What happened to the concept of assuming public office for the service and leadership one can offer. with the lesser emphasis on financial reward’? In recent day’s we’ve seen: (1) a drive (defeated for the present) to raise congressional pay from $60.662 to $70,000; (2) our Supreme Court and federal judges find a loophole for salary boosts of more than 10 percent and (3) a special commission recommends raises of 40 to 60 percent for more than 35.000 federal officials Will dramatically higher salaries draw better caliber men and women into government’? The commission seems to think so. How much thought has been given to promoting the old idea of service to the Republic as a partial consideration – particularly for limited tenure by people already financially secure? Consider these examples and philosophies: When George Washington was chosen by the Continental Congress June 15. 1775, to be commander – in – chief of Revolutionary forces he declined the proffered salary. “He particularly wanted to make everyone understand he did not want the $500 monthly pay that had been voted,” says World Book. “He said he would keep track of his expenses and accept nothing else for his services? Herbert Hoover drew no salary for his years of relief and humanitarian services during and after World War I. And, says Compton’s Encyclopedia: “Later, even as the 31st president, he continued to live on his private means. He used the salary to hire able associates or for public or charitable purposes. He kept none for himself.” The late Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, who served two decades as president of Brigham Young University (many of those years without salary). mentioned Washington and Hoover in his writings, and commented that “in the golden days of Greece senators received no compensation.” Even before the inflation uptrend after Congress took a pay hike from $30.000 to $42,500 in 1969 and the President’s salary doubled to $200.000. Wilkinson said; “The best thing President Richard Nixon could have done to stop inflation would have been to reject the $100.000 additional salary voted him. He and the people will now pay the price for this mistake Through the years many financially – able business executives have accepted invitations to serve in cabinet or other key government positions regardless of salary. I-low extensive is this source of leadership currently pursued? Dwight D. Eisenhower. the 34th president. used the public service idea in his argument for limiting terms for members of Congress to 12 years: “Each man so serving would tend to think of his congressional career as an important and exciting interlude in his life. a period dedicated to the entire public rather than as a way of making a living. The members probably would give more attention to national good and less to their personal political fortunes.” The special commission’s plan would put congressional salaries at $85,000 with an extra $10.000 expense allowance added to already – generous fringe benefits. The vice president, chief justice. and speaker of the House would get $120.000. the top pay proposed. Did the commission consider the nations ability to pay? That the federal budget has been balanced only twice in the past quarter century? The awesome deficit spending of that period’? Recent campaign promises for frugality’? That uncontrolled inflation surely will surge higher with a new round of huge government salary boosts? Along with the pressure for unduly-big raises which can cause more problems than they solve, 4 Washington officials should reflect on service to the Republic as a balancing factor in the salary picture.