Evening star., 1928-05-29
RETIREMENT HOPES
K|LLEDFORSESS|ON
Vote to Adjourn Spells Doom
for Employees Legis-
lati0n.

The last faint hope for passing the
Lehlhach bin TO liberalize the Civil Sery-
ice retirement system went glimmering
today with the decision to adjourn to-
night.
Although the measure finally reached
the stage where the resolution to give
1t privileged status was unanimously
reported from the rules committee,
President Coolidge Is understood to have
definitely instructed House leaders that
1t was his desire that the bill should
be allowed to fail.
One Final Furry.
But there was one final furry before
Its DEATH Representatives O'Conner OF
New York and Moore, Democrat, oi
Virginia, questioned Chairman Smell Of
the rules committee as to why the reso-
luton reported by the rules committee
to give preferential consideration TO the
retirement measure had not been called
up.
The opportunity came when Mr. Smell
presented O resolution providing for a
special committee Of i've members, To
be appointed by the Speaker, TO iy1veS-
tigate campaign expenditures, with an
authorized expense account OF 10000.
Representative O'Connor asked why
this resolution was called up when the
retirement resolution had been held up
for approximately a week. Mr.. O'Con-
nor asked If Mr. Smell did not think
the retirement resolution affecting hum
dreds Of thousands of Government ern-
pioyes was more important. IF
wanted to be demagogic, would prob
LII, - 6nA NNr IYa
stated that during 13 years that he
has been a member Of the House he
has never INDUCED in "demagogic ut
terances on the floor and does not In
tend 10 do so now"
Representative O'Connor then asked
how about the action In voting this
resolution out Of your committee?" MFR.
Smell declined to discuss the question
any further.
Representative Moore then took up
the argument In behalf Of the Govern
ment employees, and asked why the re-
solution had not been called up. Mr..
Smell answered, Because haven't seen
At TO do so," Mr.. Moore insisted, Why
hasn't the gentleman seen fit TO call
UP the resolution"
Mr.. Smell answered, That's as far
as care TO go at this time"
Delayed In Committee.
Chairman Lehibach OF the House
civil service committee, had the task
during the session OF keeping the
measure delayed as long as possible In
his committee.
When pressure from home districts
became so strong and insiStent that
some action was necessary, however,
members OF the civil service committee
we're given a hearing before the House
rules committee. At this hearing 1t
was emphasized that the retirement
system is already costing the Govern
nlent $40 .000, 900 year for the next 80
years. which would be increased TO
$50. .000,000 a year II the liberalized bill
wan passed, and that thereafter the
Government would pay approximately
SIS, 100000 a year, OF which $4,000, 900
would be on account OF the liberalized
features.
The action OF the rules committee
made House Leader Tilson and Chair
man Smell OF the rules committee q
storm center for friends OF the Govern
ment employees who we're making last
desperate drive to- force this measure
through at the present session. They
were obliged 10 carry the responsibility
OF not allowing the bill 10 come up for
/ vote In the House, They felt that they
represented the views of the President,
however. and The policy OF the Repub-
li.1an majority.
THE Republican leadership felt. It is
said, that IL should call halt on the
proposal TO increase the retirement ex~
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