Evening star., 1942-01-31
.CurfewSponsor
ToAsk Probe Of
Typists' Work
Letter Check Sought
In U. S. Offices to See
If Girls Earn Pay


The number of letters typed by
Government Stenographers would
be the subject of a check by a
special investigating COMMITTEES
under a proposal announced to-
day by Representative Wilson,
Republican, of Indiana, who yes
terday advocated a 10 pm. cur
few for feminine Federal workers
here.
Mr.. Wilson revealed his intention
to ask such an inquiry after de-
claring the curfew suggestion al
ready had brought results in several
ofilces, with clear-eyed, fresh-look-
ing young women reporting ready
for work from the first minute.
He said a resolution calling for
establishment of the special COM
mittee would be introduced after a
conference with Chairman Lanham
of the House Public Buildings and
Grounds Committee Mr.. Wilson
explained the check on letters writ
ten would aid in determining
whether workers were earning their
salaries. He said he did not wish
it done by the Civil Service Com
mission because of that agencys
close association with affairs of the
workers.
Favors Decentralization.
The Indiana Representative also
disclosed he favored mass decen-
tralization, and urged particularly
that the Agriculture Department be
moved to the Midwest, where, he
said, it would be in better position
to serve farmers
Mr.. Wilson said an important
War Department official called him
to report marked improvement in
the early-morning work of girls un-
der his supervision. From some
feminine Government workers. how
ever. came emphatic expressions of
displeasure over the curfew sugges-
ton, and some girls said they were
ready to resist any such plan.
He told me they came in looking
fresh and rested, wide-eyed, with
their lipstick on, and ready to go
to work" the curfew sponsor said,
Il have had other reports that en-
courage me to hope that a curfew
law may not be necessary and that
the big majority of woman Govern
ment workers will have the good
sense to adjust themselves to war
conditions here without being put
under a law ban"
IF / do introduce a curfew bill,
the hour will have to be determined
after conferences as result of a
hearing on the subject" he ex-
planned. IF we do invoke such q
law, it must be one that will be
effective and can be enforced"
Mr.. Wilson added he intended to
watch developments and would
welcome reports concerning Office
conditions. including any instances
of work being permitted to pile up
to provide show of being busy and
over stating He said he would
introduce whatever corrective legis-
lation seemed appropriate.
Criticizes Might Life"
The curfew was advocated by Mr..
Wilson at hearing before the Pub
lie Buildings and Grounds Commit
tee. at which he indicated that
night life in Washington was too
much for the Government girls
that they came to work in the
morning "woozy." without break
fast and the conventional makeup,
and took working time to apply cos
metics while at the office.
The Buildings and Grounds Com
mittee has under consideration two
bills authorizing an appropriation
of $50 100000 to relieve Washing
toms acute housing shortage by
building homes for Government
workers and providing the necessary
public works for the newcomers.
Mr.. Wilson said he personally be-
lieved the housing shortage could
be alleviated if the people of WASH
ington opened up their homes to
the war workers.
Il wouldn't feel patriotic with an
extra bedroom in my house" he
declared.
Mr.. Wilson said he and his wife
occupy an apartment having a COM
bination bedroom and living rom.
q bath and kitchenette.
Proposal Angers Some Girls.
Meanwhile, the curfew proposal
brought mixed reactions from Uncle
Sans feminine employees. with the
majority indicating they will resist
any attempt to control their activ-
tiles after working hours.
What is Representative Wilson
talking about" snapped Miss Sylvia
Matthews. War Department en-
ploye. on reading the newspaper ac-
count.
Il stay up as late as I want to
&C.. /,YrD UIvIT nn1a AoN