Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-07-03
ELIGIBLE TO PROMOTION
DIRECTOR MERRIAM,s DECISION RE.
GARDING THE .CARD PUNCHERs..
Step to Increase Emciency of the Bu-
reau-Promises to Have the Census
Ready December 1.

There will be great thanksgiving among
the card punchers" at the census office
when 1t Is known that Director Merriam
has concluded to include them in the list
OF those entitled to promotion. At first It
was thought that $50 per month would be
the maximum salary paid for this class of
work. but Director Merriam has decided
that those clerks who prove themselves
efficient will be recognized by promotions
This will be an incentive for the punchers
to put forth their best efforts, and bring
the counting Of the census out on scheduled
time. For Director Merriam proposes to be
ready by the LIST day Of December, IL he
has to work three sets Of clerks of eight
hours each
This census must be ready by December
4 ana propose to have 1t ready" said
director Merriam to reporter of The Star
Meanwhile everything Is moving like clock
work at the census office. The great army,
now numbering over 1000 is at work in
earnest, and each day finds the work fur
ther advanced. No loiterers will be tolerat-
ca n this census. Wherever a clerk is found
m lnehcasnt j. ne Is promptly removed. This
followed out, notwithstanding the influence
at work. All the punchers must reach a
certain degree of efficiency in the number
OF CARDS punched. There are hundreds here
In Washington waiting, even begging. for
an opportunity to work. This reserve
force may, at any time be drawn upon.
dne welhe Ist numbers over 1900. every
one OF wnom has passed the examination
and is properly indorsed When vacancies
occur TINS force will be called upon
ocheouies are coming in by the wagon
loao every DAY. and as fast as they are re-
celveo clerks take them up and properly
place them for the punchers. Each day
additional punchers are put to work. They
are taken from the awkward squad as fast
as they prove competent.
since Director Merriam ordered the
withdrawing of the glass roof and the in
stallat!o1 Of curtains the binding glare OF
the sun has been materially diminished and
the clerks are much more comfortable. But
tne rooms are not yet cool enough, and 1t
- the intention of the director to put in
additionai electric fans and provide means
Tor exhaustfng the hot air and keeping up
a circulation. When this Is done It Is be-
Heved the rooms will be much more COM
Portable.
The clamor for promotions is not as great
as 1t was some weeks ago. Then the ma
)ority or the clerks were insisting upon ad-
vancement In salary. and the pressure
brought to bear was well night unbearable.
When at length the clerks were brought to
realize that there would be no promotions
but upon merit. and were given to under
stand that efforts made in that direction
would prejudice their case. there was a
quick falling of. The department has not
been slow to recognize merit, and there
have been great many promotions. But
In every instance it was deserved.
The schedules for Washington are all in
and are now being counted. 1t is the first
completed city to send in returns, and the
Punchers are now at work summing up.
1t is expected the official count will De
ready in few days.
There are few appointments being made
nowadays. The only available positions are
those denominated "punchers," and 1t Will
require only about 400 more to complete
the list. They will all be appointed this
month They have been selected. in fact.
and many notified to report. AS heretofore
stated. all examinations have closed and
thu examining force has been distributed
among the several departments.