The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-10-25
2lD zEvsFcR OFFICIAL "sH0Rr BOYS"
CoRREsroSDsNcE or THE N. Y. COURIER AND
-rlf 0W f ENQuIRER. rs i1 f6cg


l0 ooge Ola WARRINGTON, Oct. 20, 1853.
I have thought the following Treasury Cir
cular, although intended only for tho Internal
government of the Department., worthy Of
public attention, and forward II accordingly.
II inculcatcs industry sobriety, rigid and faith
ful attention to duty, and is drawn In spirit
calculated to enforce salutary discipline -
mong the employees ofthe government, and at
the sane time to promote among them sense
of self.respect. The advocate Of the Maine
Law will notice, with commendation, that the
Secretary denounces the punishment OF dis
inissal from the public service for the very frat
offence of drinking ardent spirits during the
hours of official labor. When gentlemen
conscious of a very slight weakness for such
lndulgencies pointed out TO the author OF the
instructions the severity of this rule, hereplied
that he would willingly mako y distinction be-
tween an occasional potation and habitual tip
pling, brt that he could not safely doit, and
must punish tho lesser transgression as pre-
lude or an accompaniment OF the greater. The
reduction of the hours of labor. from soven to
six each day, is necessary. Six hours steady
and faithful routine duty over a desk is as much
as ordinary constitutions can endure, and ex-
perience has proved it TO be as much as can
with advantage TO the public service be required.
Cireulor to Heads Of Bureaus ~,
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Oct. 1st.
SIR:-The hours of business TO be observed
in the various branches of tho Treasury De-
partment. from and after this date, and unit
the 1st of April next, are from o'clock A. M.
until o clock p. M. This regulation reduces
tho period of labor, as heretofore observed in
other Offices, one hour; and as six hours work
in the day does not seeln to DO an unreasona-
BILE exaction on tho part Of government, in re-
turn for tho support it affords, it is expected
A. 4,l,~ y;u hac c,;f f,lI md
applied by all, without abatemont or misap-
preparation, to tho studies of their respective
duties. ''--"
Absence from the office duriug business
hours, is not to be permitted, except from sick
ness in which case notice must be given TO the
head of the office neither will indulgence in
ardent spirits. during those hours, be tolera-
ted. The first offence of this kind will, in ev-
cry instance. be visited by removal from office.
The Secretary is happy to perceive the sal
utary change which has taken place in the
business habits of tho officers Of the Depart
men., and tho great Improvement in tho condi-
ton of the business, which il its appropriate
fruit. eirusts the officers Of the Depart
mcnt will all feel just pride in placing and
keeping the business, throughout, in such
condition as at all times to DO promptly dis
patched, at once for the safety of the United
States, the credit of the Department, and tho
satisfaction Of individuals.
The Hoads " the Bureaus are earnestly re-
qucst-d TO promote habits Of order and deco-
rum OH the part OF the cerks.in their respective
offices, and sentiments of comfy and good
will in their intercourse with each other. On
tho other hand, they will repress. as far as may
be in their power, the reading Of newspapers
during offico hours, and the waste of time, by
necessary or frivolous conversation or other
wise. ..t.ft.-. tt.-,, t,
Every employee in tho Department is rep
resentativo of the Government, in respect to
tho particular business entrusted 10 his care.
Whilst he is unfnchingly to defend the inte-
rests of the United States committed to his
charge, he should treat with frankness, court
esy and Kindness. all those who have business
to transact with him; and thus, by dignity of
department and AL accommodating spirit servo
to concilists, with tho sphere OF his employ
ment, tho confidence and respect of the peO-
pe for the Government and institutions Of
thcir country.
] am very respectfully
(Signed) JAMES GUTHRIE.
Secretary of the Treasury.