Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-13
Capital Sidelights
ny WILL p. KENNEDY.

The recent discussion of the merits
Of civil service retirement legislation,
with the Dale-Lehlbach bill to liberalize
and more nearly equalize the benefits
under the retirement act to meet needs
shown by the actual working OF this
law, has Aroused Nationwide interest
in the superannuated veterans who
have given the best years of their life,
by scores, to special important work In
building up the Federal service for the
benefit OF all the people. There is in
terest to know who is the Oldest en-
ploye in length Of service as well as age,
and to know of the various ways in which
Superannuated employees have given re-
markable service by devotion to duty
for many decades.
The writer recently called attention
to Henry L. Bryan, editor Of the laws
Of Congress, who was formerly private
secretary to Thomas F. Bayard, Secre-
tary of State in the cabinet of Grover
Cleveland, who was pointed out by
Tyler bennett, historical adviser to the
Department OF State, as a veteran pub
lie servant whose place it will be ex-
tremely difficult to FILL "For more than
80 years he has done his work because
he loves it-he makes the Government
service honorable" Mr.. bennett told
the House appropriations committee.
Recently, also, attention was directed
to the Oldest employe In the municipal
government OF the National Capital, DR..
William Tyndall. aged S6, Civil War
veteran, who has been an active worker
in the Capital for 81 years, and who
VIII automatically retire in August. He
Is the author OF q standard history Of
Washington City.
There are other octogenarians with
remarkable careers In the Government
service who have kept the wheels of the
Federal machinery running smoothly
for many years, whose praises have not
been publicly sung, but who have taken
pride in their jobs and who will be
Sorely missed when the date of their
retirement comes. For example, there
is Edmund E. Schriner, now in his
eighty-third year, still full OF vigor and
the spirit of youth, amazingly active
after 81 continuous years In the service
OF the Government. He was born in
l047 in Gettysburg, Pa, and his family
removed to the Capital City one year
later.
In 1853, when heswas 1e years Of age,
he entered the service of the War De-
partment, during the Civil War, and
was relieved In December, 1867, for a
short period only, for on the LIST Of the
AOtOWAAb ECbLuuEy uC again ChDCIcN
the service, this time in the Treasury
Department. One month later, on
March /, he was transferred from the
division OF appointments to the Bureau
OF the Currency Gas 1t was called at
that time), under Director Hulburd.
Mr.. Schriner has remained in the
office of the Controller of the Currency
from that day to this. He now occu-
pies the position Of superintendent of
the redemption division, which office he
has held for many. years under sue
cesSive Controllers Of the Currency.
According to the provisions of the re-
tirement law as at present in force, Mr..
Schriner, who Is still extraordinarily Wig
orouS and active in his eighty-third
year, is scheduled for retirement in
August next, after having received sew
eral extensions Of time, due to his abil
ity to perform all Of the duties as head
Of the division. which has large per-
sonnet and an intensified daily schedule
of work. 49,. -......,