The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-24
ruy MAYORS REPORT.

The report Of the Mayor to the City Coun-
ell Wednesday night-based on the report
made 10 him by Mr.. Boudar, the expert &C
countant who has been examining the books
of the City Treasurer and AUDITORS one Of
the most important documents which has ever
emanated from any city official. 1t does not
charge dishonesty on any Of the gentlemen
who have been placed in position of honor
and trust by their follow-citizens, but it does
state that there is a shortage of at least $4,000
in the city treasury, which has been caused
by carclessness and loose system Of book
keeping.
II is stated in the report that the shortage
is due to series Of errors which have been
going on for some time, and which had been
either overlooked or been neglgently allowed
10 remain uncorrected. The deficit, there
fore. might have been 100000 instead of
81. 600. if sufficient time had elapsed to enable
the losses" to have accumulated to that ex-
tent. and no one would have been the wiser.
in fact, it has already been rather signifi-
cantly limited that the whole story has not
vet been told. and that even $4,000 may not
be sufficient 10 cover the full amount lost
bv what has been, TO say the least, gross care
lessness in the management of the city's
finances.
This state of affairs should not be allowed
TO continue. II it is there is no telling how
disastrous may be the consequences, ana
what is now TO be done is toseek the most ef1ec-
tive remedy. What is the best to be done to
prevent similar occurrences in the future'
No one has ever doubted the personal in
tegrity of either Mr. Childrey or Mr.. Turpin;
but there must be something radically wrong
in system of business management which
could enable g, 900 of the city's funds to be
distracted under their very eyes, and
in small dribets at n time for months,
without their discovering il. The sim
plest remedy for the prevention of
such condition of affairs hereafter is
the appointment of an experienced and ex-
pert book keeper and accountant, whose duty
il shall be to make regular Investigations Of
all the city's books so as 10 be able to keep
the Mayor and Council thoroughly informed,
at all times, rs 10 the condition Of the city's
affairs. Then even if trouble should arise,
as Mr. Chldrey intimates it did arise in this
case-from the appointment by Council Of
clerk in his Office over whom he had no con-
trol-no mischief would result. The slightest
discrepancy or error would be detected, the
cause of it reported and prompt steps for its
correction could be taken.
As has already been stated in THE TIMES
when previously discussing this subject,
the City Council once before had be-
fore it an ordinance providing for the ap-
pontment of an official examiner Of public
accounts, but for some reason it was allowed
10 slumber and finally die in the hands of the
Finance Committee. Recent events show
conclusively the wisdom of such a step, and
the ordinance should be revived and prompt
" passed. Then we shall not be likely to
hear again of any more shortages, or of any
negligence in the management Of public
offices, to threaten the city with loss, and
reflect discredit upon our municipal admins
tratlOn.