Early Statesman synthesis distilling legal jargon into practical meaning, statutory anchors, and structural constitutional impacts.
This executive order, signed by President Herbert Hoover on 1931-05-18, establishes federal administrative policy concerning "Saturday Working Hours, Field Service, Department of the Interior." It is a direct, concise executive instruction delivering focused administrative or military commands to department leadership.
Constitutional Assessment: This action represents an orderly exercise of Article II administrative discretion, managing the internal machinery and personnel of the executive branch without abridging the ancient liberties of the people.
Key Directives & Operative Actions
▪That four hours, exclusive of time for luncheon, shall constitute a day's work on Saturdays for all clerks and other employees of the field service of the Department of the Interior; and all Executive or other orders in conflict herewith are hereby revoked.
▪It is provided, however, that this order shall not apply to any bureau or office, or to any of the clerks or other employees thereof, that may for special public reasons be excepted therefrom by the head of said department, or where the same would be inconsistent with the provisions of existing law.
Exec. Order No. 5625, Herbert Hoover (May 18, 1931). Available at https://executiveordersarchive.org/orders/app-executive-order-5625-saturday-working-hours-field-service-department-the-interior.
Official Document Text
Source: The American Presidency Project (UCSB Archive)
It is hereby ordered that four hours, exclusive of time for luncheon, shall constitute a day's work on Saturdays for all clerks and other employees of the field service of the Department of the Interior; and all Executive or other orders in conflict herewith are hereby revoked. It is provided, however, that this order shall not apply to any bureau or office, or to any of the clerks or other employees thereof, that may for special public reasons be excepted therefrom by the head of said department, or where the same would be inconsistent with the provisions of existing law. HERBERT HOOVER The White House, May 18, 1931.
