Evening star., 1942-02-13
Roosevelt
Continued From First Page)

accruing to their respective agen-
cies."
Problem Studied for Weeks.
The Chief Executive said his order
had been issued after several weeks
study Of the problem, but that no
estimate is yet possible for the total
number of persons that might be
involved in the reorganization.
Referring to suggestions that Ger
tain Government activities be cur
tailed, the President was emphatic
in asserting that the impetus and
approval for such arbitrary action
must come from Congress.
He complained that much general
lied advice or this issue has been
given freely but that almost invari-
ably there has been absence of spe-
ciflc proposals for curtailment of
agencies. He said he had discussed
some Of these broad suggestions with
one person who had sponsored them
and had been told the sponsor had
no precise recommendations.
AS an example Of the potential
curtailment, the President said he
cited the possibility of cutting down
on Federal meat inspection. II it
is the desire OF the Nation to relax
its supervision over the marketing
OF meat during wartime, he went on,
1t has the right to accomplish this
purpose through its elected officials
in Congress.
Will Wait on Congress.
For his part, he said emphatically,
he will not cut down on this Gov
eminent function unless directed to
do so by the legislative body.
There are dozens Of bureaus in
similar positions to the meat inspec-
ton agency, the President added
and Congress has the power and
the right to curtail them If 1t so de-
sires
In his discussion Of the N. Y. A.
and the C. c. c., Mr.. Roosevelt en-
phasized that the rolls Of both have
been decreased since the war began
and that their membership is VOL
untary. In addition to its rehabilita-
ton accomplishments, he said the
c. C. C. has been q greatly valued
agency for fire protection and con-
servation Of forest resources.
The benefits accruing to World
War veterans from enrolment In the
c. C. C. were described by Mr.
Roosevelt as humane and right.
Text of Memorandum.
The text of the Presidents men,
orandum to all departments and
agencies follows:
The voluntary extension of the
work week to A hours by practical
ly all agencies throughout the de-
partmental and field services OF the
Government has greatly augmented
the man hours of Federal employ
ment.
This substantial increase in the
work week has provided material
relief for those agencies which were
understaffed to meet their increased
work load under the defense pro-
gram and calls for a resurvey OF
personnel requirements during the
remainder of this fiscal year and fol-
the fiscal year 1943. Obviously
those agencies which were adequate
ly stated on the basis of the &c.
hour week. and are not confronted
with an increase in work programs
are now overstaffed.
1T is imperative that this man
power be Immediately capitalized
and effectively channeled into de.
fense work This means that agency
heads must survey every operationa
activity and determine those EN-.
ployes who may be promptly re-
leased for employment in other
agencies. Particularly in Washing
ton this action must be expedited in
order to help meet the shortage In
personnel and housing and to avoid
as far as possible bringing new en-
ployes into the city. To the extent
that experienced personnel can thu,
be obtained the housing situation in
Washington will be helped and the
demand for office space decreased.
II have instructed the director OF
the Bureau of the Budget, in CO.
operation with the executive depart