Evening star., 1937-09-11
Executive Council Plans to
Enlist Public in War
on Spoils.
SENIORITY PROMOTION
PRINCIPLE is INDORSED
Convention, Prior to Closing, Acts
After Controversy-Mandatory
Pay Increases Backed.
BY J. A. FOX,
6taff CORRESPONDENT of The Star.

NJ 1bAANor 1LLD, AL, oSptSIlDSl
1l.-Determination to carry the fight
against spoils and in behalf of the
merit system to "every city, town
and hamlet in the United States" was
announced here today by the Execu-
tive Council of the National Fedora
tion of Federal Employees, following
adjournment late yesterday of the
twentieth jubilee convention of the
organization.
Conforming to vote of the con-
vention, the council said an intensive
three-month organizing compaign
would be launched in October to
bolster its own strength for carrying
on the merit drive. The council
statement fiayed the ''rapacity" of
spoils advocates and added:
whether the merit principle is to
prevail, or whether the spoilsmen are
to continue in their successful forays,
In the final analysis depends upon
the people of the United States. The
needed legislation will not be enacted
by Congress until the people demand
such legislation. That has been
thoroughly demonstrated.
To Educate Public.
Therefore, the National Fedora
tion Of Federal Employees intends to
strain every resource to place the
facts before the whole people so
that the record of the next Congress
with respect to civil service will not
be the shameful disgrace of the last
session.
THAT the educational campaign
previously carried on by the National
Federation Of Federal Employees and
other interested organizations-amon
them the National Civil Service Re-
form League and the National League
OF Women Voters-has borne fruit
is evident in all polls taken, which
reveal that the public generally is
solidly behind the merit system as
opposed to spoils.
Nevertheless, public opinion has
not been sufficiently articulate or
forceful to gain from Congress the
needed legislative action"
The final convention session saw
large volume Of business transacted,
as delegates put forward proposals
for improving conditions in Federal
employment.
Seniority Promotions Endorsed.
One resolution which was adopted
despite some adverse comment, called
for promotions by seniority. Op-
ponents said this was not always
wise.
Other proposals supported were:
Salary increases at stated intervals;
additional pay for persons in lower
grades absorbing extra duties in the
absence Of those In higher brackets,
II their tour of duty exceeds six
months, and extension of classifica-
1ion act to all positions not covered.
The convention refused, however, to
back q plan for wage differentials
based on varying costs of living in
different communities.
There were several principles adopt
ed for strengthening personnel ad-
ministration, but the convention de-
clined to express preference as between
the present Civil Service Commission
and the single-headed administration
proposed by President Roosevelt to
replace 1t. Instead, it was held that
the Executive Council was best fitted
to deal with this problem when it
comes up for action in Congress.
Luther c. Steward, federation presi-
dent, favors the change.
Central Agency Indorsed.
Plans for central personnel agency
70 formulate and supervise personnel
policies was Endorsed with the recon-
mendation that it be part of civil serv-
ice machinery. 1t was urged also
that such a set-up make provision for
handling employe grievances and that
the advice Of the workers be obtained
In creating such an establishment.
An improved efficiency rating sys-
TEN also was advocated.
Holding the move of doubtful con-
stitutionality, the federation rejected
q resolution from Local II, of Wash
,ngton, composed Of colored employees,
TO provide that appointing officers be
required to take the top name from
civil service registers, instead of one
OF the first three. Edward c. Scott
president of the local, said the present
plan lent itself to discrimination. DR..
Howard A. Edison, former chief ex-
eminer of the Civil Service Commits
sion, said, however, that an Attorney
General had ruled that for Congress
TO order any single selection might
infringe on the rights OF appointing
officers in filling vacancies. and that
at least three names must be offered
70 provide a choice.
Labor Board Plan Rejected.
1t also rejected a proposal from
San Diego that the National Labo,
Relations Board be empowered to ham
die grievances of Federal employe,
growing out of working conditions
Steward pointed to the message from
President Roosevelt outlining tn.
rights OF Government workers anc
emphasized these could not be mad,
10 harmonic with the situation III
private industry.
Backing up criticism by women en-.
ployes of the Bureau of Engraving anc
Printing that the tendency there i
away from the promotion of womer
10 supervisory positions, the fedora
elon pledged TO work for change.