Evening star., 1928-03-28
LEADERS DISCUSS
PAY INCREASE BILL
At WHITE HOUSE
WeICh and Annuity Measures
Studied-LehIbaCh Awaits
New Figures.
SUCCESS OF RAISE PLAN
APPEARS ASSURED
Democratic New York Members Is
sue Statement Favoring
Proposal.

Both the Wclch bill establishing a
minimum salary of 81 500 in the Gov
eminent service. and the retirement bill.
fixing maximum annuity of $1,000
were discussed during conference at
the White House today attended by
Chairman Lehlbach Of the House civil
service committee and Senator Curtis.
MIR Lehlbach said that as a result OF
this White House conference he has re-
ceiyed no intimation to alter his course
in regard to either Of these measures
He intends TO make a report as soon as
possible in favor of the liberalized re-
tirement measure as directed by the
House committee. He explained that this
report has been delayed because he
wishes to use in it corrected figures in
regard to the cost Of retirement.
Revaluation Under Way
The board of actuaries on the retire
ment fund are now making a reValu-
alton.
Previously they have not taken into
consideration the saving TO the tUutt
which results from many Of those
reaching the retirement age who con-
tinue for probationary periods in the
Federal service This results in a con-
siderable reduction in the cost Of re-
tirement. SO that any report made not
including these figures would be 10 thG
disadvantage of the employees. Mr.
Lehlbach said he hopes TO receive the
revaluation figures In about week.
Mr. Lehlbach also stated that the
House civil service committee will Civ
u 10 IN ha
bill. on which extensive hearings have
becn held. and in favor Of which at
least one-third Of the members Of the
House have voluntarily testified. Just
as soon as all Of the essential data Is
before the committee.
House Ready TO Approve.
Unless there is administrative oppo-
stion. 1t Is the general conviction among
members OF the House that the WEIGH
bill viii be favorably reported with
amendments The House Is ready 10
vote by an overwhelming majority In
favor of the minimum salary provision.
but IL is expected that the bill win be
amended regarding the classification
provisions under which salary increases
ot $500 and s4O0 are provided through
out the entire service, with the excep-
trades In the navy yards
Twenty-Five members Of the Demo-
cratic delegation from New Yerk IN he
House Of Representative tooay iseEed
q formal statement indorsing Ia WEIGH
bill 10 grant increased wages to "m-
ployes Of the Federal Government. in
cludinF a minimum wage Of ST. 800,
They filed a petition with the House
civil service committee. Which has been
conducting hearings on the Welch bill.
saying
we sincerely uree Jour committee TO
report The biil with their approval 10
the House
Want Living Wage.
We have long been neglectful Of the
welfare Of these faithful and efficient
employees, and this legislation, tardy
though IL is should be passed without
United States Government should re-
ceive and Is entitled 10 compensation In
keeping with the salaries being paid by
private business, salary not only COM
mcnSurate with the cost OF living, but
also that viii permit the employe TO live
up 70 the American standards OF living.
to rear his family To own his home, and
TO provide for his old age
Those signing this petition were
Representatives Kindred. Lindsay. Gull
len, Black. SomeFs, Quayle, CaTley,
. Connen. Celler. prall. Dickstein.
Sullivan, Sirovich. Boylan. OConnor.
Cohen. Carew Bloom. Weller. Grimm,
Oliver. Fitzpatrick, Corning Jacobstein
and Mead