Evening star., 1942-01-20

hours of employees to be extended
during the emergency, and I am
proud of the wav the employees have
responded to this need. Many Of
them are working overtime. The
record of production in the navy
yards, the arsenals and other SINH
lar plants in which articles for war
are being produced makes us proud
of the loyalty Of our Federal workers.
Living Costs Studied.
The Bureau Of the Budget Is CIV
ing consideration to the effect Of
the increased cost of living upon
the Federal employees. 1t Is my
thought that no action upon this
question should be undertaken until
Congress has enacted the price-con-
troll bill. Then we will be able to
judge the problem in the light of
the amount of control that legisla-
ton will have upon prices. If
prices are to continue their rise,
certainly the salaries of Govern
mspt workers must be advanced.
In any event, this problem will have
careful study and will be consid-
cred In due course.
The improvements made in the
working conditions for those in the
Federal service have been the result
of favorable sentiment brought about
by organizations of the employees.
They have presented the facts to
the committees of the Congress.
They have co-operated with those
Of us who were interested in i'm
proving the operation of the Govern
ment. I am glad to commend these
organizations for the many helpful
things they have done. In most
cases they have had the benefit Of
wise leadership, they have been con-
Servative and have evidenced sin
cere interest in the welfare Of the
Government, as well as in tina. Of
the employees.
Last week we celebrated tAe seth
anniversary of the passage of the
original civil service law. 1t was
signed on January 16, 1888. At first
1t covered only a few of the en-
ployes. 1t has been extended from
time to time and now, as I have
stated, 1t covers almost 80 per cent
of the employees.
This law, which we like to call
the merit system, has resulted IN
better qualified persons seeking po-
sitions with the Federal Govern
ment because they saw opportunity
for making career of public serv-
ice. 1t has resulted in less govern
mental expense. 1t has meant more
efficient service to the public. -
Curbs Spoils System.
1t IS well known to all those ex-
perienced in politics that the cid
spoils system is wasteful and in
efficient, that it means more en-
ployes than needed. 1t also often
means that persons are placed in
positions where they must favor
certain firms or corporations with
contracts, and this often means
graft and waste of public funds.
Placing Federal employees under
the civil service has freed Senators,
members of Congress and other
officials from the political pressure
incident to appointments under the
spoils system. The time thus saved
can be devoted to giving the public
better service.
There is an erroneous opinion
held by many to the effect that civil
service employees cannot be dis
charged. That is far from the truth.
1t Is often more difficult to dis
charge political appointee because
the influence which secured the job
will protect the employe. This is
often true even though the erploye
is incompetent.
In the Federal service, any civil
service employe can be discharged
for proper cause. Each new en-
ploye must serve probationary
period during which discharge can
be had without cause. II therefore
Is a fact; thai no Incompetent per-
son can remain in tae Federal serv.
ice if the supervisory officials dc
theirsiuty.
We of the United States today
face our greatest testing period. We
have been through other Slcf
periods. There were dark days dur.
ing our early fight for freedom
Even darker days were confronting
us during the Civil War.
Grave Times Ahead.
In the first World War we made
many sacrifices and suffered many
losses. We came through all o.
those trials and went on to max.
this the greatest Of all nations.
Those tests, however, as I see 1t
were nothing to compare with th'
| task which we now must meet. Thi
is-an attempt at world revolution
an attempt to force upon the worlt
the theology of the dictators. I
is an effort to bend us to their vii
or to force slavery upon those wit
do not yield.
In this grave hour. each of us ha
q part to play. I believe that W
shall successfully meet the test n
matter how much it may cost.
I have faith in the employees o
the National Government and an
confident that they will in full meas
ure do their part to the end tina
o6 liberties may be preserved ant
that victory shall result from on
efforts.
Senator Mead'S Text.
Senator Mead:
I welcome the opportunity to ap
pear on The Star Radio Forum wit
my colleague and good friend, Rep
resentative Ramspeck.
think that it is extremely impor
tant for all of us Americans to uIl
derstand the problems which con
front the men and women who n