Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-17

lContmued FROM First PageD
comparison Is that while the Govern
ment rates for positions In the clerical
administrative and fiscal service are
comparatively liberal in the lower
grades, the difference Is less in each
successive grade and 1t entirely disap-
pears in grade 4. From that point on
the government rates are increas-
ingly liberal"
The first conclusion presented in the
boards partial report is that there is
need for a classification system and CO.
ordinated control in the field services
Although in most cases the various de-
partments have endeavored to adjust
pay rates in the field to conform as
nearly as practicable to the rates for
similar sreVices under the classification
act in the District, the board states In
its report that "it is apparent that this
authority has not resulted in con-
sistent and equitable system Of alloca-
lions, either within the organizational
lines in each department, comparing
one field station with another. or across
the organizational lines of field
services"
Inadequacy Of Titles.
There are other recommendations to
the effect that the titles of field posi-
lions are not adequate for personnel
record purposes, and that the prompt
and scientific recruiting Of field en-
ployes is difficult under existing con-
ditionS.
Although this Is but partial and
incomplete report of the survey the data
transmitted yesterday made up four
books containing hundreds of typewrit-
ten pages. 1t was referred. to the Sen
ate civil service committee for study.
together with the letter of transmittal
nv G. C. Van Ieer, chairman Of the
Personnel Board, in which he asked
that the board be allowed until the
next regular session conyenes to make
It's final report. w H.. McReynolds also
has taken an active part in the survey
The letter of transmittal, which
outlined the magnitude of the task con-
fronting the board in gathering the
necessary information for a classical
ton of the field service, follows:
1.-THE Personnel Classification Board
was directed by section of the act
approved May 90 1928. commonly
referred to as the WEIGH act. to make
a survey of positions In the several
field services of the Federal Govern
ment exclusive of the postal service,
foreign service and employees In the
mechanical and drafting groups. whose
wages are now or have heretofore been
fixed by wage boards or similar au-
thority,' and to submit a report to Con-
gress at the current session, including
classification plan and compensation
schedules, and recommending method
of administration.
1.-THE positions involved In this survey,
numbering approximately 100000, are
distributed over the 48 States. insular
possessions and foreign countries. The
activities covered are diversified and
comprise practically every form OF
human endeavor. The economic prob
lem to be dealt with in determining
satisfactory basis for q plan OF COM
pensation and wage rates are very
complex.
Report Only Preliminary.
"On account of the scope of the
problem, the wide geographical diStribu-
ton Of the positions, the diversity of
occupations, and the range of economic
factors to be studied. 1t has not been
possible. Notwithstanding that every
effort has been put forth, for the board
to complete Its survey, make thorough
analysis Of the facts collected, and de-
velop classification. compensation and
administrative plans, and submit final
report to Congress during this session.
The board, therefore, must limit its
submission to Congress at this time to
preliminary report. which Is trans
Initted herewith, setting out in some
detail the scope of the problem, the
principles and procedure it has followed
In prosecuting the survey, and includ-
ing such fact material as is now in pre-
sentable form and can be made avail
able for examination and study. A
1t Is apparent that in the present