Omaha daily bee., 1894-03-04
YOUNG BLOOD.

YOUNG BLOOD.
II we deduct the number of congressman
and 80 per cent Of the men in other govern
ment places, who are estimated to be above
35 and under Il years of age, we have an
aggregate of ISL, 995 young men whose ages
range from 81 to 80. OF these 81, 1854 are
soldiers, enlisted sailors, naval and revenue
marines. and have the monthly pay of their
enlistment, varying from $13 to 500, the
latter being the amount that the highest
general service clerk receives. Not reck-
oning the number of officials who have each
q yearly salary below $500 and above 81, 400,
we estimate 10, 900 young men who are re-
ceiving from $50 to $3.50 per month, and who
are according to the verdict Of public opinion
holding good positions. They have gener-
ally a fair social status. They are received
in the community and honored as represen-
tatives of a great and good government.
The majority of the places which they hold
are filled by civil service examinations or by
promotions from grade to grade as vacan-
cies occur from death, resignation or re-
moval. We rejoice at these sanguine state
ments. The government that we love needs
young men who are self-respecting, honest,
capable. Let such be found and encouraged
to enter the service of Columbia! Why not?
Directing critics, and l fear some of them
are not free from envy with perhaps a grain
OF malice admfxed, cry out with a slight
shrug OF the shoulders, soft placesl' soft
things!' Too many workers!' TOO much
salary for the business!' They go on often
TO affirm that not one-third of the numerous
public functionaries earn the money which
they receive. How full of such bitterness
Some hearts are! Perhaps overwork in
newspaper stan chairs mas made these critics
dyspeptic.
You may be sure that the following is the
true general proposition, to-wit: The United
States employe, including the soldier and the
sailor, does well earn his salary.
DEVOTED TO THEIR DUTIES.
Glance at the great postofice which ex>
TENDS from Washington to the eXtremities
OF our vast domain. The busy workers on
shlps, on stages, on railroad cars, on the
streets, everywhere among the people. sta,
tlonary or moving, are never idle. From the
general postofllce to its various branches in
the states and territories, in the cities, vii,
lagos. hamlets and road corners. there thew
are, this vast multitude of young men, fun
OF health and vlgor, as regular in their work
as the tides of the ocean, as constant as tho
stars. wholly devoted to the business in
hand! There is no want of skill; no want of
force; no confusion.
How can we have better servants of the
many sovereigns of this republic, better
laborers for the veal and comfort of an
the inhabitants of the land? Are these
really young men?. Yes, certainly, we are
speaking of young men. In all the depart
AhVhts vi III government give us YOUNG
men. When we select them rightly, of the
right build, OF proper endowments. thew
excel, for In them are the strength and en-,
ergy. We do not forget the public demand
for men of sufficient age and abundant ex,
perience In public office. Some such belong
TO the courts OF law. to the council cham,
bers, to the senate, to the treasury and to
But, as intimated, in every apportion-
ment where public labor is to be performed
IN order to secure the best results give us
nlHntV nT tho qtrangth ,,l
golden youth. These views are almost foo
plain to warrant a statement of them, This
however, Is the government side of tho
matter; or rather it is the side of the
sovereign, the people, the employers. whose
high and important interests are under con-
sideration.
SURE THINGS.
How is the case with the individual young
man? A youth who lis Just emerging from
his school life is bordering his future. He
is seeking something for a livelihood. He
naturally wants what he hears called "a
sure thing" The government clerkships at
washington with a compensation of 500
per month arrest his attention, He finds a
vacancy. He submits to an examination.
passes satisfactorily and receives his ap-
pointment; though perhaps not one in
twenty such applicants get as far as the APP
pointment, Next the successful young man
moves to Washington, and enters full of
vigor and hope upon the duties assigned
him. His tasks are not hard and for a time
his salary is ample; for 1t meets all his
wants. and as health continues he is perhaps
saving a little for future use. In process OF
time, however. our young clerk be-
comes restless, probably from the
yery monotony OF his labors. AS is
natural a wife comes to share his means, and
his living expenses are greater. by the
~Etrlctest economy, IL the wife be without
fortune, they manage their household. but
children ZONE and the needs increase. He
now strives for promotion, but promotion
does not come at his bidding. With reluct-
anee he permits himself to anticipate his
monthly allowance. He is obliged to Dor
row and pay interest. Oh, why go on2 The
story is too common. Speculation gives
hope, but soon speculation proves but a
mirage. That, like gambling, will end in
ruin. The result Is Inevitable. The young
man with a grokyIn0 fauniIv a. Fornad 40