course you
probably have TO follow the laws strict
ly, and yet you have to go beyond that,
but you are not accomplishing the full
intent I believe you will ind that
while the other departments follow the
executive orders, they lack something
that we should instill. and that the real
interest in these fellows is in keeping
them employed"
To this was added by President DEM
ing of the Civil Service Commission:
IT am impressed by Gen. Hines sug
gestion that it might be worth while to
endeavor to interest private employers.
1t Is quite probable that large en-
ployers would Go more for the veteran
in civil life If they gave more Thought
to it, Here is this great body of mil
lions of men who went To war. a large
number possibly needing jobs. some in
this immediate locality Why should
not private business do its share as well
as the Government? IN connection
with another committee, this thought
has occurred TO me that the primary
object of the Government does not
provide job for any individual: 1t Is
to transact the Governments business
in the most efficient way"
There is a soldier dialect, prominent
in whose vocabulary is the expression
Passing the buck" also "SideStepping a."
The Advisory Board appointed by
President Coolidge was instructed 10
study not what the Henry Fords ought
to do for the man who fought primarily
for the Government. but what is the
duty and opportunity of the Govern
ment itself in the matter Of showing
partially disabled" veterans who have
struggled for 10 years since the war 70
maintain their self-respect and fight
for living.
AT one of the hearings Of the ad-
visory committee Mai. Paul McGahau, q
member of the national executive COM
mittee of the American Legion. called
attention to certain resolutions adopted
at the last meeting of the Legion Of the
District Of Columbia. The resolutions
cited ruling in 1919 by the Attorney
General to the effect that the law was
mandatory in giving preference TO the
veteran. not by 10 points. but by total
when the veteran passed the civil
Service tests Of efficiency. The At
torney General said in his ruling:
The preference given by that proyt-
sion is q preference over all persons
who may be eligible 20 appointment. No
exceptions are expressed, and meme can
be read into this act. Its provisions are
mandatory. and must b. strictly COM
piled with. Your question must. there
fore, be answered In the negative"
In the face of that absolute ruling by
the Attorney General. President Hard
ing by executive decree (Or6er Nc.
SS0l) substituted the arbitrary prefer
ence of only ; points for uuwoupdsd
veterans and 10 points preference for
disabled ones
The resolutions Of the District Amer
can Legion. as passed unanimously last
: viii, were as follows
Nov. therefore, be 1t resolved, THAT
the American Legion. Department *
the District OF Columbia, petition the
President of the United States 20 issue
an executive order repeating executive
order No SS0l. with instructions 10 the
Civil Service and executive departments
and independent establishments Of the
Government situated in the District OF
Columbia and elsewhere 10 administer
the act OF July II. 1919. III accordance d.
with its intent as construed by the At
tOrneV General. as aforesaid "
Lieut. Col John Thomas Tayl2r or
the committee, To Sum no the whole
matter. YOUR contention, Mai. MEGA
han, is that the act Of july IL, 1919. Is
Stiil in existence and the executive
order Ne 1901 utilities this and sub
stituteS therefor preference Of 5 and 10
points without sufficient authority. and
that at the present time veterans who
have passed with q passing mark should
be exhausted on the register before
non-Service men should be selected Tor
appointment"
At a later meeting Of the advisory
committee (June 80 It Was reported
that of the Suhclerical men employed
In the post offices of the large cities. IN
San Francisco az per cent had military
preference. in Philadelphia only IL per
cent, in ST Louis % per cent, IN Chl~
eago IS per cent and in New YORK Only
per cent, Yet Gen Hines stated that
there are more ex-servtce men ~ the
New York area than In any other Sec
ton OF the United states"
1t would be interesting to discover
what Is the percentage OF service men
nov IN the various departments In
Washington, hat the number Ia not im-
medlately available,
Downright, 1Qss. b. PAni Y. colksna.h =