Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1916-02-04
PUBLIC SERVICE.

The President of the United States
and every other officeholder and gov
ernment employee of every class, from
the head Of a great department to the
driver of an ash team, are members o
the public service, and most of then
depend upon their salary or wages fol
q livelihood.
In this article, however, l am no,
considering government officials. and
those who hold political offices. My
remarks refer solely to the govern
ment employees or clerks, and other
subordinates who occupy govern
mental positions similar to those In
mercantile houses.
Governmental positions are usually
obtained by appointment, but most OF
the applicants are obliged to pass the
civil service examination, which is not
difficult. and does not require more
than common school education.
Under the civil service one is not
likely to be discharged except for
cause. and Is subject to automatic pro-
motion.
The government employee, as a rule,
receives a larger salary or wage at
the start than does one doing similar
work for a mercantile concern. His
position Is not affected by the times.
and he is reasonably sure of retaining
1t, provided he gives fair satisfaction.
Should | advise one to enter the
government employ in preference to
taking q regular business position? T?
My answer must be both yes" and
no"
The government certainly offers q
more permanent position. and for the
amount Of work done and the responsi.
bility. gives larger salary than one
Is likely to be paid by the business
house.
The man Of ordinary ability. who
is economical and who is satisfied
with a sufficient sum to support him
In moderate comfort. is probably bet
ter on holding a government position
than he would be taking his chances
In the business world at large.
The minimum governmental wage is
large, the maximum small, compared
with the salaries paid by business
houses.
The governmental worker has little
or no opportunity for receiving more
than a few thousand a year at the
very outside. The top of his depart.
ment is not of commanding impor-
tance. while the opportunities offered
by business are practically unlimited;
but many men In business are not bet
ter on financially than is the faithful
and competent governmental EN-.
ployee.
Great success is accompanied by
equally great risk.
II you are satisfied with a reason
able income. and q permanent posi-
ton, and II you are willing to continue
in It indefinitely without more than
moderate promotion, the government
is your best employer. II. on the other
hand, you are ambitious, and do not
desire to limit the measure of your
success. you will be happier in busi-
ness, taking your chances with other
men. to win or to lose. as your ability
and conditions may determine for you.
Bear in mind that the best fruit
may be at the top of the tree, the
hardest to pick. and that. in attempt.
ing to reach 1t. you may slip and fall
to the ground. The higher up you
go. the more likelihood there is of dis
aster. There is safety in the middle
of the road. and monotony, too. Ambi-
tion enters the bypath where It may
be lost. and where 1t may discover the
source Of high accomplishment
On one hand is reasonable certainty
and a living income. on the other, un-
certainty with many prizes.