Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-25

done by public accountant Is very dif-
fcrent at tlmes--in some cases II IL only
that which any ordinary book-keeper can
do. at others II is very complicated, and
Of such a nature that the ordinary book
keeper would not only be unable TO pro-
perly perform It. but OF which he might
make such complication that the party
employing him might not only be put TO
great expense. but eventually be made
10 incur a heavy loss. when. II the mat
ter in hand had been properly treated,
he would be entitled TO recover large
amount.
The above gives some faint idea as to
what public accountant has to be fitted
90 perform His duties are so varied,
however. that II Is almost impossible 10
state In detail! what they are.
The first necessary qualification for the
accountant 10 possess Is the natural gift
OF analysis by this IL meant the ability
on looking over set of books or n state
ment of account, or the statement OF
business, or almost any transaction In
which money enters az factor. to dis
cover the weak point that may be APP
parent on IFS face. as there are very few
instances in which, II the account or
statement has been prepared upon
misstatement Of facts, the misrepresen-
tation cannot be almost Immediately To-
Gated
In another case. the books Of busi-
ness may have been kept in such con-
fused STYLE that it Is impossible on the
face OF them for any definite information
TO be derived from them as 10 whether
the business has been making or losing
money. in such case IL IS necessary 70
be able to present statement or such
business in a concise and regular FORM
so as TO make the reader fully oompre-
bend the condition OF the business.
In many cases that come into court, II
the lawyer having the same in charge
would call for an examination OF the
same by a competent public accountant
as to the facts I'm the case, an unfaVor-
able result; might be avoided, or COM
promise effected that would result In a
benefit to his client
The occasions wherein the services OF
a public accountant are required are al
most constant. as accounting between
mariners. auditing OF books OF corpora
tlons. examination and preparing or sur
rogate and trust accounts-in fact, in
nearly every instance where en- account
ing Of moneys received and dEbursed
has 10 be made. the examination and
ve-ifcation Of the same should be made
bv n public accountant whose position,
being that OF an unbiased person. would
enable him 10 perform the work IN
perfectly fair and just manner
Public accountancy Is to-day recog-
nized profession. the following OF which
should be done by persons not only COM
petent. but OF whose integrity there
should be no doubt. The public account
an seeks his employment from the pub
lie at large. and not from any single in
dividual or corporation. and IL seems but
proper that some method should be de-
vised whereby. after proper examina-
ton as to his qualifications and integrity
recognition could be afforded him TO es-
tablish him before the public as proper
person 70 be intrusted with the eN9 NINA
ton OF and reporting upon the condl,lon
OF intricate business and hnanclal inter-
ests. FRANClS Nrol i'pi-'N'i~''