Evening star., 1937-08-08
Divergent Views Expressed.

At yesterdays hearing widely di-
vergent views we're expressed by wit
nesses on the civil service feature Of
the bill, which includes also a pro-
gram to bring the thousands of nom
civil service positions throughout the
Government, under the merit system,
and build career service in the Gov
eminent.
At the request of Senator Byrd, who
is arguing for consultations and elm
nations, and opposes the plan to
shift control OF the independent
agencies it was decided to call to-
morrow the chairmen OF the Inter-
state Commerce Communica tions.
Federal Trade and Federal Power
Commissions. TO ask how these
agencies would be affected.
1t was then that Senator Byrnes.
Democrat, of South Carolina. who sue
ceeded Senator Robinson in the chair
manship, announced all-day hearings
would be held
The bill under consideration lists
as independent agencies subject to the
proposed change, legislative courts,
Board of Tax Appeals, those groups
to be studied tomorrow and me Coal.
Securities and Exchange, Martins
Commissions and the National Labor
Relations Board.
Congress Keeps Consent Power.
The bill authorizes the President by
executive order TO transfer to an execu-
tive department any OF the routine
administrative and executive functions
of any independent establishment
which are common to other agencies
of ths Government. such as the prepa-
ration of estimates Of appropriations,
the appointment Of personnel and
maintenance of personnel records, the
procurement OF material, supplies and
equipment, the accounting for public
funds, the rental Of quarters and re-
lated matters.
Under the bill when the President
issues an executive order relating TO
the transfer, consolidation or abolish
ment of agencies, the order must be
submitted TO Congress 10 become effec-
tive in so days If Congress is in ses-
sion, otherwise the executive order
does not become effective for so DAYS
after Congress reconvones-this is to
give Congress an opportunity TO pass
law prohibiting the change.
Principal support for the pending
bill yesterday came from Luther C.
Steward, president of the National
Federation of Federal Employees. It
was attacked by Charles I. StengIe,
president of the American Federation
Of Government Employees, and H. Eliot
Kaplsn, secretary of the National
Civil Service Reform League.
Steward said his organization be-
lieves the bill which was sponsored
by Senator Robinson. despite certain
imperfections, represents long step
forward toward the goal OF a merit
system Federal service which will op-
crate efficiently and effectively for the
public" He was emphatic in spprov-
ing the administrator plan for civil
service as move toward greater eff
cheney.
Clear Definition Sought. '
The N. r. r. e. head urged "a verv
clear definition Of the meaning of
policy making positions, which are
not scheduled to be brought under
civil service, saying the number should
be small. The proposal to make heads
Of bureaus subject TO presidential sp-
pointment was criticized by Steward,
who said it as "a clear concession to
the spoilS system"
Stengel was sharp in his attack, de-
claring the plan would develop
''spoils system more obnoxious than
that which existed before the present
civil service system, and would throw
the Government service into a State
of constant anxiety and disorder" He
added the measure would forever
blast our hopes for career service"
StengleS argument was along the
line Of a recent statement In which
he declared the measure was full of
contradictions.
Kaplan condemned the personnel
provisions as vague and contradic-
tory"
There are some good features In
the bill, but we are frankly disap.
pointed he said. Kaplan declared
also that liberal Interpretation of the
measure would provide no real ex-
tension of the merit system"