The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-11-29
Benefits of Army Service.

The Washington Herald has commented
several times on the pay and allowances
OF those in the military and naval serv-
ice OF the government, and, while approx
ing OF the liberal treatment accorded
soldiers and sailors. bespoke some con-
slderation for the civilian clerk. One of
our readers, although miscOnstruing the
purport OF our remarks, proves the state
ments made. He says:
Editor Of The Washington Herald:
"In connection with the soldiers article appearing
in The Washington Herald some time ago, IN which
sarcastic and inaccurate comparisons are made be-
tween the pay Of the army and the clerical force %
the executive departments have served the govern
ment in both places and should be able from actual
experience 10 determine the respective merits q each
respecting the advantages and compelsatons thereof
Ny minimum pay IN the army was Sl3 per month
with slight reduction for the support Of the sol
die5s' home; my maximum pay 81 Per month.
At .he end q a ;hree-year enlistment had de-
POSTED with the Paymaster's Department the sum
Of $50. After my pay reached s94 per month ire
QueHtly deposited $40 Her month
II never gambied, specllated or had other re-
sources whatsoever than my salary. During my en-
lisment I saved something over $50 from my allow
ance for clothing which was paid 70 me upon my
discharge IN cash.
i have nov been employed in the executive &c
partments for more than ten years, and have nsyef
possessed as much as 500 ia cash az one time, al
though my salary has ranged an the way from SD
Per annum 20 81, i00
In the army I could afford to buy something IA
eat when the meals were unsatisfactory. / could 90
20 the theater once month without embarrass
ment and indulge in few other recreations.
In my departmental life have been unable Il
do any Of these things without serious thought a.
10 the final financial effect GA the necessariss Of
life.
Had ! stayed in the army I would have beer
getting at least SO per month by this time, Will
holse rent free and my nations for home use and
would nave been much more Independent than
nov.
In the army a man who STAYS sober and give
his best energies to the service and tries 10 make
his way is thoroughly appreciated: IN the depart
ments this IS sometimes true to some extent.
EXPERIENCE.
Those in the army, navy. Marine
Corps. and Revenue-Cutter Service have
liberal pay. are clothed and fed, and have
numerous allowances. They are given
bonus on re-enlistment and pay IN
creases with each enlistment period OF
continuous service. A retired list is pro-
vided for each service, and altogether the
situation Of the average soldier and sailor
is an enviable one. In this city is a col
ored sergeant who recently was placed
on the retired list Of the army. His re-
tired pay amounts TO about SO per month
but habits formed from his army train
ing make life a burden without some
thing to do. so he is now working for the
government as a teamster and drawing
an additional $40 per month.
The civilian clerk. regardless OF grade
has little 10 look forward to in return for
faithful service. When too old to per.
form his work he is kicked out OF the
government service. TO make his way as
best he can. If rewards for continuous
service. in the nature OF extra pay and
a retired list, have been found advan.
tageous for one form OF government serv
ice it should be tried, as far as possible.
in the interests Of all employees.