Evening star., 1948-04-21


are the military agencies, espe-
cially the Army Department. The
complaints of these departments
that the national defense effort is
being hampered because Of the
stenographic shortage is believed
to have prompted the commits
sions decision to lower the dicta-
ton requirements.
Commission officials point out that
the thousands of applicants who
have flunked their tests may once
more apply for jobs. And new
comers, too, may take the eXamina-
tions. The starting salary is $2,168
a year.
X II II
REST IN PEACE-A House Civil
Service Subcommittee has killed the
Senate-approved bill, which would
have required veterans to make a
passing grade in civil service exami-
nations before they could have been
given veterans preference in COM
peting for Government jobs.
After the bill won the Senate's
approval, high hopes were held for
the measures chance Of being en-
acted into law. But the strong
objections of most of the veterans
organizations resulted in the House
subcommittee shelving the bill.
The subcommittee says it has
postponed action on the bill "for
further study" But that is just
another way of saying the bill won't
be taken up again during this ses-
sion of Congress. Proponents of
the measure will have to start all
over again in both the House and
Senate next year if they want to
continue the fight.
The bills supporters fought hard
for the measure, contending that
the present system hurt the merit
system and Disseminated alike
against veterans and nonveterans
who were able to pass their exanli-
nations.
But their arguments in the sub
committee were drowned out in the
loud clamor made by veterans
groups against the measure.
ON IT'S WAY-Another impor-s
tant measure, however, did win the.
subcommittee approval. Headed by
Representative Vursell, Republican,
of Illinois, the subcommittee ap-
proved the bill to give the Civil
Service Commission the power to
enforce its appeal findings against
Government agencies.
Government employees now may
appeal their observation-disclosures and
other job actions taken against them
by their agencies. But even II the
commission rules in their favor, the
agencies aren't bound to accept the
commissions findings and recon-
mendations
This measure would make the
commissions decisions mandatory
on the bureaus. 1t already has been
approved by the Senate, and full
House Civil Service Committee ap-
proval is expected tomorrow. The
House is expected to pass the meas
ure speedily and sent it to the
White House.
FEDERAL CAFETERIAS The
Senate Civil Service Subcommittee
which has been investigating the
affairs of Government Services, Inc,
will meet In executive session to-
morrow.
The subcommittee Is expected to
start its work on drafting legislation
to improve the present Federal en-
ployes' cafeteria setup
GSI operates more than so Gov
ernment cafeterias and snackbars
here. The subcommittee has been
been sharply critical Of some phases
of the nonprofit corporations
activities. Committee sources say
some drastic" changes in the pres
ent Government cafeteria system
are embodied In the proposed legis-
lation.
The subcommittee is headed by
Senator Baldwin, Republican, OF
Connecticut.
\
GOOD NEWS-Here's some good
news for State, Commerce, Justice.
Labor Department and Federal
Security employees.
It's reported that House conferees
on the State te-Commerce-Justice and
Labor Federal Security 1949 appro-
priations bills will not insist TOO
strongly on adhering to the original