Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1879 — Guarding Millions. [ARTICLE]

Guarding Millions.

A correspondent of the Troy (N. Y.) Times says: “The Sub-Treasury contains at present $140,000,000 —$11,000,000 in silver, $130,000,000 in gold, and $23,000,000 in greenbacks. The new silver vault, which lias laon in use some months will store $40,000,000,ami the prospects are that it will soon be tilled. The silver is placed in bags containing SI,OOO each, and the different issues of coin are kept seperate. Gold is held in bags containing $5,000, aud green bucks in packages of 1,000 notes. In addition to tbe silver vault there are two other vaults on the main floor, each of which is built on tbe pluu-of a firat-class safe. They contain tiie gold and greenbacks, the lock combination being held by Mr. Ashley the specie clerk, and Mr. Brittan, the cashier, and once a month tbe surveyor of tl»e port makes an examination of the treasure on hand. At night four men, suitably armed, are put on guard and patrol themaiu hall. Eight men arc engaged in this service, their tour being alternate nights. During the day there are two policemen in uniform ill the hall, two detectives in ordinary citizen’s dress also keeping watch. One of these (Thomas (Sampson) is an expert of high order of skill, and com mauds a salary of SI,BOO a year. Tbe watchmen receive $75 per month. They come in at 5 o’clock in the afternoon (when the detectives leave), and lock up aud remain until relieved in the morning. In addition to this the Treasury has lately been put in a. condition of defense against the attack of a mob. The windows are protected by steel bars, and the inside shutters are perforated with loop-holes. The entire clerical force is seventy, for each of whom a musket is kept in the armory. In addition to this, Gatling guns will be stationed on the roof, which will insure the safety of the place against popular violence. This vast institution Is under the general care of Thomas Hillbouse, Assistant Treasurer. He was bred in the western part of the State, but has held his present office for several years. His salary is SB,OOO —a small salary for one who must give bonds to the amount of $500,000. Next in official importance is Cashier Brittau, whose salary is $4,000. The pay is generally small, and an immense business is done 11l a very economical manner.