Jovernment OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE REFORM LEAGUE T is gratifying to know that Isomething is being done in an effort to solve the problem of housing the thousands of new Government employes that drift into Washington every month. The lack of accommodations is retarding the necessary expansion of some of the departments. ing $1,000 a month to the District of Columbia Council of Defense for its housing committee is or is not the proper remedy remains to be seen. LOG OGICALLY, the problem is a Federal one, and should be handled by the Federal Government direct. To expect Washington, the city, to be parent to Washington, the capital, is an absurdity, which can best be demonstrated by the supposition that eventually it will be necessary to erect temporary structures for the housing of Government employes. Would anybody expect the District to undertake it? And, having said A, why not say B? Why not organize the matter on a thorough and logical basis from the very beginning? It is forcing Foss, Jr., who, as told last HE sudden illness of Cyrus D. salaries to ridiculous extremes. Whether the expedient of grant month, had been personnel direct IN THIS NUMBER: Some Plain Facts from Washington Socrates on the Civil Service Federal Commission's First War Report or for the Fuel administration since November 10, imposed a new obligation to war service on the League. At the request of the Fuel administration, the Editor of Good Government was assigned to act as substitute for Mr. Foss until his recovery, which Heaven hasten. The Editor feels like one sent in to bat for Ty Cobb. The Fuel administration, like the Food, is outside the civil service law, but no appointments are being made except on a merit basis. It is intended, as soon as practicable, to restore the complete civil service system. I T is the Editor's intention, while in Washington, to keep both eyes open, if not, indeed, "both ears to the ground." The latter feat, it seems, is one never quite mastered except by Mr. Bryan-a fact attributable, we think, to his unique status as the only man in America with sincere moral and political convictions against the merit principle. From Washington we hope to tell our readers from time to time exactly what is happening-so far as the facts are not censored or "confidential." It is surprising how many simple matters are in the latter category. There is much whispering of confidences, some of which are too good to be true, and others too bad. But many things need to be told, and will be. effective circulation, however, has made considerable strides in that time, because we have made wholesale reductions in the free list. Our immediate problem is to enrcll as subscribers the members of local Associations who are still in outer darkness. Counting all the Associations and Auxiliaries, there are 5,000 people in the country who pay annual dues to the cause of civil service reform. The 5,000 names ought to be on our subscription books. With proper local co-operation, it can be accomplished. Secretaries of those local bodies which have not subscribed in bulk should reflect that a monthly report of civil service progress would do much to hold the interest of their members. Tremendously important things, are happening. The character of the civil service reform movement is changing rapidly. Those who do not follow events closely will find themselves distanced in short order. A Platonic Dialogue I THINK we agreed, said Socrates, at the time of our last discourse, that in time of war such activities as are not related to military success should be suspended. Am I right or wrong? Indeed, Glauco answered, you got right. And that such activities as are essential to the war should be made as effective as possible? Right again, said his hearers. And now, Socrates continued, it is a question whether any certain activity is related to military success, is it not? |