A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF THE POWERS, FUNCTIONS, AND DUTIES OF THE
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, BUREAUS, AND DIVISIONS AT WASHINGTON,
AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW AND REGULATIONS; TOGETHER WITH

A DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF EACH ;

ALSO A SKETCH IN DETAIL OF THEIR PRACTICAL OPER-

ATIONS IN THE TRANSACTION OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AND OF BUSINESS WITH THE PEOPLE.

BY WEBSTER ELMES,
Of the Department of Justice.
(Attorney-at-Law.)

WASHINGTON, D. C.

W. H. & 0. H. MORRISON.

1879.

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Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by

W. H. & O. H. MORRISON,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

From the Press of

Thomas McGill & Co.,
Washington, D. C.

PREFACE.

The duties of the officers in the Civil Service of the Government at Washington are but imperfectly understood by the people at large. They have an indefinite idea of the employment of a numerous army of officers at the National Capital, but beyond this, and as regards the nature of that employment, its importance with respect to the material interests of the country, and the individual responsibility involved, they have seemingly given little thought. It is only in individual cases, where private interests require business transactions at the seat of government,as in the case of a contract, bounty, pension, land, or other claim,—that attention is awakened, and then it is directed in a particular channel, and in that alone. The executive departments embrace a large number of able, faithful, and experienced men, skilled in the special duties required of them, having a practical knowledge of laws, rules, and precedents, and of the application of the same, which can be gained only after years of faithful service. The heads of departments and bureaus, men of marked ability, are for the most part dependent upon their subordinates in position, many of whom have devoted a lifetime to the service, for a successful administration of Government affairs. The aim of this volume is to bring before the people somewhat in detail, yet in as concise a form as practicable, information of the duties required of the different classes of officers, to familiarize them with the plan of organization of the several departments, bureaus, and divisions, and to impart something regarding the mode of proceeding therein, and the place where public business, of whatever character, is transacted. The hope is entertained that it may prove useful not only to public officers, and to others whose business interests point to the National Capital, but to those who desire a closer insight into the workings of their Government, and a better knowledge of what is required of public servants in the interest of the whole people. W. E.

WASHINGTON, D. C., June 1, 1879.