The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-07-12


he use of statesman and newspaper
men, and it makes handsome addi-
ton to the library of a gentleman. But
if five copies were daily given to each
member of congress, instead of twenty
two, it would be sufficient for the
statesmen; and if they needed more to
send to the various people in their dis
tricts they could purchase and pay for
them out of their own pockets.
The present government printing Of
fee was not founded until 1861 when
Mr.. John D. Defrees, of Indiana, was
appointed the public printer by Presi-
dent Lincoln. after congress had wor-
ried along with other less convenient
and satisfactory systems since the gov
ernment was established in 1879. For
many years the public printing was
done on small scale, the house and
senate each paying for their own work
out of their appropriations for con-
tingent expenses For about twenty
years prior to 1916 the senate and
house elected public printers who were
salaried officials. The duties of these
officers were to make economical con-
tracts and audit accounts for such
printing only as was absolutely neces-
sary. In that year, 1916, when the an
nual expense Of congressional printing
reached the enormous sum of S65. 600,
it was decided to return to the original
contract system. But in 1851 the pub
lie printing cost $500, 200. and the office
of superintendent of public printing
was created by act Of congress, with a
salary of $4,000 per annuzn. Strange
as it may now appear, Horace Greeley
was an applicant for the position, and
SO was Henry j. Raymond; both Of
them destined to become the leading
journalists of their day, and one of
them a candidate for the presidency Of
the republic.
The law of 1861, creating the Office of
public printer, is still in force, and I'M
der the system then commenced the
government printing Office has grown
to the present proportions. The salary,
which Is 1880, is very small, and no
superior man could be induced to ac-
cept the Office but for the honor Of the
position. The public printer gives
bond in the sum of 100000 and is
obliged to abstain from any connection
with or interest in any printing, bind
ing, lithographing or engraving estab
lishment; so that the entire time, at
tention, ability and energy of the pub
lie printer must be given to the gov
ernment for $500 per annum. And
yet, the duties and responsibilities of
the place require the services Of man
who is possessed of as much executive
ability as would be required of the in
cumbent Of cabinet position.
The public printer must be man of
absolute incorruptibility and sterling
integrity. If he is not, he is always in
danger of instruction; for the temp
tations of the position are very great.
The following story is illustrative: II
do not like that man." said Capt. MeIe-
dith, chief of the bureau OF engraving
and printing three years ago, as we
passed prominent character on the
avenue. at was supposed early in so
that would be appointed public prin-
ter. That man came to me and asked
to be appointed chief clerk OF the gov
ernment printing office, saying he
would make me rich if gave him that
position. When 1 asked how he could do
it, he said that, as chief clerk, he would
make all contracts for materials for
the office. and that he would occasion
ally hand me an envelope with thou
sand dollars in it; and that need not
ask any questions. He had been in
troduced to me only week before by
an ex-member of cabinet, and had
presumed that he was gentleman. /
have never permitted him to speak to
me since that day"
The above is true story. It illus
trates pointedly and practically the
dangers of the position, unless man
is armed so strong in honesty that he
is absolutely incompatible.
SMITH D. Fry.