National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1873-01-15
THE SALARY QUESTION
A Flood OF OpInlon--hInny Men Of Many
Nlioda

The interest in the discussion Of the salary
question continues TO exercise the minds and
pens Of those most interested, and from num-
Der " communications received on the subject
the following extracts are made:
"a War Department clerk" Says; "Pcrmlt me,
through your columns, to express the views Of
majority OF the Government clerks In the De-
partments. | am safe In asserting that there
are no civil clerks who think they are made
quately paid for the services rendered. BY
clerks mean gentleman who can readily turn
their hands TO any kind Of clerical duty outside
Of the Departments and command nearly as
large q salary, not men rated A. clerks who are
incompetent TO keep the accounts OF peanut
1.-THE only class Of clerks inadequately paid are
these OF the general service, and II Congress
would increase their compensation they would
but verify the old adage, The laborer Is worthy
Esquire" states: "For the past eleven years
have been paceman IN one Of the Departments;
the frst year at t,20O, the second at tl, 4OO the
third, and up 10 this time, at O, 600. came to
Washington from q nelghbOring city, where
had at one time received an annual salary OF
$1,000, accompanied by my wife aud two little
children. SIX sons and daughters have been
born TO me since here, and have buried four.
have lived mOdeHtely-twO meals a day; bread
and coffee for breakfast, and meat and vegeta-
bes only for dinner. The attire Of my family
has been very plain and ordinary, scant, aud re-
newed only when absolutely necessary. Places
oil amusement have not been visited TO exceed
once IN each year, and lectures never. No Jour
neys have ever been made, or visits outside the
town, and no alimental OF bibulOus hospitality
offered TO my neighbour
And yet, he continues, 81 nnd am In debt one
thousand dollars"
In direct opposition to this "D." SAYS: 81 have
served In several Of the Departments at salaries
Snn 1Sn, 1'SMSSe. fourteen sixteen and eighteen
| private employment at higher pay. with a
! family to supports sickly one for much OF the
time.l never found It necessary TO sign the al
| pncAtiOns, which were often presented 10 ne,
tor Increased compensation, and have always
been able to have a months salary In alyan .
when paid on, instead Of bills equal to my salary
TO pay At the end Of the month. Aud have
managed, too, In this time, to get home Of my
own, which would not part with for $1,000"
"Prentlss,' the most economical Of clerks,
presents his grievances and those Of his fellow
sufferers thlsly: 81 have, with u great deal Of
interest, as all clerks do, read the many conflict
ing AMI contradictory statements In regard to
ne salaries Of CLERKS aud cost OF living In this
city. ] have been very much surprised at the
extremely low cost Of living whch-that Is In
decent style-has been given. Now, ! wish to
give the expenses OF family OF i've persons I:
House rent, fair accommodations, tT5 per month,
500 per year; provisions per month, Including
gas and washing bill, 80 per month, quite rea-
sonable,l 500 per year; boot and shoe bill, (my
family are hard on shoe-leatherl tlI per month,
t3ol per year; fuel, about sixteen tons Of coal
per year, fii2; school books aud instruction, IN
Guiding music bills and dancing lessons, SIS per
aud papers, say tlOO per year; church purposes
and contributions, 500; medical attendance and
medicines, 800; ADJUSTMENTS, (and right here !
wish to say that all work makes Jack dull
boy and therefore this fund should not he
stlnted; never allow my family to attend the
theatre more than twice q week, usually once,
but as to operas they are so delightful that we
indulge In the pleasure even II we do stint In
some other things 800; hack hire, boot-blacks,
cigars and billiards, not over 500; clothing for
nVe, $3.50 each, $3.50; a summer trip TO Long
Branch or some other branch, indls pensable 10
health and faithful performance OF ofiicial
duties, $3.50 per year-dog cheap at that. have
not taken Into account parties, wines and fancy
liquors, being strictly Of temperate habits.
Sefvants-nurse, house girl, and cook, Uhe
smallest number compatible with the dignity OF
a Government clerk,) at SIS per month each;
good wages, but the best help Is the cheapest
:5+O. Cost OF keeping the same, go per month,
500 per year II will he observed that In the es-
Innate not single cent is down for luxurles; not
even hOrse-caT ticket The above Is the esti-
mate Of living the past year have been foot
ing this thing up, and am little surprised that
my expenses were so much. Il Is astonishing
how these little bills will swell up the grand
sum total but figures don't lie. II have added
y correctly, II fOots up sl+s6; salary per year,
400. The burned thing won't balance, and
there must he mistake somewhere; but / can't
add the figures any different. There may be
some outstanding bills, though; but that can't
help IT, II any Government clerk that has
passed successful examination can balance
thls account, hope he will confer with the sub
scflbeT. PRENTIss."