Evening star., 1952-05-23
Truman Again Asks
Civil Service Status
For u. ). Postmasters

Congress once more to approve re-
organization plans that will give
civil service status to postmasters,
customs officials and United States
The Presidents recommendation
was included in a brief message
which he sent to Capitol Hill along
with the annual report of the
Civil Service Commission.
Mr.. Truman also asked again
for unemployment compensation
for Federal employees. He said
also there should be provision for
more higher grade appointments
in the Federal service.
Text of Message.
His message said:
Il am transmitting herewith the
annual report of the Civil Service
Commission for the fiscal year
ended June 80, 1851. Our national
defense effort has necessitated a
rapid, temporary expansion in
Federal employment, particularly
in the three military departments
Adapting the civil service system
to meet these emergency condi-
tlons has involved many difficult
problems. Nevertheless, I directed
that the temporary expansion OF
the civil service be accomplished
TO the maximum extent possible
on the basis of open competitive
examinations. I am pleased that
the Civil Service Commission has
performed a highly creditable ioh
IN this regard, although I am most
desirous that the method of max
ing appointments through the
competitive merit system be
strengthened and extended as rap
idly as conditions permit.
In meeting the urgent per-
sonnet needs of the Federal service
the Civil Service Commission has
drawn increasingly upon women
older workers and the physically
handicapped. / am glad to note
too. that veterans constituted an
proximately so per cent of replace
mentS made during the last fiscal
year. With respect to the legisla-
tive recommendations contained
IN the commissions annual re-
port, I should like to call atten-
ton to some of the measures
which will be of especial value in
strengthening the civil service
system.
Recruitment Act
Il. The Senate has already an
proved S. 1l35, 82d Congress, the
proposed Federal personnel re-
crultment act, providing for mod
ernlzlng OF examining and recruit
ment procedures. I am hopeful
tnat the House of Representatives
Will give favorable consideration
to this legislation.
z. I have repeatedly recon-
mended to the Congress the elm
nation of the requirement fo,
presidential appointment and SEN
aIe confirmation of postmasters
ms recommendation is carried
forward in reorganization plan
NO OF 1852 which is now before
Ihe congress. In addition. the re.
organlzation plans No. 3 and M
Z OF 1852 will bring customs off.
clalS and United States marshal,
into the competitive service. An.
proval OF these three reorganiza.
tion plans will do much r.
strengthen our civil service merit
system. "e1 Il
3: Operating experience unde,
the classification Act of 1949 ha,
demonstrated a need for q large,
number OF positions in grades 16
II and 18 of the general schedule
Existing limitations on the MN.
Der OF positions for these grade.
nave constituted a serious admin
iSCratlve problem. I again urge
tne Congress to take action to
relieve this situation. "
4. AS a step toward improving
the ehclency of the Federal sery-
ice the Congress should provide
authority for Government apen-
cles to assign selected personnel
70 educational institutions and
otnef organizations for profess
S1onal and technical training.
Unemployment Benefits.
unemployment compensation
coverage should be extended To
include Federal employees. This
Is particularly important in view
OF the provisions for reduction
OF annual leave benefits which
nave been enacted into law in
the past year.
Whlle these legislative rec
concentrations are of considerahle
Importance there are many othe,
areas in which the Congress and
tne executive branch must work
together to improve the efficiency
ana character of the civil service
Through OUR mutual efforts I am
sure we will continue to solve the
many complex problems inyo,,,oS,