Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-31
APURLIC EXAMINER.

The first move toward securing that re-
treuchment and reform in the administration
Of public affairs for which the people clamor
is the reduction Of exiravagant emolumenis
and perquisites and the abolishment OF all
sinecures. While there is a general demand
for the diminution of the offices and the off,
cials who enrich themselves, either by high
salaries or fragrant robbery, the people of
several OF the Western States have created a
new Office, which has popularized itself
wherever adopted. We allude 10 the Office
of public examiner. When it was an
nounced on the rsce-lrack Thompson would
hold stakes, the inquiry was made, "Who
will hold Thompson And now that there
is so much corruption and defalcation in
Office, when it is announced that public ex-
aminer has been appointed the people will
naturally inquire, "Who will examine the
examiner" For several years the State OF
Minnesota has had an officer called the pub
lie examiner, and it is alleged that the
taxpayers save at least 100000 by
this officer, whose waichfulness pre-
vents unlawful fees, pecuaiion and de-
falcation. II is made the duty of the public
examiner to inspect the books OF State or
county officers and State bank officers when
ever he chooses or is requested by specified
number OF citizens. In Minnesota this office
is held by an expert accountant. He has no
regular circuit or time fixed for his visits.
He drops into a bank or an Office unexpect.
eddy, makes a thorough investigation, and it
is claimed that he saves the people thou
sands OF dollars annually by the timely de.
lection and exposure OF Irregularities which,
but for his investigation, would have soon
developed into stupendous frauds upon an
transporting people. Ia Minnesota it is
utterly impossible for officials to defraud The
public, as the examiner is ever on the alert
and sounds the alarm at the possibility of
danger. The defalcation of Polk and the
county officials in Tennessee shows the
need OF public examiner in this
State. 1t is safe to say that in the
last twenty-five years the people have been
robbed Of 100000 by dishonest officials
The interest on this sum would pay the
salary of an examiner and leave a large sur
plus. 1t seems no amount Of investigation
by legislative committees and grand juries
have been able TO prevent these robberies Of
the people, and judging the future by the
past, defalcations will continue to occur un-
less remedy be devised. The APPEAL in
these comments is not urging upon the State
Legislature the policy of creating the office
of public examiner, but TO devise some plan
by which the people can protect themselves
from the robbery of dishonest officials. The
official records here in Memphis reveal the
startling fact that the people have been
heeced of nearly $500, 900 by corrupt officers
during the last seventeen years. The public
records at Nashville make a similar di.clos-
ure. AT some time or other an official
in nearly every county 10 the State has de-
faulted more or less. There liz, very prop.
erly, strong opposition 10 the creation of
any new Office or expense in the administra-
ton of governments of any description.
The demand OF the hour is retrenchment,
economy and reform. Bat in view OF the
past it seems money spent in watch
ing officials would be wise economy. 1t is
no crime to hold office, and We appreciate
the embarrassment honest officials must
feel at the constant criticims OF the public
Of men in Office. But the people cherish
no antipathy to offioeholde.s per Sc. They
are as essential TO civilized society governed
by law as the pilot is to navigation. The
confidence and support OF the people al
ways clusters around the official whose in.
tegrity is refned by an investigation into
his official conduct. All such are an honor
and blessing 10 the public, and they are
ready 10 join the people in ecrutinizing and
exposing the viilaipy OF men who have
done so much toward degrading the honor
able position OF oficeholding.