The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-24

and efficient servants of the Government.
But as this happy result could only be
attained by providing the family with
proper suStenanCe, the authorities began
graNely 10 consider the question of ra-
lions. II was duly recommended that a
snail allowance should be made each
month for milk and meat. ana more
over, that cat service should become
permanent feature of poStoitice WORK
The total amount paid by the Govern
ment for the maintenance of postolhce
cats has never been computed. requests
IRE made by the Individual postmasterS
who are in need of such service, and
who are unable or unwilling to support
. the cats from their own private purse
And indeed. to show that the latter
could scarcely be expected, the fact may
be instanced that the bill for cats meat
for the New York Postofice alone
amounts to $50 a year; for the postoftice
at Akron. Ohio, for the same period, S10
for the Richmond tNa.) Postoflice. Sl6
and for that of St. Paul SO The need
has often been urged for cat service
in the Washington Postoffice. especially
when the seeds are sent by the Agricul-
tural Department to the various sections
of the country. At such times the depre-
dations of the rats and mice. who evil
IDENTIFY regard the seed samples as de-
signed for their own special benefit, are
most noticeable.
The money for the rations of the cats
is paid out of the sum appropriated by
Congress yearly to the Postofice Depart
mcnt for miscellaneous requirements.
Many Governmental authorities. in close
touch with the concerns of the office. are
unacquainted with the fact that cats are
provided for in the service
a prominent official of the Treasury De-
partment. who was approached by mis-
take. supposing the matter to come under
his special province. repudiated the very
idea that the Government should employ
cats, with Scorn and contempt And yet,
celebrated observation of Scripture, THE
laborer is worthy of his hire" apply with
such justice as to the official cats. They
not only work overtime. but all the time,
and are currently believed by the watch
men of the respective offices wherein they
are employed. to sleep with one eye open.
The extension of the. feline service so as
to embrace all public buildings wherein
are stored documents of value has been
urged in divers quarters. 1t is contended.
for instance, that the Pension. Land and
Indian OFFICE would be greatly benefited
by an efficient corps of ratters.
The Government cats are said to be ex-
ceedinSly decorous and well-conducted
animals. Upon the arrival of their feed
ing time, which. with them, answers to
payday. they congreSate in q body, and
give vent to a gentle and melodious
NEW, while their expressions and at
titudeS denote the most Incense eXpecta-
ton. A Waterman is despatched to a
purveyor, and upon his return with the
who evidently regard him as the head of
the office, as they habitually show him
the greatest respect while the postmaster
they treat with indifference. They are
companionable and friendly animals,
generally speaking. and wander up and
down the corridors of the buildings
where they perform their duties. making
friends with everybody. They are sleek
and well-to-do in appearance. But it is at
night that. throwing aside that grave and
reserve not unmiXed with sleepi-
ness which characterizes them during the
day, they combine business with pleasure
in a most remarkable manner. With one
eye on rats and the other on relaxation.
they indulge, according to the accounts of
the night watchmen, in a sort Of witches
carnival. Indeed. some watchmen, evil
IDENTIFY with a tinge of superstition in their
character, have experienced some dread
at seeing their eyes glowing like carbun-
Giles in the darkness, and listening to their
unearthy caterwaulings. But they per-
form their duties faithfully, and are eff
cient in keepeing away the rats and mice.