The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-06-25
WASHINGTON CORREsPoNDEYCE.

WASulNbIONs ~. ". SuhO 80 AS0N'
i EDITOR UNION AND JOURNAL The recent
order of the Secretary of War for the dismissal
of all general service and temporary clerks in
the war Department has produced some consid-
cradle CONSERVATION among the clerks OF that
department. This order was to have been car
ried into effect last week, but owing to cprcsen-
tations made by the heads Of divisions connect
ell with the bureau, action was suspended until
an investigation could be made and the actual
number of clerks needed TO transact the business
Of the Office determined. 1t Is generally unicr-
stood however, that large reduction will be
made within few days. In the appropriations
made by the last Congress was an item OF ST.
900 for the employment of ten female clerks in
the Treasurers office, also S25, 200 In the office
Of Comptroller Of the Currency, for the employ
ing Of 81 female clerks and still further, 500,
900 for IS female clerks in the Internal revenue.
As these appropriations allowed the female clerks
$500 each, il was supposed Of course that they
would receive that amount, but unfortunately in
the aggregate amount but 900 apiece were esti-
mated and the result Is that their salary will be
$500 less than many supposed. do not know
how this inconsistency Is accounted for unless,
after the bill was made up allowing female
clerks 900, II was amended and 100 inserted
with the corresponding sum total, but that
they overlooked the aggregate amount and let
il pass as though no amendment had been made.
Ii Is thought by some that Butler who was chair
man Of the Committee upon appropriations was
cognirant Of this defect FROM the first. There Is
q great deal Of disappointment manifested among
the female clerks in regard 10 the fact and IL
certainly Is unfortunate for many OF them en-
ployed have persons dependant upon them and
Il Is with the utmost economy that they are en-
abled TO support themselves. This question Of
pay Of female clerks will be likely to receive
some attention with the coming Congress and
certainly think that when they are performing
the same service rs males in the department
they should receive the same pay. think there
is difference between skilled labor and much of
the work performed in the departments which
Is merely mechanical. can well imagine why
a young lady, perhaps, employed In n store,
should not receive the same salary rs male
simply for this reason, that she does not intend
generally TO make her business permanent, for
as soon as she is married she leaves, whilst the
young man naturally takes more interest in the
business rs 1t is more permanent with him and
thereby becomes more proficient. But the labor
performed by the ladies in the department Is
more mechanical. such as counting money, copy
ing &C., and in this labor they are called more
expert in the former and neater in the latter
than males.
An ordinance has been, passed by both
branches Of the city government and approved
by the Mayor, forbidding the proprietors of
places OF amusement, to make any distinction
In regard to color. This law has been the oc-
casion Of much talk and the legality of the actwll
undoubtedly be contested the coming winter,
when places of amusement are more hourishing
than at present. IL is contended, by some, that
places OF amusement are regarded rs differing
materially from hotels and other institutions,
that are essential to the well being Of the public.
II entrance TO the first is forbidden, no damage
results therefrom whilst in regard to the latter,
Il may be far different. The result of the action
in reference 10 this case will be looked forward
to, with some considerable interest.
A very important order has been Issued by
the Chief Of Police, forbdding any Of the po-
lice from drinking spiritnous liquors when upon
or of duty. An order was formerly issued
which only effected the officers when upon
duty; but II is now carried step farther, for 1t
is deemed essential that the guardians OF the
law should themselves keep the law, for police
officer is liable to be called upon any time TO as
sist in preserving the peace. 1t can be seen by
these two provisions that this city is rapidly pro-
crossing, and that the old state of things is rap
idly passing away. There is perhaps no ques-
ton at the present time that is attr acting so
much the attention of the public, rs that Of the
alabama claims" have watched with some
interest the expressions of the public press up
ON this question, on both sides Of the water. l
am not so much surprised Us many profess to be
at the indignation which is manifested by the
English people ut the rejection Of the johnson
Clarendon treaty." as il is called. In the first
place Hon. Reyerdy johnson was unanimously
confirmed by the Senate when his name was
presented rs Minister to England, without even
referring his name to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs. lie went to England under most fiat
tering auspices, and the English government
naturally Inferred that he was duly authorized
to treat upon International questions, and that
his actions should be sanctioned by the Senate
Of the United States. This, certainly, they had
every reason to suppose would be the result Of
any settlement or treaty that might be made
between the authorized agents Of the two gov
ernments. Still further, they had right to
suppose that Mr.. Johnson's instructions were
such as would be satisfactory to the people I'm
der such circumstances the treaty was made,
which was rejected by our government with
such decided unanimity. II cannot be mat
ter Of surprise that the English press and the
people were somewhat indignant ut the disposal
Of this treaty, when IL viii be remembered that
Mr.. johnson received n iiattcring tribute, In be-
ing unanimously confirmed by the Senate
Would not the American people, under the same
circumstances have been highly indignant
believe that time viii do more TO settle this
claim than any urgency or haste can do, and
be more satisfactory. PRENuss.