Imperial Valley Press

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14.-Government clerks are wondering what is going to happen to them after March 4 when the first Democratic administration since Wilson's time comes into office.

Theoretically at least, the civil service system protects their jobs from political changes. But they know there will be a mighty invasion of Democratic job seekers and some fear there may be a general shakeup. Others view the prospect with cheerful philosophy.

A dark-eyed girl, wearing a bright red hat, had this to say:

"I hear that thousands of us are going to be turned out when Roosevelt comes into office. Perhaps we are, but what I hate is people like Helen Blank going around pretending they are Democratic, when everybody knows she has been a Republican all her life."

Another of the younger group of workers, probably not more than four or five years in the government service, said:

"The way I got it figured is that the clerks getting from $1800 to $3000 don't have to worry, but the division chiefs and other 'big shots' are the ones who are going to get it on the chin. I'm glad right now that I'm just one of the mob."

An elderly worker, quite dignified and pale from many years of work indoors, viewed the situation with considerable more calm.

"I don't believe the excitement is justified. Workers who are engaged in service bureau work aren't going to be turned out because the new administration is in control," he said. "The work I do will be as necessary under Roosevelt as it was under the other four. Roosevelt has seen enough of government to know that a big organization cannot be shaken up without destruction of efficiency. As I see it, there will be plenty of changes among those higher up on the service. But the ordinary worker-his job is pretty safe."

A younger clerk, between assaults upon a sandwich in a government cafeteria, had this to say:

"What difference does it make who is president? Congress-they're the ones we got to watch. It's hard to tell what that new gang will do."