Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1875-01-09
THE TREASURY.

WHOLESALE Discharge OF EMPLOY
EEs.-On Saturday last after office
hours, envelopes were sent to upwards
of three hundred employees of the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Ct
the Treasury department, with con
tents notifying them that after the frs;
proximo their services would be no
longer required, and, until that date
they might consider themselves under
turlough. This course became neces-
sary for two reasons: lst From the
fact that last summer Commissioner
Douglas, because New York bank
note company haG submitted scheduh
of prices for printing internal revenue
stamps which were lower than the cost
at which the same work could be done
at the Treasury department, recommen-
ded the transfer of the work 10 thcm-
on account of which contract was en-
tered into with the company, which
contract goes into effect on the Is; of
January.
2nd. An additional discharge be-
came necessary on account of the fall
ure of Congress to make certain appro-
priations which were asked for, which
failure not only necessitated the dis
misSal of many oftho female employees,
but rs well many of the males employ
ed in the plateprinting department Of
course up to the close of Office hours Oh
Saturday the unfortunate ones bad no
notification of dismissal. These, howev-
er, were received upon their arrival at
their homes. Sunday being day on
which no doors are opened at the Treas
ury, the unlucby one, had 10 nurse
their grief through the day as best they
could.
This morning the Office Of the chief
Of the Baroau of Engraving and Print
ing was earnestly and vigorously be
siegcd by a number of the discharged
female employees. They were uniortu-
nate 10 degree that was distressing TO-
the messengers who were obliged under
their instructions to refuse them admit
tance into the sanctum OF the chief,
Notwithstanding the fact that MANY
told stories Of suffering that were really
touching One of them, n well preser-
we'd matrou, told how needful her salary
was to her and her children. The mes
senger said, Madam, ] am sorry that |
cannot listen to you, but | really must
attend 10 the wants OF the others, who
are here
"Oh, sir, saii she Cunning TO rep
resentatiye OF The Star, who was wait.
inc to see the chief, Cant you do
something for me, am woman.;. you
are a man and can talk 10 that door
keeper better than l can. Oh! if you
knew my troubles; how my two little
ones suffered when was out of this
situation, and how | had to deprive
them OF little luxuries they so enjoyed
when | was in; You would not refuse 10
try TO get me in Ask him, sir, for Gods
sake, to let me in. II is bread and life
for me!
Another one--a young woman
held her breath almost with anxiety
when she asked the messenger 10 let
her in; and when she, like most of the
rest, was refused entrance, she took
from her pocket letter and asked the
man to read il. IIc replied, with kind
ness, "My dear miss, cannot do SO;
| haven't the time" Then the young
lady read it aloud to the b,standers,
and it conveyed a story of suffering
and piivation that shamed the hearts Of
our Legislators. She had to support her
mother and two orphan children OF her
sister. All save her were helpless, and
with the $50 per month she had rc-
ceived, and the hard work she had por.
formed after the days labor at the
Treasury she had kept them comfortable.
Bat how could she save much with tho
load she had upon heri She bad but
little left and soon il would all be gone.
Her soul was brave and willing, but
there was no worl; upon which TO feed
its willingness and its courage. Sho
was broken in spirit, and craved pitifully
the aid of all about her. She was soon
afterwards made glad by the successful
efforts of Virginia Congressman who
appeared with her card oi restoration
in his hand, and she went Oh with a
glad heart, and was followed by the
sympathy Of all who heard her story.