CIVIL SERVICE

In 1883 the Congress passed the civil service act, which from a modest beginning of 14,000 employees has grown until there are now 425,000 in the classified service.  This has removed the clerical force of the Nation from the wasteful effects of the spoils system and made it more stable and efficient.  The time has come to consider classifying all postmasters, collectors of customs, collectors of internal revenue, and prohibition agents, by an act covering in those at present in office, except when otherwise provided by Executive order.

The necessary statistics are now being gathered to form the basis of a valuation of the civil service retirement fund based on current conditions of the service.  It is confidently expected that this valuation will be completed in time to be made available to the Congress during the present session.  It will afford definite knowledge of existing, and future liabilities under the present law and determination of liabilities under any proposed change in the present law.  We should have this information before creating further obligations for retirement annuities which will become liabilities to be met in the future from the money of the taxpayer.

The classification act of 1923, with the subsequent legislative action providing for adjustment of the compensation of field service positions, has operated materially to improve employment conditions in the Federal service.  The administration of the act is in the hands of an impartial board, functioning without the necessity of a direct appropriation.  It would be inadvisable at this time to place in other hands the administration of this act.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

The proper function of the Federal Trade Commission is to supervise and correct those practices in commerce which are detrimental to fair competition.  In this it performs a useful function and should be continued and supported.  It was designed also to be a help to honest business.  In my message to the Sixty-eighth Congress I recommended that changes in the procedure then existing be made.  Since then the commission by its own action has reformed its rules, giving greater speed and economy in the disposal of its cases and full opportunity for those accused to be heard.  These changes are improvements and, if necessary, provision should be made for their permanency.

REORGANIZATION

No final action has yet been taken on the measure providing for the reorganization of the various departments.  I therefore suggest that this measure, which will be of great benefit to the efficient and economical administration of the business of the Government, be brought forward and passed.

THE NEGRO