Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-11-07
Might work for Clerks.

Editor Morning Neaos 1 concur very
heartily with the views expressed in your
pepper by 2 protesting "Clerk," and think
that the custom complained Of is wrong ard
abnormal. He has given voice to thoughts
long entertained by Others, but unfortunate
ly not before plainly and forcibly presented
so as to bring about the needed reform.
Protests are rectifying. Let us then state
the grievance that our right minded men by
their influence and example, backed by pub
lie sentiment, n ay bring about a change in
the perniciOus custom of NIGHT work.
That it is injurious, morally, mentally and
physically, to our old men, young men and
lads-our employers, clerks and juniOrs-is
a self-evident fact, and has been instanced
by your correspondent.
If our community wants its members
cultivated, educated and trained in
the several cegr es with bread
mindedness, and better public
spirit, with all the attendant blessings, it
had better be seen to that other considera-
lions beside gain occupy the minds Of the
business men. know that all do not come
under these structures, but the average bust
ness man does. Let the kindly thoughts
then of the business man, the raj road man
agements, etc, extend to their clerks, and
from broad spirit let all abuses Of night
work and over work be corrected.
Ought not the softening sway of Christian
feeling be admitted into the counting room
to mould its customs and routine? Let
man be brother with man, and let Us take
each others troubles into account let us
apply the golden rule. God forbid that a
man should take advantage OF the clerks
necessity. Somebody has to do the
under work, and it should not be
made q trial. But If this cannot
be appreciated by those who are strictly
business men, and who are not actuated by
higher feelings, let us look at the matter
In business way Clerks will do more
work between the hours of eight or nine
and five or six, IL business is confined within
that compass, than between the hours of
nine and eleven to twelve at night. This is
known to be the case in England, Scotland
and at the North, where right customs pre-
vail, and where, in the former country,
abuses are promptly corrected by public
sentiment.
The reasons for above proposition are
these: Owing to elastic hours, with no regu-
lation, much valuable time is lost by the
dawdling habit which gains upon even a
highly conscientious clerk. He wastes time,
and is without much incentive to despatch
He is often without inspiri ing hope, and
plans for recreation and self improvement.
Late hours rob him of brain and nerve force
and draw upon his health; the effect is seen
in his work. The reverse is the case when
he feels that he is treated with considera-
ton. His appreciation, pride Of work and
maBliness are excited. He has incentive,
refreshment and health. This is a man
The employer thus gets the benefit in &
business way. He himself is more refreshed
by reasonable hours, for, be It said, some of
our employers work into the night
Let this important subject of public inter
est be considered, and the result will be de-
cdedly beneficial. 1t is often asked: "Why
does not Savannah have a real holiday"
There are men who keep their counting
rooms open even on Christmas, and their
clerks are deprived of every liberty on that
glad day! Let US have whole holidays like
other places. Another abuse is working on
the Sabbath, and our young men are required
at the roads on that day. Let us keep within
wholesome bounds. l know that there are
difficulties-the eXigencies of certain bust
nesses and our winter Tush-5ut what is in
many cases really useless abuse aud exac
ton, let that be corrected.
SYMPATHIZER.