Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 28, Number 28, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 8 January 1898 — Page 2

:iSl

THE CIVIL SEEVICE.

Jl! A PLAN TO FURTHER INCREASE THE PENSION LIST.

It Waa Probably Nipped In the Bod by Congressman Moody—Prospective Recipients of the Proposed Bounty—A Government Employee's Reminiscences.

[Special Correspondence.]

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8.—That was a very happy simile used by the assistant secretary of the treasury, Mr. Vanderlip, the other day, -when he wished to convey that the department in which he presides was becoming, top heavy, "The tree has become dead at the top,' said he, and then he showed how he purposed to lop off the twigs that had died or were moribund. Said twigs that cumbered the tre6 were all clerks over 70 years of age, whom he proposed to subject to a horizontal reduction of 'salary without regard to merit, connec tions, color or previous condition of servitude. The jnanuer of doing it was not so happy as the simile— that is, the expression he inadvertently used was not, for it drew upon the unfortunate Yanderlip the fire of one of the able and virile house debaters. "They will be given,'' he added, "$900 a year, or a practical pension of $75 per month, which will enable them all to live comfortably." So it would if the most of them were not already drawing an average salary of $2,000 from the treasury and had their household established on a $2,000 basis. But the squeezing of a $2,000 clerk into a $900 hole is like the grocer's feat of getting five gallons of cider into a three gallon keg. He admitted that it was "consid'ble strain on the kag!"

A Civil Pension List.

It was not, alas, from a tender regard for the aged officeholder that Congressman Moody called the attention of his colleagues to the "rat in the meal," the "Ethiopian in the wood pile," or whatever we may designate the innocent suggestion that fell from the lip of Mr. Vanderlip. In his own words let him .state it: "I am one of those who without reservation believe in what is commonly

CONGRKSSMAN W. H. MOODY.

known as tbo merit system of the civil service. But I believe the proposition whioh has been advanced by a iiigh official of one of the departments of the government deserves to be met by congress at the very threshold. If it is true that we have any system of the publio service the logical result of which is the establishment of a civil pension list then it is true that the American people, by a majority of 100 to 1, stand ready to wipe out that system."

Thero was tbo "milk in the cocoanut." But after Mr. Moody had stripped off the husk and punctured the shell the milk all ran out and left the nut as dry as a chip. Congressman Moody represents in tho house the "glorious old Essox" district, and comes from the birthplace of tho poet Whittier, hailing from Haverhill, on the historio Merriniao. Elected to succeed the late General Cogswell in the Fifty-fourth congress, ho was re-elected to the Fiftyfifth. He had a hard row to hoe, coming as ho did after a general favorite like Cogswell, but ho has vindicated tfie choice of his friends, and is now considered one of the leaders of the Bay State delegation.

The applause his remarks elicited and the debate they precipitated showed unmistakably that he had touched a popular chord, and that the American people, through their representatives in congress, really had decided opinions on this question. The vital point is that it impinges upon two other related topios —the civil service and the pensions. Now, if thero is any one question our legislators dislike to handle and one •which they approach with mingled ^emotions it is that of civil service. Misguided politicians and outside pressure have united to bring on a disoussion of its merits and demerits at an early day. It really looks as though it will be likely to get a severe mauling in the house of its erstwhile friends.

That an increase of the pension rolls, as

a legitimate outcome of civil service regulations, should be precipitated at this juncture is, to say the least, unfortunate.

The secretary of the treasury softens the blow of the impending ax by oalling this degradation of the old clerks a transfer to the "roll of honor"—that is, with one hand he spreads on magnificently engrossed parchment a record of their long and arduous services, but with the other he outs their salaries in halves. As between the two-—the pubiioity of their meritorious deeds and the retention of their salaries—they have but oue opinion. Their attitude is that who, when told that

if ho would submit to a decrease ot

pay

he would some time be advanced with halo of glory, replied: "II ain't halo I want It*8 pertaties!**

I have been around to tee some of the nroroeotive reoinients of Is

Gage's honorarium and have found them unanimous in this opinion. They look upon the stirring up. of the waters of the treasury pool as entirely a work of supererogation. The government officeholder reminds me often of the manatees I used to shoot down in Flori da. Yon might hunt for days and never see a manatee, but if you could get view of the river bottom there you would see them quietly feeding on the grass that grows there. Only when they come up to blow can you get a shot at fchect

Beneath the quiet surface of the Washingtonian waters are thousands of busily feeding officeholders, who have learned, by sad experience with the per sistent hunters for the press, that it best for them not to come up to blow! I cite this to show how difficult it is to obtain an unbiased opinion on this in teresting topic. But sometimes an idea will exude from one in an unguarded moment, and it is by carefully watch ing for it and promptly bottling it that it is captured

It seems that there are 83 clerks above 70 years of age in the treasury alone and a goodly proportion of aged public servants in the other departmenta

There are 8 of the age of 70, 4 of 7 1 10 at 72, 5 at 78, 4 at 74, 3 at 75, 5 at 76, 4 at 77, 2 at 78, 4 at 79, 2 at 80, at 81, 2 at 82, 2 at 88, 1 at 85. Twentyfive of this total are old soldiers and all of them veterans in the service

I met, week* before last, one of the oldest of these clerks, who has been for half a century in government employ. He was not at that time cowering beneath the secretary's sword of Damo oles, and so he gave me generously of his ample leisure. His memory of Washington events extended back to the time of Jackson's administration, and he had met every president, from "Old Hick ory" to the present incumbent of the presidential chair. He attended the debates of that great triumvirate, Web ster, Clay and Calhoun, and retains vivid impressions of them all. He even saw John Randolph, who was pointed out to him one day as he was hurrying toward the capitol.

Webster's Penknife.

Of Daniel Webster he has a numbex of anecdotes. "Have I ever seen himf" he answered to my query. "Yes, indeed, and I have here a relic that was left me after his death.'' The aged clerk went over to his desk and took from a drawer a small pearl bandied knife, with his own initials engraved on the silver plate. It was one of the knives furnished to members and senators—a congressional knife—and was brought into his office, he says, by the greajt "expounder" himself. Taking it out of his pocket, Mr. Webster showed it to my aged friend and at the same time asked him what his initials were. He told him. "Take that knife," said Daniel, "and have them engraved on that plate." He did so and few days later took the knife to Mr. Webster. He naturally concluded the knife was intended for him. But, no. The great man took it, looked at it approvingly and then calmly pufr it in his pocket, turned on his heel and strode away, leaving the clerk gazing after him in astonishment.

This occurrence took place but a short time before Webster's death, hearing of which the clerk at once wrote to a gentleman who was at Marshfield at the time, detailing the ciroumstances and asking that the knife might be sent him, which request was complied with He thinks Mr. Webster intended to give him the knife, but that he forgot it in the abstraction of some great question and omitted to oarry out his intention

At another time the "godlike Daniel" came to him and abruptly demanded if he had any money. He answered cautiously that he hadn't any with him at the office. .. "Have you got any at home?" "Yes, a little." "Have you got $100?" "Yes." "Can you place your hands on it immediately?" "Yes, sir." v*

Bring it to me." No other words were passed, no reoeipt was asked or taken, and in view of Mr. Webster's well known laxity aa to money matters the most astonishing part of the transaction is that the money was returned on demand. After waiting for what he thought was a reasonable length of time the olerk ventured to remind Mr. Webster of that little obligation. "What?" said he, looking at and through him with his great glowing eyes. "Do I owe you $100?" 1 "Yes, sir." "Well, here. Take that. I happen to have just the amount of the indebtedness." V":

An Old, Old Story.

We might recall in this connection that alleged transaction between Bufus Choate and Daniel Webster on Wall street one day. Says Rufus to Daniel: "Say, Webster, I want to raise $1,000. Just indorse this note for me, will you?" "Why. •p-tainly," blandly answers Daniel. i-ufc while we're about it why not make it a couple? I'd liked a thousand myself."

So the note was drawn for $2,000, indorsed by Webster and presented by Choate. They pocketed $1,000 apiece, but as to who paid the note I do not know, only it is pretty certain that Daniel didn't.

Now, after conversing with one Whose memory extends back through many administrations, who has met and talked with Jackson and Adams, with Polk and Tyler, Van Buren and Pierce, with Lincoln and Grant, Garfield and Arthur, who has survived them all and who has conserved within himself traditions of their times, who shall venture to carp at the system which has permitted this venerable man to be preserved, a monument of the times gone by? Should we not rather do all we can

Secretary contain?

gnrroond these aged«^xfc^wUli

every comfort, even with luxuries, and, instead of depriving them of their heads, strive to have them put on record before they die what their dear old heads

F. A. OBESL

VOMAI'S LETTER TO WOMEN.

WRITTEN AS ONLY ONE WOMAN CAN WRITE TO ANOTHER.

Men "Write From the Head, But Wo men From the Heart—That is WhyAll Women Will Be Impressed by

Tills Letter. We publish an interesting letter from Mrs. Anna B. Miller, of 940 West Main St. Ionia, Mich., with her portrait so that our readers can see just how she looks and almost, as it were, hear her speak.

For forty years," she says, "I have suffered from falling of the womb and female weakness, which caused constipation and a complete obstruction of the bowels at times. In May, 1894, an abscess formed. I lay at the point of death for days, given up, not only by my attending physician, butv by two others that were called in. They said that if I did recover from that attack, it would only be to be a helpless invalid the rest of my life. During that time I suffered with sleeplessness, was nervous and weak and was losing my memory. I also had heart trouble. Death would have been a welcome release to me from all my trouble.

"A friend told me of the help Dr. Greene's Nervura blood and nerve remedy had been to her and advised me take it. I did so and have continued to take it up to the present, each bottle making me feel stronger. I am now able to do light housework and think nothing of taking trips on the train from one friend's to another, surprising them, all with my renewed life. "I can truly say that Dr. Greene's Nervura blood and nerve remedy is a great nerve and brain invigorant and health restorer, and I recommend it to all my friends and I know that many have been helped by it. It has done wonders for me."

To how many thousands of women, suffering from female weakness, irregularities and disease, whose nerves are all ajar and shaken by strain and overwork, who are weak, tired, nervous and without energy or ambition, do these stirring words of Mrs. Miller bring hope and encouragement? For Dr. Greene's Nervura blood and nerve remedy will cure any sufferer who reads these lines just as surely as it did her. It is the greatest boon womankind has ever known, and makes women strong and well, perfectly and completely curing their female weakness and disease.

Dr. Greene's Nervura is the prescription of Dr. Greene of 148 State St., Chicago, 111., the most successful physician in curing these complaints, and he may be consulted absolutely free, personally or by letter.

The Troubles of Ireland.

On one occasion Hartley Coleridge had listened with deep apparent invest to the voluble discourse of a well known Irish enthusiast who spent much of his time traveling about England and enlightening the English mind on the subject of popish errors, especially in Ireland. After dinner Hartley requested to bo presented to a man so remarkable. On the presentation he took the far famed traveler and philosopher by the arin while a few of the guests gathered around, and addressed him with awful solemnity, "Sir, there are two great evils in Ireland." "There are indeed, sir,'' replied the Irish guest, "but pleaso to name them." "The first," resumed Hartley, "is—popery!" "It is," said the other, "but how wonderful that you should have discovered that! Now tell me what is the second great evil." "Protestantism!" watt Hartley's reply in a voice of thunder as he ran away screaming with laughter. His new acquaintance remained panic stricken.—"Recollections of Aubrey de Vere."

A './'He" Was-a Woman.

A person admitted to an English workhouse not long ago objected to taking the usual bath with the men and confided to the medical officer that "be" was a woman. The woman's story, which she subsequently told, is stranger than fiction. She was educated at a woman's college and married at 16 to a man who ill treated her. She left him and went to live with a brother, who was a painter and decorator. Acquiring a knowledge of the trade, she donned male clothes and became a successful painter and decorator. For 22 years she lived with her niece, who kept house for her and posed as the painter's wife. Three months ago she fell from a scaffold, and, although she injured her ribs, managed to prevent the doctors from discovering her secret. A failure to obtain employment finally compelled her to seek the shelter of the workhouse, with consequences disastrous to her manhood.—New York Tribuna

Chronic constipation is the fore-runner of many serious diseases. Keep your bowels regular with that non-griping remedy. Dr. Bull's Pills, and avoid sickness. 10 and 25 cents.

Queen & Crescent.

86 Miles Shortest to New Orleans, 300 Miles Shortest to Jacksonville from Cincinnati Cafe, parlor and observation cars. Through Pullman sleeping oars.

•t-'

MIDWINTER FASHIONS.

A Glimpse at the Styles For Next SeMon. Attire For Brides. [Special Correspondence.]

NEW YORK, Jan. 8.—Now, in tW midst of winter, we may find the deli cate and dainty things for next, sum mer's wear if we know where to look. These are lawns and organdies in the most exquisite designs of wild flowers in faint pinks and greens on ivory ot white grounds. There are naturally other colors, like blue and lilac, and also yellow, each color representing some wild flower well known and loved. All these are arranged in lengthwise stripes, generally three to a breadth, with two very black stripes about an inch wide down the center between the three stripes. It makes not only a beautiful design, but a striking one. There are also many new seersucker fancies, and these are so very pretty that it is almost certain that they will be very popular for next summer. In the middle of the winter it is pleasant to see some thing to prove that there will be a sum mer again. There are some handsome Scotch ginghams in small figures, but each of them as perfoct a clan plaid as the silks have been. Momie cloth is also one of the new cottons and is very pretty and will make up well. The propei trimming for that is ribbon in sashes, bows and stole collars. The colors include all that are now in vogue as well as mocha, elephant and mouse. These, made up plainly and brightened with ribbon adapted for the purpose, will be handsome. Tomato red, reseda and bright blue are those best suited. Some of them will have belt and all other ac-

HANDSOME WEDDING GOWN.|

cessories made so that they may be put on and taken off at will. Stock collars and deep upturned cuffs and Swiss or draped belts made of emerald, ruby or blue velvet make very dressy additions. Momie cloth will cost from 12 to 15 cents per yard. All the cotton goods for next summer shown so far are soft, except the organdies, and they are stiff because that is what organdies are intended to be.

I notice among some Very choice importations some delicate fayal linen lawns, with clusters of fine dots, red, black, blue or brown. These are very refined and also expensive. They are to be made with a yoke baby waist and a gathered skirt with Spanish flounce Spanish flounces appear to have gained in favor very much, and one finds them already in almost all the textiles now worn except velours, which would be rather too heavy to manipulate well. Draped skirts gain in favor daily.

There will be many brides during the next two months. For a very grand ohurch wedding there was a gown on exhibition, copied from one made for a young countess in London. The dress itself was of white moire, with a deep festooned flounce of point lace. The bodice was of armure silk, with point lace bretelles. The sleeves were of shirred chiffon. There was a court train of armure, embroidered with seed pearls and silver, and a veil of tulle. The veils of that and another fine wedding costume are not to be brought over the face. Another rich wedding gown was of heavy ribbed silk with a rich train. The trimming was three milliner's folds of satin.

For evening dresses there is a new and beautiful wool barege with quite open mesh. This is to allow a bright taffeta silk an opportunity to shine through. Some of the wool bareges have satin stripes, and it is an unusually pretty design.

The authorities now threaten us with the chignon, the hip pad and the bustle. They go together, with the draped skirt and the polonaise, as I think I have said before but, after all, it may be a mere threat, so let us not borrow trouble. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.'' OLIVE HARPEB.

Egg« May Be Kept Fresh For Months.

"It is impossible in some sections of the country to get perfectly fresh eggs during the winter season," says Mrs. S. T. Borer in The Ladies' Home Journal. "To guard against this, in summer time, when they are cheap, pack them in«lime water, and they will keep in good condition for three months. Pour one gallon of boiling water over a pound of lime when settled and cold, pour it carefully over the eggs which yon have packed, small ends down, in a stone jar, and stand in a cool, dark place. Eggs may also be packed in salt anything that will clot* the pores of the shell and prevent evaporaikm will preserve eggs.''

One thing ought to be aimed at by all men—that the interest of each, individually and collectively, should be the same, for if each should grasp at his individual interest all human society would be dissolved.—Cicero.

The fisheries of the United Kingdoxr aze worth 182,600,000 those of land akjne,fS1,250,000.

Rich Red

Blood is absolutely essential to health. It is secured easily and naturally by taking Hood's S&rsaparilla, but is impossible to get it from so-called nerve tonics," and opiate compounds,.absurdly advertised as "blood purifiers." They have temporary, sleeping effect, but do not CUBE. To have purs

Blood

And good health, take Hood's Sarsaparilla, which Baa first, last, and all the time, beenad.veEtlsedas just what it is—the best medicine for the blood ever produced. Its success in curing Scrofula,

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Health isBWealth.

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