The Washington times., 1937-05-27
BY EARL J. MOsER

Peace of mind for Federal credit
unions, which claim a member
ship of more than 10000 Govern
ment employees in Washington anc
q similar number in the field, il
guaranteed by a bill introduced
BY Representative John j. Coch
ran, of Missouri, and favorably re
ported yesterday to the House.
The bill, approved by the House
Committee on Public Buildings
and Grounds, gives all credit
unions which are principally com
posed of Federal clerks the right
to occupy space within Govern
ment buildings without incurring
rental expenses. 1t tersely pro
videS:
"That upon application by
any Federal credit union, ma
jOrity of the shares of which
are subscribed for by officers
and employees Of the Federal
Government, to the officer or
agency of the United States
charged with the allotment of
space in the Federal Building in
the community or district in
which the union does business,
such officer or agency shall al
lot adequate space in such build
ing to such credit union. No
rent shall be charged for the
use Of such space, but a reason
able charge shall be collected
for heat, light, care, and Serv-
ices furnished to the union"
It is unlikely that the measure
will arouse any opposition from
any quarter, and unless it is
buried in the legislative shuttle it
should see enactment. 1t reverSeS
last December's decision by Acting
Comptroller General Elliott, in
which he was forced to rule that
credit unions were not entitled to
space in Government buildings be-
cause they are technically "pri-
vate enterprises"
Few agencies have enforced the
ruling. but it has stood as an ak
over the head Of the cooperative
borrowing movement.
Veterans would receive all they
ask of the Government service
should Congress enact legislation
urged yesterday by Millard w.
Rice, legislative representative of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, be-
fore the House Civil Service Com
nittee.
Rice stressed the values Of H.
R.6497, a document composed by
veterans interests under the spon-
sorship Of Representative Joe
StarneS, Alabama Democrat,
which was previously outlined in
this column. He proposed several
amendments, however, that would
do much to strengthen preference
regulations for those who have
served the country in time of
need.
:, One change would eliminate
the immaterial and academic
questions which the Civil Service
Commission is so often accused
OF putting in its tests. 1t provides
that "all requirements as to age,
height, weight, physical condi-
tion, educat tional background, pre-
viouS specified instruction, or the
attainment of any degree or GER
tificate from an educational in
Stitution" shall be waived in de-
termining qualifications of vet
Grams. Instead. they would be
rated on their actual knowledge
and ability to perform the duties"
OF the job sought.
Another amendment would pro-
vide that veterans turned down
for certification receive the reason,
and that Civil Service determine
whether the reason given by ap-
pointing officers is sufficient.
And before losing eligibility, a
veteran would have to be turned
down three times for reasons de-
termined to be sufficient.
Other changes in the bill pro-
vide for quarterly tests for vet
Grams for any job to which an
appointment has been made with
in three years, and for setting up
three classes of eligibles on any
unemployment list. The first and
preferred class would be veterans
with 10-point preference, then
would come those honorably dis
charged from armed services with
badges showing campaign service,
and the third class would consist
OF all others.
Rice held that preference to
veterans should be insured by
legislation for % far-sighted pa
triotiSm, CD long.sighted economy,
and 90 it is the equitable thing
to do. He pointed out that if vets
are sold down the river now, young
folks won't be so ready and willing
to enlist in the future. Also that
vets don't want pension as yet,
but will have to ask for one if
they can't get jobs.
ECONOMY-General Account.
ing Office will grant furloughs
to those within the 800 it is now
dismisSing who have efficiency
records worthy of the favor.
This agreement was obtained
yesterday by officials of the
g. A. o. Lodge of the A. F. G. E.
after q conference with officials
at the Old Pension Office Build.
ing, and would seem to show a
justification in the lodges fight
against economy despite the luke.
warm attitude charged to the ma
ttonal office of the A. F.G.E.
The Eair-minded policy allowed
by G. A. o. officers will allow
those who receive notices to regain