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that, and doubtless there are other considerations that will present themselves to you that practically prevent the staff getting a meal at the office.
6. The occasions on which I desire authority to incur this expenditure may be taken as recurring weekly. I believe I could make arrangements to give each man a substantial meal for 50 cents a head or less, practically at a cost of $8 a mail.
7. It will be a gain to the public; the work will be better and more quickly done. The last three or four hours of every mail finds the staff languid and wearied out. At no time generously fed, the hour or hour and a half wasted going home is a very questionable gain, whereas 10 or 15 minutes at the office would suffice for a substantial meal, if it were supplied, and make the difference between a fresh full man and a faint fasting one.
8. It is not suggested that clerks who now draw pay of $100 or upwards should be fed on these occasions, such men can have their meals brought to them.
9. It is, of course, no concern of the Government whether the clerks are fed or fasting, but I submit it will be for