Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1933-04-23
RETIRED OFFICERS
MAY ENTER CAMPS
Reforestation Work Pro-
posed Study of Retrench-
ment Plan Made.

While steps were being taken yes
terday to whip into shape legislation
to carry out the new economy pro-
gram tied up with the Independent
offices appropriation, it developed that
President Roosevelt intends using in
the reforestation camps at least some
of the 1000 Army officers scheduled
for retirement under the proposal ad-
vanced by the Budget Bureau as part
of the general retrenchment scheme.
Already Reserve officers have been
called into active service in these
camps, established as an unemploy-
In this same connection, it was made
known at the White House that the
retirements, which would put those
affected on q half-pay status. are not
designed to be permanent, but more
in the nature of furlough.
Study Retirement.
At the Capitol, Budget Director Doug
las and Chairman Buchanan Of the
House Appropriations Committee, spent
some time going over the proposed leg
islation, especially that section which
would retire automatically all civilian
employees who had 80 years service.
Afterwards, Mr.. Buchanan said it was
hoped to work this out in a modified
form satisfactory to all concerned. AS
it stands, it would get more than $4,000
workers below the statutory retire
ment ages, including many renowned
scientists and others holding impor-
tant posts.
Chairman Buchanan expressed con-
fidence that the Appropriations Com
mittee would support such wording as
would promote efficiency in the Govern
ment Offices, while at the same time
treating humanely the employees, with
fair consideration of their reasonable
expectations under the civil service and
retirement acts
The deficiency subcommittee. also
headed by Buchanan, which has been
conducting hearings on the independent
Offices estimates, authorized the chair
man to confer with the Budget direc-
tor, after considerable criticism had
been made of the proposed section in
its present form. Several substitutes
were discussed, including one to grant
discretionary power to the President,
but some members Of the committee
felt that would simply be giving whole
sale authority to the various administra-
tive officers.
Hines Questioned.
Gen. Frank T. Hines, head Of the
Veterans Administration, was before the
committee yesterday and closely ques-
toned regarding the slashed appropria-
lions for veterans relief work. He was
asked in view of his long service In the
Army and his experience as head OF the
Veterans Administration if he consid-
cred the estimates now before the COM
mittee to be fair to the veterans
throughout the country. His reply was
that In the light Of present Industrial
and economic conditions he thought
them eminently fair.
Application had been made by q rep
resentative of the American Legion to
be present during Gen. Hines testimony
with the right to answer him. but the
committee denied this request, on the
ground that 1t would start . con-
troversy.
At 1890 tomorrow the committee will
hear representatives of the employees,
spokesman appearing in behalf Of the
American Federation of Government
Employees, affiliate of the American
Federation Of Labor, and from the rival
(Oorf9nuor; a., page 0 Column 61