The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-05-07
BY ]. EARLE MOSER

much chance of passage for the
Federal personnel measure in
formally decided upon by an 81
vote of the House Civil Service
Committee yesterday.
First they pointed out. the prin.
cipal of competitive examination
is in direct opposition to the
recommendation of the President
from the Brownlow investigation.
Second, the enormous expense
entailed in open competitive tests
of any sort will probably prove
terrific barrier if the present
economy hysterial' now fashion
able in both House and Senate
continues which seems likely.
Third, the opposition against
the amendment ousting those
from States in excess of appor-
tionment quotas will probably be
larger than expected by propo-
nents Of this section of the meas
ure.
In hearings held on the bill dur
ing February, practically every
Government agency which was
represented upheld the non-com-
petitive method Of testing recon-
mended by the Brownlow report,
for practical reasons alone. Two
employee organizations admitted
that open competitive exams
would be nearer the ideal" but
added that noncompetitives in
this case would probably work out
best. Another lobbyist went so
far as to advocate straight blank
citing.
Consequently, with administra-
tive support added to these pleas,
the measure is expected to be
either sidetracked or drastically
amended when, if ever, it reaches
the House floor. And providing
it remains "as is"
On top of these objections, the
Civil Service Commission has de-
clared that any attempt to COM
pei competitive examinations
would cost far more money than
the commission now has available.
Some estimates place it at mini
mum Of five million dollars, others
higher. That will not be swal-
lowed easily by economy-minded
legislators. whose number Is legion.
Lastly, the provision placing all
Federal posts in the District I'M
der apportionment will affect IL
States. Persons from any of them
who have been efficiently working,
perhaps, for four or five years,
would be unable to retain their
jobs even though they passed an
examination with flying colors.
This means the legislative dele
cations OF those dozen States will
be in direct opposition to such an
amendment, supported by agencies
which fear to have their personnel
draStically turned over, and they
will probably combine to create a
tremendous pressure.
Unless amended at the next
meeting Of Chairman Ramspeck's
Committee. here's the concise
effect of the merit system" bill
as repeatedly agreed upon by yes
terday's vote:
Force every mon policy" or ex-
copied employee in emergency
agencies to undergo examination
in competition with hundreds of
thousands throughout the coun-
try, the incumbents, however, re-
ceiving two points if they pass the
test for every year Of service to
their credit. CA worker with five
years, making 10, would thus have
a mark of 3d.
Give those who aren't tested in
two years the right to non-com-
petitive quiz.
Reserve field positions for those
living in the State within which
the office needing employees is
located. probably an excellent
idea)
Deny continued tenure to those
in over-quota States. including the
District Of Columbia.
Although no provision looms to
allay the huge cost, the idea Of
experience credits in the tests
takes some of the sting out Of the
measure for present emergency
appointees. They are at least
given break" over the inexpe-
rienced aspirant who is out after
their job.
Regardless of the action of the
House Civil Service group, E.
Claude Babcock declared that en-
ployes' interests are more press
ingly attached to the danger of
an imminent pay cut, saying that
"Soporifics have been used on per-
sonnet to the effect that before
they wake up they'll have been
hurt severely" The United States
Civil Service Employees leader yes
terday issued this statement:
This afternoon l received a
very disappointing letter from
Senator James F. ByrneS, of
South Carolina. After the SEN
atOr's radio speech of the other
evening, / wrote him explain
ing that in many offices pay
slashes by furIOughs and unpaid
overtime, as well as layOffS
would result from the adoption
of his proposal to cut all apprO-
priatiOns 10 per cent.
ut alec VonuaStad HE aEgIIR.