The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-08-03
AUDITORS YEARLY REPORT,
How Much the City's Bonded Debt
Was Reduced.
Some Suggestions Made by Mr.. Smiley Re.
garding Municipal Mattsrs-Appro-
priations, Etc.

Auditor Smiley submitted his report for
the fiscal year 1892 to the Board of Su-
pervisors last evening. In it he says that
the reduction Of the bonded debt of the city
the ~ months amounted to the sum of
S502.97S. He adds that the most strenuous
exertions have been made by the Sinking
Fund Commissioners to invest the amount
of money now at their disposal, but being
limited by law to the acceptance of certain
named securities, very low rate Of interest
has enabled the commission to loan
but little over half of the coin at their
disposal.
The amounts paid for rents by different
depar tments during the year was sI2,93
an average of over $1,000 a month.
During the past IS years the sum of
S25,972 81 has been drawn from the
treasury for expenses incurred in collating
and copying the military roll. The
Auditor maintains that under the law this
money should be paid by the State, and he
suggests that proper measures be taken to
recover this amount paid out from the
State.
DILAPIDATED BOOKS.
Mr.. Smiley also calls attention To the
diapidated condition of the books in his
own office and in those of the Tax Collector
and Recorder. and he expresses tho hepe
that measures will be taken to restore the
records that have been destroyed and pro-
tect the books needing repairs from further
destruction.
Mr.. Smiley also adds:
IL would add greatly to the integrity Of appro-
pfiatfoHs made by yOur honorable body IL lePis-
laiion could by had by which specific sums could
be appropriated To each and every branch OF the
city government; nominally. in some instances
this has been done, but. In reality, more as mat
ter of grace than by a ruling OF law. In the few
Instances
salaries. etc., has been made, the Auditor sec
onded by heads OF various departments. mas been
able 10 keep such appropriations under proper
control, but to make such appropriations abso-
lutely enleient legislative action is imperativeiy
required.
A LOOSE SYSTEM.
Tie loose method Of pres ming yarious sal.
airy demands 10 the Auditor which prevailed for
many Yeas has now been corrected, and all sal
airy demands are now presented and audited ae-
coIdihg to law; every employe Of the city can
now receive his salary In person II he so desires
without The loTeibie intervention of any chief or
subordinate acting In bis or her behalf.
DuIing The past year the question OF the
right OF the city OF San Francisco 10 be reim-
bnrsed by The Stale OF California for expenses
Incurred 10y The city IA collecting State taxes was
brought 10 tie notice of the Mayor, Auditor,
Treasurer aud finance Commltiee OF your
board. Though this right has always
been conceded and acted upon favoraby
by every State Controller and State Treasurer,
yet at the instance OF the State Beard of Equal
iZatiOD, backed by the elinIon of the DEPUTY
Attorney General of the State an issue was
sought 10 he made by which the city would De
deprived OF the receipt OF $4,000. Where The
Interest OF The stale Board of Equalization arose
regarding This issue has never been definitely
deter mined, but I, was undoubtedly exercised in
q manner hostile 10 the interest OF The ely of
san Francisco Wiser counSels however, pre-
vailed and the amount OF S45, 900 was paid into
the CT y treasury, but on a quasi understanding
that Tire city would endeayor 10 have The matter
definitely determined by an acI OF the LrgIsIa-
tnTe. AT the proper time this matter Will again
be brought to your notice.
MANIFEST ERROR.
The Auditor would be derelIct in his DUTY II
your attention Wa. not directed 20 a manifest
error in Judgment In practically superseding Two
OF the most Important officers OF The city govern
ment.
Public squares are being improved under the
superintendence and charge of others than the
Superintendent OF Streets. Highways aud
Squares These squares have BEEN aud are sur
leyed by parties holding no official relation 10
the people. sewer system Involving elaborate
surveys ana great expenses have been fnaugu-
Tated without even a CONSULTATION with the City
ana County Surveyor. whose pTeregatiyes have
been assailed. The matters above named may
be fairly considered to be under the exclusive
control OF the Superin endeBt OF Streets, High
ways and Squares anu the City and County Sur
y-yor, aud tie Auditor has already serious mis-
giyings IN relation 10 auditing claims OF officials
that may have been uBlawfuliy appointed TO per
form duties that properly belong 10 officials
elected by the people.