The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-01-12
[From an Occasional Correspondents
Economy at Augusta.

The Taxpayers Watching-4 gross attack on
Gen. Harris Notwithstanding ABOUT CLERKS.
AUGUSTA, Jan. II, 1872
The centre of attraction of the citizens of the
State is this quiet city. What is the Legisla-
ture doing? and is economy to be the order this
year? are questions often arising in the minds
of the people of this State, and rightfully so.
With burdens so heavy and business so dull,
the actions of those who have the Treasury in
charge should be watched with a jealous eye,
and woe to the man. or set of men in power,
who waste the peoples hard-earned money
The places that know such, ought not and will
not know them again forever. -s-
notice a letter from this city, published
week since in the Monitor, of your city, which
implies gross waste by the Superintendent of
the State House, when compared with the ex-
penses under his predecessor, Mr.. Gilman Tur-
ner's administration, running through several
years. This insinuation having been made, 1
am glad of the opportunity to answer it. m
Mr.. Turner was Superintendent of Public
Buildings for several years. The expenses for
the last four fears, including fuel lights, furni-
ture, repairs, help,-in short, every charge incl
dental to his department, was as follows: In
1864, $500; 1865, $1,000; 1866, $4,000; 1867,
$9745; showing steadily increasing scale from
beginning to end In the last year there was a
deficiency of $3.50 to be made up; making the
real expenditure of 1867 1885! ia
How, stands the case since? Gen. Harris,
ahe present Superintendent, took charge in 1868.
The expenses for the same supervision that
year was Qess the deficiency named above)
$780, in 80, $4,000; in 40, $500; in II, $7316,
"a sliding scale the other way Showing that,
notwithstanding the broad insinuation of the
correspondent of the Monitor, there has been a
constant reference to economy, and that it has
been successfully carried out. 1 am glad of the
opportunity to put this matter before the people
of the State, because these charges of waste
and extravaganza are often loosely made, and
quite often without foundation, but not correct
| ed ....,
There were formerly seven men employed by
the Superintendent. At the present time but
three! About $3.50 were paid out of the appro-
| priation of 1870 for other purposes. There was
no appropriation for the present Superintend-
ent for porter or messenger, as was the case
under Mr.. Turner; besides, 800 has been cut
off of the salary, as paid Turner. The expense
now for extra help is less by nearly so per cent.
than it has been since 1868. The answer to the
letter is conclusive, and l have endeavored to
make it plain s.gsissf5e f-sts,a hs
The correspondent alluded to is also troubled
about a clerk in employ at the State House, be-
cause he is not so poor as he might be, and per-
haps he came from Massachusetts rather than
! Aroostook. 1t is not the rule here to rate the
clerks according to their poverty, but rather
according to their ability. The question isn't
asked have you COW, or pig or are you just
out of the Aims House Fitness being the test,
our friend came in with flying colors. AS a
proof-reader he has no superior, as citizen of
Maine his record is for fifty wears As to prom
erty, he demands satisfaction. When he is set
down at $4,000 to $4,000, he cries out with
genuine alarm, prove or pay! He calls upon
this astute figurer to divide his figures by two
and then buy him out. He is up for bargain,
and calls for proposals or damages.
e.. -..si.. i-f r. PuAATAN