Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-02-10
CLERKS AND THEIR HOURS.
me Departmental Employer Side Set
Forth by an Omctaf.

Forth by m Omciai.
An official in one of tine uptown departments
made an argument TO a STAR reporter today in
opposition to the provision in the legislative,
executive aud judicial appropriation bill ex-
tending the hours OF labor in the executive de-
partments
AT present these employees" he said, "are
required to be at their desks from 9 o'clock
a. m to o'clock p. m.-seven hours. 1t is
proposed to increase the hours to eight.
Just why this action has been taken by the
House committee on appropriations no one
seems to be able to say. No head Of depart
ment has complained that the hours too
short or that the public business is neglected
by reason OF the present rules. 1t is under
stood that number of Representatives and
Senators are opposed to the proposed change
for the reason that it IL impracticable for the
average man or woman TO perform good work
Tor longer period than seven consecutive
hours. 1t is simply impossible for womcn en-
ployed as typeyriters to work without injury to
their health for longer time. The suggestion
for an increase of hours appears to have ema-
mated from the committee on appropriations in
the House and without consultation with the
heads of departments. Considerable feeling is
manifested among the clerks at the disposition
shown by few Congressman 10 make capital
for home consumption at their expense. The
clerks claim, and with some show of reason, we
think, that there are other fields wherein am
bilious Congressman may exercise their ability
with more profit to the nation and credit to
themselves than in uncalled-for attacks upon
the clerks.
I'm referring to the statements made that the
clerks should be satisfied with the proposed in
crease of hours for the reason that they are
granted thirty days leave of absence with pay
In each year the pertinent inquiry is made
whether Congressman who are drawing twelve
months pay for less than six months work each
year can consistently advocate the proposed
action.
Another feature in the bill under considera-
ton has been commented upon by employees of
the departments, TO wit: The proposed appoint
ment by the Speaker of the present Congress of
a committee of Representatives-elect to the
next Congress to inquire into and report upon
the business of the departments. efficiency of
the employees, whether any modification of ex-
listing laws Is necessary. &c. The point Is
made that the present Congress expires on the
4th Of March next, and that the Fifty-third
Congress will have existence until the first
Monday in December next. Yet the commits
sion suggested IL required to assemble and
formulate Its report in September, 1898.
Whether or not this feature has escaped the
attention of members of the House we do not
know. but it is more than probable that the
questionable character of the proposed legisls-
ton will be detected whenslhe bill reaches the
Senate.
The foregoing. it should be understood, has
reference simply to the legality of the appoint
ment OF the committee by the present Con-
gress. We are assured that the CLERKS will
gladly welcome an impartial investigation of the
manner III which the business of the depart
ments Is conducted, the insdequacy of the pres
ert salaries. which were fixed many years ago, at
a time when the cost of living was far less than
at present. and other matters pertaining to
their comfort and duties, upon which they feel
needed information required on the part of
congressman. 1t should be remembered Ill
this connection that in every walk of life, in
Guiding the members of the national legislature,
salaries have been advanced since the war. for
the reason that the necessaries of life have
greatly enhanced in price. The compensation
OF clerks In the departments alone has remained
at figures fixed by law before the war. Clerks
TO congressional committees having but little to
do are paid salaries in excess of those paid to
men in the departments who are expected to
pass upon questions requiring high order of
ability In fact, salaries of subordinate en-
ployes of Congress exceed those paid to heads
of divisions in the departments who, make de-
cisions and prepare letters for the signatures of
the several Secretaries on important subjects
affecting the proper conduct of the public
business throughout the country"