The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-03-23
THE NJ CTS ROUTINE.
How Congressman Earn Their Sale-
ries-These are odd Jobs"

How Congressmen Earn Their Sala-
ries-These are odd Jobs"
From nle st. Louis Republic.
WASHINGTON. March I9.-One day taken
apart from all the rest In the existence of a
congressman is not apt TO be marked by
great adventures or enliVened by an excit-
ing incident. Most days of the average
member of the House are repetitions each
Of the other. A review of the twenty-four
hours made by a member before closing his
eyes for a nights rest puts him 20 sleep
with the thought that the lot Of legislator
is not always a happy one, and that states
manship is the least of the things that enter
into his days toll Your correspondent
asked one Of the oldest members of the
House 70 keep record for him of one day
Of congressional life. This Is it in hrie I:
Eight o'clock, breakfast; $50, opened
mail and laid aside all newspapers with
marked articles for future examination.
Read upward of ninety letters on all
sorts Of subjects, of which the following are
twenty examples:
Zone from a veteran asking for informa-
ton about his pension. He gives no post
Office address, and 1 am obliged to write a
letter 20 the pension Office to secure his adj
dress.
Another correspondent wants number
Of old volumes of geological survey, which,
upon investigation l find are not to be had.
"A veteran writes that he communicated
with the pension Office Dec. z, 1891, and got
a communication from them nearly
month later. which made no reference to
his letter. Wants me TO go 70 the Office TO
see il his communication was received.
Another letter requires me to go to the
pension office to ascertain what there is de-
fective in the application Of the writer for a
pension.
"A gentleman from the agricultural
department requests me to accompany him
to my home, where he is to deliver a lecture
to some of my constituents.
Another wants the Congressional Rec
ord sent him.
IAN applicant for pension wants TO know
where his papers are.
Zone Of my constituents writes for me to
secure him place in the government de-
partments.
Another wants the report of the bureau
OF animal industry.
Another wants his pension matters
looked up. but does not give the number of
his case.
Another wants position in the govern
ment printing Office.
I'm another letter the gentleman gives
an account of trouble he is having over the
exaction Of duties from him for goods
brought to the custom house. This requires
investigation at the customs division,
treasury department, and an examination
OF the law, which shows the duties were
properly collected.
''rhe pension Office notifies me Of the
allowance Of pension. The Office also
wants to know how an applicant for pension
In my district spells his name.
Another correspondent wants informa-
Enn a q N tho fOraieyr
doing business at the national capital.
"a pension applicant wants 20 know all
about the surgical report In bis case.
Another wants me to have a medical
examination as to his condition made at his
home, because he is unable to travel
Another letter is on the subject of river
and harbor improvements.
Another gentleman wants me 20 asoer-
tain what action has been taken In some
land case he has before the government
THESE are examples OF requests con-
tanned in nearly 100 letters. Each one re-
quires a reply, and most OF them involve
writing letters TO the departments or max
ing personal visits. Many require long per-
sonal examinations of department records
and an unwinding Of lots Of red tape. Most
OF the matters are such as must be looked
into before going to the capitol
after this go TO the committee work
There is different committee for every day
in the week, with subcommittee work be-
sides, and on Saturdays, besides subcom-
mittees to look after, l have various depart
ments to visit.
AT IL o'clock entered the House, iu-
troduced bills, chased around after the
speakers eye listened to debates, took part
in general legislation. answering letters be-
tween times, answered roll calls and re-
ceived visits from a large number of con-
stituents and other persons who called me
out by card. Five minutes is allowed for
lunch meanwhile, and at 6 o'clock l dine.
At again turn to my mail and to the
newspapers and to pamphlets and world
of other printed matter. This occupies me
until IL o'clock. when, for the first time
during the day. get chance for general
reading and for study, which occupies me
for an hour or more, until drowsiness COM
pels rest"
This is the average hum-drum day with
congressman, which is repeated every
twenty-four hours. and involves an i'm
menSe amount of labor without interest