The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-06
Compensation to Watchmon.
WAsHiNoToN. Oct. 81. 1853.

WARRINGTON, OCl Sls 1900
To the Editor of As Union!
In the Union Of the 4th instant an article relative to
the salaries OF messengers, watchmen, and lsborers
poye in the different departments OF The government in
this city. the signature Of John p Hilton, has ap-
peared in good time The author has sustained his po-
sition by arguments founded upon facls conclusive in
their nature. and 80 plain that those "who run may
read" and too true to be misunderstood But, feeling
interest the subject upon which his article treats,
induced 10 offer few ideas through the same chan
nell in addition 10 what he has said There arguments
in my humble opinion, that may serve strengthen his
position and bring the subject iorcbly before the
constituted authorities, for their consideration Says Mr.
Hilton: (" There holding these humble places who,
had they any opportunity to exercise it. would be found
capable OF filling many places more honorable and
sponsble am Waterman, and my object is TO eslab
eb. or rather prove, the responsibility attached 10 the
place occupy. Honor has charms to excite the
praons OF the Waterman. | am, therefore. willing all
should have it who seek for it as thing TO be desired
Honor and shame from condition rise;
Act well your pan-there all the honor lies"
am not prepared, however, TO acknowledge the re-.
sponsibty resting upon the shoulders OF any OF the
poyees OF the general government TO be greater Than that
OF the waichman in the performance OF his duty. He
occupies smla position TO that OF sentinel upon his
post who. il he permits the enemy to enter the camp
without giving the ALARM foleits his life So with the
wacbman when duty it he SUFFERS through neg ec
naienton to duly, any depreciation 10 be committed upon
place. but his reputation as public servant. To the
Waterman committed the and oversight OF the
OF all The departments during the night, when all
employ ed clerks and messengers absent
and the head OF each department, while attending TO
his domesc may feea confidence in the faith
funess and integrity OF the waicnmen whom he has
placed his department Tor It's protection Who then
would ask, will be held responsible in of IRE
the interior OF any Of the departments but watchmen
who will be the first 10 be questioned in relation 10 it's
origin | answer, the watchmen Who does not re-
member the that denounced against the po
lice the Capitol at the time the library burnt
Though uniusly, yet such the fact and when The
jewels OF tue Patent Once stolen, who held
spons,ble that occasion Let the immediate removal
Of the watchmen there duty There other
considerations showing the wsichmans TO be envable
position In many instances. he is responsible for the
of others well his own Depredations may be
committed by others, knowing that the Waterman will
be called 10 answer for then II anything further
necessary TO prove the responsibility OF the watch
man, might TslSy 10 the established principle that Il
rests upon every public servant, in proportion TO the
amount of properly committed TO his charge. Take
into consideration the vas amount OF property in the
different departments OF government, all OF which,
large portion Of the time, il charge of the
wa,chmea Upon them is the responsibility for its safety
II is also fixed principle that the pay OF public
want should be in proportion 10 the responsibility at
lached 10 the place he occupies II is matter of nc
trhng consideration that the duty Ola iAsgs portion oil
the watchmen ~ time when nature needs spose and
the mind relaxation from the trials snd cares OF life al
Time, too, when many ho(6ng honorable" and lucra
tive places may be taking thth all OF pleasure the ban
que gratifying muscal haste al the concert, or, wha
is still more desirabe enjoying 10 the fullest extent the
peace and happiness OF the domestic circle Alter all
have said to Prove the responsibility OF position, III,
waichman is sufficient OF ITSELF Lest anything MAY
have happened during the silent watches OF the night
the inquiry comes from oar s0periors. Watchmen, wha
of the nighrS A WATCHMAN.