7
of editions; also to send out more fre-
quent news letters to each member.
7. Approved a 1949 budget of $24,-
000, which calls for maintaining an
average of 3,600 paid-up members and
the gaining of not less than 1,000 new
members during the year; plus $2,000
income from the magazine.
SUMMARY:
This 1948 session of the General
Council was a truly representative
meeting. Under a policy adopted by
our president, Loren White, every Chap
ter which entered a resolution for con
sideration was permitted and requested
to make its position and arguments
known, to question every committee
report and to state its position fully.
Serious deliberation was given every
subject, and there was no attempt at
"railroading.” All delegates were able
representatives. It was evident to all
who attended that the OSEA has reach
ed a stature of m aturity and has the
strength, ability and purpose of becom
ing an ever increasing influence in
every matter that involves public ser
vice and the welfare of the State and
its employees.
Loyalty Test Proposal
Explained
By R. M. SMITH
To the members and friends of the
Oregon State ^Employees Association,
the writer submits to you the follow
ing explanation of the reasons for open
ing the discussion of loyalty at the Gen
eral Council meeting held in Portland.
There was no desire to create the er
roneous impression in the minds of the
people that subverters were running
rampant throughout the State service.
There was no intent to advocate or pre
cipitate an expensive, bootless "witch
hunt.”
This subject of "loyalty” was intro
duced solely to draw your attention to
the serious conditions which are now
developing. W ith.the state service af
flicted by an un-investigted personnel
turn-over of several thousand this year,
the Budget Director threatening a re
duction in wages which have been and
are too low to attract sufficient help,
with the Federal government and labor
unions purging their ranks of subver
sive elements with no provision made
for their dispersal; in view of such facts,
the question of loyalty- tests for state
employees (although extremely repug
nant) appears to deserve some delibera
tion and study. The records clearly
show that the question is of deep con
cern to many as attested by the prompt
and emphatic attention it received in
many quarters and the Press.
SIAC CHAPTER PLANS
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Plans for a Christmas party at the
VFW hall Wednesday, December ni.2,
were made at this week’s meeting of
the S.I.A.C. I chapter of the Oregon
State Employees Association.
Capitol chapter presented a program
of music by Jack Spong, vocal solos by
Mrs. Galesdorf and electric guitar
numbers by students of Mrs. Meola.
Forrest Stewart, executive, secretary
of the OSEA, reviewed accomplish
ments of the OSEA and discussed the
need for an adequate- salary for state
employees.
Loren White and Ralph Southwick,
SIAC delegates to -the general council
meeting in Portland, were given instruc
tions to favor an increase in prior ser
vice credits under the retirement plan,
and to exercise their judgment in other
matters«
Editor’s Note—The above is a reprint
from the Oregon Statesman of Salem,
appearing November 20, 1948. We like
to see such material reaching the local
papers and encourage all Chapters tb
have their meetings publicized ih like
manner.