Evening star., 1933-12-29
BYRNES PREDICTS
PAY CUT REVISION
u. S. Workers Expected to
Get at Least 10 Per
Cent Back.

Government employees will get back
at least 10 per cent, and possibly all
the Is per cent pay cut at the coming
session of Congress, Senator Byrnes
Democrat of South Carolina, declared
upon his return to the Capital today.
The South Carolinian is one OF the
leading authorities in Congress on Gov
ernment economy legislation, having
played an important part in working
out details of the economy program at
the last session.
Senator Byrnes. however. avoided
making any prediction as to what the
President may be considering in regard
to pay restoration for the remaining
half Of the present fiscal year. under
the authority conferred on him by
Congress to modify or eliminate the
pay cut for the siX-month period on
the basis Of changes in commodity
price level. The present six-month
period ends Sunday. December 81.
Last-minute touches today were be-
ing applied to the cost Of living re-
port at the Department Of Labor and
it was expected that the data on which
Government employees base their hopes
for pay restoration will be whipped
into final shape tonight for presenta-
ton to President Roosevelt tomorrow
The department yesterday afternoon
received a reminder from the White
House that the report should be ready
tomorrow which is the last working
day of the year.
Capper Favors Restoration.
Senator Capper. Republican, of Kan
Sas, who returned to Washington yes
terday. also declared today he favors
restoration of the Is per cent Gov
ernment pay cut. He said:
II am very glad to learn that the
President is considering the question
of restoring to employees part or all of
the Is per cent deducted from their
salaries by the economy act. The ris-
ing costs of living and the inadequate
salaries paid SO many thousands of
Government workers in Washington
make it necessary that their wages
should be restored to normal at the
earliest possible date"
1t was pointed out at the Capitol to-
day that if any change should be made
in the amount of the pay cut for the
remaining six months of the current
fiscal year. from January to July. Con-
gress could provide in a deficiency bill
for any additional salary funds that
might be needed to take care Of such
a revised pay level for the last few
months of the fiscal year.
President Seen Strong.
Senator Byrnes was not ready today
to discuss what changes this session of
Congress may make in the other gen.
eral provisions Of economy laws, such
as the restrictions on promotions. fill
ing of vacancies. the married persons
clause and similar retrenchment poll
cies. In connection with the salary
question, however, he expressed the
view that if the pay cut on civilian per-
sonnel is restored, similar relief also
would be given the Army and Navy in
regard to salary schedules.
Commenting on the general outlook
for the approaching session, Senator
Byrnes said President Roosevelt's popu-
larity is stronger today than ever, and
that the coming session would be con-
fined largely to the administration pro-
gram. He mentioned the appropriation
bill, some railroad legislation, taxation
and stock exchange regulation as prob
lens that would come up. He also ex-
pressed the belief it would be we'll for
Congress to adjourn as soon as possible
after putting through essential legisla-
tion.
Senator Byrnes said the people of the
South spent the happiest Christmas
they have had in several years, and
that retail business is improving in that
section of the country