Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-04-28
~ The absence of the editor will, we
trust, be sufficient apology for the lack o.
editorial.
Low SALARIES.

editorial.
Low SALARIES
1t is no uncommon error to believe that
every change is reform, and that to buy at
a low rate necessarily constitutes economy.
Tn accordance with this mistaken view Of
things, many radical and essentially impor-
tant changes are yearly proposed, not only
in our constitution and laws, but in religion
and every thing else. The appetite for
novelty is strong among mankind, but like
all the other appetites, must be kept
under guard, and its indulgence is extremely
injurious. 1t is of the highest importance
to consider calmly, before making any al
teration in our laws, whether the proposed
change will be for the better. Among all
the cries Of reform, none is more undeser-
vedly popular than "the reduction OF the
salaries OF public officers" Retrenchment
and economy are very proper; but econo-
nv and parsimony are very different. The
former is the frugal and judic'ous expendl-
ture of money; the latter, an improper sa-
wing of expense. From this definition it
will readily be perceived that paying
high salary to command the services of
good officer is the very beauty of economy.
1t is necessary for us to nave the best men
that can be procured, not only at the head
of government, but in every inferior sta
ton. These can only be obtained by ma
king the emoluments commensurate with
the value OF their services. A man of tai
ents, experience and honesty can always
find field for the exercise of those quail
ties. They are always in demand, and like
all other things which are rare, can only
be had at high price. If government has
need of these talents and does not offer a
higher reward for them than they will
command elsewhere, of course she cannot
expect to procure them. She drives them
away to other employments where they
can be better paid. Take for example the
Judges of our Supreme Court. Not one OF
them receives salary equivalent to the
labor performed. They labor necessarily
for ten months IN the year, and every one
of them could by the same labor at the Bar,
realise double the amount of his salary
Then, too, the President Judges of the
Courts below receive miserable pittance
when compared with their labor. Their
salaries are so low that there are many men
, of the finest abilities who would not accept
!, ajudgeship, coupled though it be with hon.
: or. A government, when she refuses to
purchase the services of her officers at a
high price, is parsimonious, not economi-
cal. Low salaries will, to be sure, always
induce plenty of applicants, but not such
as are, in half the cases, fit for the duties
, Talent is capital, and will invariably be
drawn into those channels where its exer.
a else is most productive. They are false
: economists who are ever calling for reduc.
tion of the salaries of our officers. They
would have men who are capable, driver
from situations where their services art
not well paid for, and leave the exercise o
the highest and most important duties O
government to those whose inferiority car
4 command no better situation elsewhere
:. Thus the administration ofbad officers woult
$ in the end cost more than to have secured
good ones; besides the irrepairable mis-
) takes which will always be made by tn,
incompetent. The best men are absolutel,
necessary for Offices and they can only b,
> procured by high salaries. 1t is true econ
!. omy to purchase the best, at any price. Tha
: which we must have, we must pay for, ane
Y what is necessary, is cheap, cost what i
: may. The true interest of the country il
to have the brightest talent and integrity
in its service. Let her secure this at any
2 cost; for it will be more beneficial IN the
|, end. 1t is not the most popular doctrine
: that is the truest. Economy is the blarne,
: stone of those who would be politicians
Many persons can only be aroused by an
appeal to their pockets, and it is to take
advantage of these, that the cry for reduc.
tion of the salaries OF public servants i.
b raised. Trust not to their doctrine. Re.
5 member the cheapest coat is that which
does us the most service, and that officer
who discharges his duties with ability and
integrity cannot be too well paid.
NEW MILITIA LAW.