The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-12-04
REFORM.

hospital, TO examine and report the symptoms Of
every disease il contains, we have not promised
because we were aware that we neither possess
ed the knowledge to execute the task, nor even
the opportunity of acquiring il. We have not
said that we have detected abuses in practice,
and intended 10 expose them our purpose is
merely TO attract attention to laws, which are
plainly unjust, because unequal in their opera
ton, or which must almost inevitably lead TO
laws, and expose their deficiencies, We shall
endeavor TO hold up to view the defects Of some
few Of them, with the hope, however faint, that
when the work Of thorough reform is once be-
gun, the zeal and energy Of the Legislature,
with the opportunities Of acquiring knowledge
possessed by it, may perfect the work.
We did not intend at first to devote line to
the Departments in Washington. But as the
abuses said to exist in them have been the stand
ing object Of Congressional reform and the ne
ver-failing topic of Congressional oratory-we
have, on subsequent reflection, resolved TO sug-
gest the plan Of reformation in them, which we
think necessary. What we deem the erroneous
course pursued in all the attempts at reform, ha-
wing been exhibited in relation TO these Depart
ments, we think that what, in our opinion, is
the right method, will be more clearly compre-
hended by its application TO the same objects
We shall include, however, the Capitol in ex-
animation, and show, as we promised, that the
members Of the Legislature can find as much
room for salutary change within the enclosure
Of their own halls, as in the buildings more in
medatey under the supervision Of the Execu-
tive officers.
Some years since, an honorable gentleman
appended to the bill for the reorganization ofthe
Land Office, section requirng-by its intent,
at least, if not by Its words-the clerks in the
Departments to work ten hours, one half Of the
year, and eight hours the other half and allow
ing them two holydays in the year, Christmas
and the 4th of July. We shall say nothing Of
the motives which, in all probability, gave birth
to this enactment: we shall say nothing Of its
folly or the impossbity Of its execution. We
shall not ask, why some similar provision was
not framed for the special purpose Of compelling
members of Congress TO attend to their duties.
We only ask, why il did not include the clerks,
at the Capitol, as well as the clerks in the De-
partments2 They all hold position somewhat
analogous and it was manifestly unjust to
comprehend one class Of clerks in its provisions
and exclude another. Or Is it pretended that a
difference exists in the characters of clerks al
the Capitol and clerks in the De- artments 2
and that the members Of Congress are overcharg-
ed with an electric purity of worth, which is
communicated to all, who are blessed with the
privilege of coming in contact with them-and
therefore more reliance is 10 be placed on man
who holds an office in the Capitol, than on one
who is an humble drudge in the Executive
offices2 We have perhaps expended TOO many
words on this preposterous law, and we bid it
farewell.
AS a preliminary to the suggestions we intend
to make on reform among the public officers at
Washington, and to demonstrate that the nves-
legations should begin in the Capitol and only
terminate in the Depa tments-we ask how il
has happened, that amid all the fury of reform,
the Door-k keeper to the House Of Represents
tives--besides what is technically we believe
called the chdnces-receives $1,000 per annum
salary, while the Messengers in the Depart
ments, who hold similar situation, and from
whom, in fact, more mind and intelligence ar.
required, receive but six or seven hundred, with
out any of the chances phateper. Upon wha
principle of equity Is the law framed, which
gives not only to this officer of Congress, anC
to the Postmaster Of the House, and to all it.
copying Clerks, the same compensation 0
$1,000 year, while the Messengers, and thu
copying Clerks Of the Departments are, in ge
neral, considered by the members of Congress:
as too amply remunerated by the paltry sum o
six and eight hundred dollars-and are almos
condemned by them as peculators on the public
Treasury if they enjoy for their labors an in
come of thousand. BY what rule Of justc,
do the copying Clerks of tie Capitol receive
81 500 year, while men in the Departments
who, employed in duties requiring both inteec
and knowledge are thought to be too highly re
munerated by a salary Of twelve or fourteen hun
dred. But few of the principal Clerks &c
81 ,600-while the pay OF the rest ranges from
} s 900 to s 400. In the Capitol, however, n,
matter, il seems, what may be the amount o
mind to be exerted-whether little or great
even il but puere manual skill is required
the Clerk in the immediate employ Of the mem
bers Of Congress is enriched with $1,000 pc
annum
We do not pretend to suggest any scale 0
remuneration-we do not assert, that the gentle
men in the Capitol are extravagantly compen
sated-of what ought to be paid to the public
officers we do not presume to judge-but W.
say, that if fifteen hundred dollars are not TOT
much for Messenger in the Capitol, it canno