Evening star., 1932-12-17
THREE IN HOUSE ADD
FEDERAL WORKERS.
IN PAY CUT BATTLE
KvaIe, Lambertson and Con-
merry Pledge Their Help
at Mass Meeting.
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
ARE FROM ALL PARTIES
Officers of National Federation Also
Deliver Addresses at Session
Of Local Union.

Three members Of Congress, repre-
senting as many political faiths, last
night voiced support of the Government
workers in their fight against further
pay reduction.
At q mass meeting Of the District
Federation of Federal Employees Unions
the local branch of the National Fed
Grafton of Federal Employes-in the
Raleigh Hotel. Representatives Kvale
IF'armer-Labor) of Minnesota, Lambert
son (Republican) OF Kansas and Con-
merry (DemocraD of Massachusetts, de-
clared the agitation for lowering the
Government pay scale was backed by
the large business interests of the coun-
try and that it Is part of a general
wage-cut movement.
Luther C. Steward, president. and
Miss Gertrude McNally, Secretary-treas-
urer Of the National Federation, and
John Ginder. president of the District
Federation, were other speakers.
We don't want to set an example to
industry further to reduce wages when
they are already $l8.0OO.000.0O0 below
what they were in 1929" Representa-
tive Kvale, the first speaker, declared.
Says Farmers Against Cut.
He said also that the farmers are
inaSmuch as this cripples the buying
power of the worker and lessons the
demand for farm products.
Emphasizing that there is need for a
united front by labor In the present
situation, Kvale "deplored" the seces-
sion by the National Federation from
the American Federation of Labor Re-
calling the split Of year ago. he said
he hoped to see reconciliation.
Applause greeted his remarks.
Representative Lambertson discussed
the cut in postal workers pay. and said
there was horrible example at the
head of the Post Office Department for
economy and efficiency at a time like
this" in passing reference to an auto
mobile purchased by Postmaster Gen
eral Brown which had been un6er dis
cussion at House hearing.
Before Government pay is lowered,
the Kansan said, wartime prices" for
rent should come down, the Lowest
price for wheat in 200 years" should be
reflected in the cost of bread, and ship
subsidies should be cut
1T is the force of big business that
is articulate for the wage cut" he en-
phasiZed
Representative Connery. explaining
that his remarks were being addressed
to the radio audience, in view OF the
fact that the program was being broad
cast by WMAL, said that he wanted to
on the outside. he amplified, generally
hold to the belief that the great bulk
of Government workers are located in
Washington, while, as a matter Of fact
there are but $4,000 here and many
times that number scattered over the
rest of the country
And three-quarters of that number
here come from the States. and not
only spend their money in Washington
but are sending money back home to
help out the storekeepers there" the
speaker declared
Cites Overtime Workers
Connery also pointed to the many
Workers-such, for instance. as in Gus
toms and immigration service-Whose
day is 10 and II hours long. despite
the fact, he said, that they are being
paid for but eight.
The Bay State Representative as
sailed the National Economy League
as one of the groups instrumental in
ighting for cuts in Government pay
and veterans allowances. directing his
shafts at Rear Aomiral R. E. Byrd as
head of the league: Gen. James G.
Harbord and Young Archie Roose-
welt as sponsors of the movement.
Cut out the economy. If neces-
sary, put out $4,000. 100000 prosperity
loan and start somathing,' Connery
shouted
Miss McNally outlined the fi2ht of
the National Federation on restrictions
in the economy act, including compul-
sorry retirement and the marital clause,
and expressed the hope that some re-
lief would be obtained in the Senate.
the workers having lost on their first
test in the House.
Mr.. Steward told his hearers to do
their utmost best to get the facts as
to Government employees and Govern
ment work before the people Of the
country" He urged also that the Fed
eral workers support those brave
spirits" in public life who are fighting
for their cause
Mr.. Ginder presided at the meeting,
which brought out several hundred
members of the federation.