The record-union., 1895-02-07
Is 1t True Ecouomys

EDS. RECoRD-UNIoN: The present
Legislature appears to be seeking out
a policy of closer public economy
than most of our previous law-making
bodies had done. II cannot be denied
that they have the very best of reasons
for their united action, nor that the move
ment toward a stricter economy III the
public service is universally commended
by tax-burdened constituency.
While we must allow our present law
givers the utmost candor and honesty OF
purpose in the adoption OF this policy OF
retrenchment, and even charge them
with culpable negligence did they not
make the attempt, still they must also
concede the right of criticism upon the
execution of that policy. and admit that
their most promising schemes OF re-
trenchment may be tainted with vital
error and inspired with the elements OF
their own defeat
And it is barely possible that the en-
thusiaSm OF this new and very popular
movement may carry It's supporters TAR
ther than they intended to go, and that
partisan zeal IN favor of this-the only
reasonable policy Tor present times-may
have also blinded their eyes in the choice
of means that can never accomplish the
purpose intended.
Nor can it be denied that in the execu-
ton Of so vigorous a policy as that OF
general retrenchment in the public serv-
ice there is the greatest danger of begin
ming at the wrong end, and OF stopping
short before reaching the other.
These are only some general criticisms
that find application in every species of
radical legislation, but which are spec
tally noticeable in certain bill recently
introduced, having for it's object the re-
duction of the salaries of quite a large
number of the most useful and the most
needed servants of the State.
A singular feature OF this bill is that it
does not affect those who are generously
rewarded for light and easy work in high
and exalted places, nor those other po-
sitions Of elegant leisure supposed to be
at the disposal of the ''boss'' as rewards
TO tavorites for services rendered; not the
''sinecures" of official station are abol
ished or even displaced by the provis-
ions OF the retrenchment bill.
But whom, then, does it reach, and
where does economy commence? Why,
at the base of the structure, TO be sure
at the foot Of the ladder, where the first
step Is always taken. Out upon the Cap
itol grounds, the day laborers in the gar
den of the State; the state police, who
patrol those grounds and preserve them
from the wanton hand of the despoiler;
the janitors and pOrters within the edi-
fee, who must keep it in order and re-
pair; the watchmen within, on duty day
watch Tor its safety, and the treasury
guards, also on continuous duty day and
night to shield and protect the funds of
the State, beside the mechanics, engi-
neerS and tiremen whose services cannot
be dispensed with.
These necessary and faithful workers
for the State-tor the great and prosper
Gus State Of California-these hardwork-
ing day laDorers are the first to fall under
the ak OF retrenchment.
Is this right, fair or just, that labor
should suffer first at the hands OF the
State, or IS 1t even good, sound policy?
And II so, then of what party? Certainly
not of the Republican, that has always
been a labor-respecting party, and the
last to cut the rates of wages.
Much OF this service required by the
State is really skilled labor that demands
special training in knowledge and ex-
perience. Should not the State be willing
10 pay fair and reasonable wages for its
required skilled labor?
Comparatively few are qualified to fill
even these lowest positions III the service
OF the State; and is not the Iaborer worthy
OF his hIre-the State laborer like any
other?
When tho quality of the work is con-
sldered, 1t is commonly supposed that a
great and sovereign State should be
satisfied with nothing short of first-class
performance IN all its departments. And
II the very best Is required, should it not
be paid tor generously? Is not the State
held TO be without excuse for shoddy
and inferior work, and should not the
highest talent be suitably rewarded?
Should not the compensation be adequate
TO the public service demanded?
Ii economy is in such great demand,
and II retrenchment is now the order of
the day, why not commence a the other
end and abolish some of those sinecures
Dr hnS STTN md iSNyN .,
on the quarterback?
Who Is it that take care of our beautiful
public grounds? They call it the garden
of the state. Visitors from other lands
unger here and exult over a new-found
Paradise. They declare that its beauties
are unrIvalled; that its glories are uusur-
passed elsewhere among the States. Aud
these gardeners cultivate il with the
choicest care; and these officers guard it
night and day, only one on duty at a
tlme, Tor the whole fifteen acres; exposed
10 all kinds OF weather, in sunshine and
storm, IN summer and winter.
And now you would cut them down.
reduce thelr allowance, already too small,
to save any portion.
How long, at the rates proposed. do
you expect to be Faithfully served
Where, on such pitiful allowance. can Won
ind men with the qualifications neces-
sary? Where the gardeners to make your
PARK the pride OF the land Where the
Janltors to preserve the edifice of State
ana the watchmen who understand ali
the methods necessary to guard it from
intrusion? And the guards at the treas
ury-where will you find men of the ra
ouired skill and experience to fill that
most necessary yet perilous position
These watchmen OF the treasury are also
endowed with police powers, and exc
cute double function. Should these Of
ncers, who combine the detective, the
policeman, and the gentleman, while
carrying their lives in every footstep-
should these men who guard the funds of
the State, be selected with reference to anv
special htness, or not? And if so. can
the right kind of men be had for any such
compensation as you propose TO give
them?
We are thus forced to observe that
there Is danger to the public service in
the employment OF cheap men. Inade-
quate compensation gives incompetent
service. This is the rule TO which we find
no exception.
The few trivial errors in our public
service have hitherto come from within
VIII you now open the door to greater
ones that may come from without? There
can be no real public safeguards without
their price.
Most of our employees are men who
nave families to support, and it is a
credit 10 the State that it should be so
since marriage is thu foundation of the
civil State. And it is a credit TO the State
that Its servants should be men OF some
pride OF personal appearance and VINO
can make proper respectable presenta-
ton.
Does the niggardiy stipend to which
you propose TO reduce this service permit
the State to secure the class of men who
can give security to her institutions and
reflect honor aud credit upon herself?
TAXPAYER