The Washington times., 1936-12-29

Every day The Times publishes pic
lures and Biographical sketches Of Gov
eminent workers well known to col
leagues within the service. Federalites
and members Of Government organize
lions interested in such photos should
contact the writer In the editorial room
branch 80. News items phOned In may
win q weekly prize.
Sponsors of credit unions with
in the Government service today
are keeping their fingers crossed
and hoping no real trouble will
arise from a recent decision Of the
Acting Comptroller General.
The decision, revealed some days
ago when the National Legislative
Council Of Federal Employe Or
carnations dispatched a plea for
aid to President Roosevelt, ruled
that credit unions may not have
office space within Federal build
ings, either by outright gift or as
a rental proposition.
It was directed at the Postal
Employees Credit Union, Inc, and
in answer to q query from postal
officials regarding office space
given the union at the post office
at Oakland, Calf, declared that
the donation was absolutely illegal.
Under the law, Acting Comptroller
General Richard N. Elliott had no
choice to rule otherwise, and in
consequence his decision was kept
mum officially, was not released
for the usual publication, and ap.
peared only in a news letter issued
by the Post Office Department.
Inasmuch as the credit union
controversy does not touch upon
Government cash expenditures,
some officials have held that the
G. A. o. ruling will have no
power to restrict activities of
credit unions. There would be no
vouchers or disbursements for the
Acting Comptroller General to re-
fuse to certify. On the other hand,
however, it IS feared in some
quarters that departmental Of
ficialS will bear down, taking their
cue from "the letter of the law"
and GUST the mutual organizations.
To date, however, there has
been no definite action by Off
Gals. Upon definite request, the
General Accounting Office said
the decision affected only the
Post Office, and that credit
unions in other departments
should not be disturbed. They
haven't been, so far, and are con-
tinuing to occupy the modest
space which they need.
It is estimated that the Gov
eminent service throughout the
country has more than 200 credit
unions in operation among en-
ployes, and they have proven of
immense benefit. Workers are
able to borrow when necessary
and at the same time have in
vestments safely placed. Losses,
by the union, are almost non
existent.
The unions have not elimi-
mated the well known Federal
loan shark, which exists in every
office and charges a fee Of from
81 down to a quarter for the use
OF S. for two weeks-with proper
tionate rates for higher favors-
because the loan shark exists
principally for those who gamble.
For stable and necessary aid,
however, the unions have proven
their need fully. Should it be-
come necessary, it is likely that
official space will be asked on
the ground that they are a vel
fare activity, many of which are
allowed locally in departmental
buildings sans any charge. And
II necessary record books and
meetings could be switched to
the home Of some officer, as is
now done by various organiza-
tons attractive to workers.
The maritime strike has caused
quite a bit Of trouble for Govern
ment offices located on the West
Coast. In San Francisco, it was
reported today, one units field Of
flee has been greatly impeded in
its receipt of supplies, shipments
Of equipment requiring water
transport still being awaited.
Lodge No. 20 of the American
Federation Of Government EN-
ployes. composed of workers at st.
Elizabeths Hospital, announced to-
day:
"The employees Of st. Eliza
bethS Hospital have been greatly
benefited by working condi-
lions affected by the Civil Serv-
ice Act. This act was passed by
Congress, January Is, 1883, fifty
and four years ago, January 16,
next.
TN recOgnizance of its integ-
rity, in support Of its cOntinu-
ance, in recognition Of its many
benefits, in celebration of its an
ntverSary, to keep ever in mind
the benefits Of its extension,
and to soIemnize our aVOWal Of
obedience to its mandates, we
shall fore ga thar tn dn ~ Inovn0r