The morning times., 1896-12-05

dered 1t morally certain that they couiu
not meet their engage ments, and that
either the government or those who fur-
nished labor or material in the work OF
construction must suffer- AS their pro-
pOsals Were In due form, acceptance Iol-
lowed as "A matter of course, and the re-
suit n u number of cases have been fail
ures, 50 mortifying and disastrous as TO
bring reproach both upon the contractors
and the District. Five OF this character
within four months have caused much sur
fering among laborers and tradesmcn.
OUTSIDE THE LAW.
The mechanics lien law, the auditor
adds, protects all who contribute to the
erection OF Il private building, but as the
District is not umenable TO this statute.
those who wOrk-for or furnish material
to contractors are forced often TO lose.
The auditor suggests that the law De
amended SO as To clothe the Commissioners
With discretionary authority, either TO
contract with the lowest Responsible bidder
or to employ day laborers, a S the interest
OF the government may demand.
Referring to certain contractors who
Were shown To have violated the terms of
work as perfect, Mr.. Petty calls attention
to a class of men who refused to make
good the imperfect work, upon the ground
tnat as II had passed inspection and been
accepted they We're relieved OF resLons.r
bility."
Iu these cases the retents which the law
requires to be deposited for five years as
a guaranty tEat they viii keep their work
IN repair for that period were used in the
work of reconstruction.
Suit was brUughtfor recoveryhy the con-
tractors and Judgment rendered IN their
favor on the ground that Ietent is a
repair fund only. The District suffered
through the ignorance or faithicssness OF
government inspectors, ana the auditor
says. ''Itis obvious that law which com
pels or makes possible such II traresty
upon justice and ordinary prudence in
business methods needs uyerhaulng and
amendment" - -
TAX pESAJTrES
The auditor says ybat while he doesOpot
believe the Commissioners have the power
To cancel penalties upon tax arrcarages, he
is OF the opinion they should be so empow-
cred. Cases are constantly arising, he says,
where these penalties, either through the
fault or the government or from other
causes which leave the equity OF their
Imposition IN doubt, have been acCumuIat-
ing for years. until they amount TO more
than the original taxes. The owners In
such cases are willing To pay the taxes, but
not the penalties
Mr.. Petty suggests, with the Dan VII
iiams case as text, that a law should be
passed providing for a systematic audit
ing or the ponce court accounts. He
thinks the auditor or the District shuuld
have authority 10 examine the dOcketS
and other records or the court whenever
necessary, and 10 direct the methods to
be observed In making returns or cOllec-
tons, and adds to tins the suggestion that
this authority might be enlarged in its
scope so as to provide for similar super
vision in the cases or all other officials
who are charged with the duty or receiving
moneys FOR or on account OF the District.
The wisdom OF such law, he says, VIII
scarcely be questioned ,sInecits enforcement
would protect the gOverIltDent and render
practically impossible repetition OF the
unfortunate occurrence whIcB has so re-
Gently occupied the attention OF the public.
The action or Congress at Its last ses-
sion :n placing the police and firencn's s
relief funds upon a stable basis, by pro-
vidinG Tor the diversion of money from
| police Zines to cover deficiencies, is re
| Terred to by Auditor Petty with great
! pleasure. For more than n year prior to
| the adoption or this provision police pen
| sioners received only 60 per cent OF the
| SUMS to which they were entitled, and
were forced TO incur obligations which
| they have been unable to Meet.
RECOMMENDS BACK PENSIONS.
| In order to relieve their embarrassment
| from this source, Mr.. Petty recommends
| that Congress be asked TO authorize tht
| payment OF these arrearages In full as q
| matter of simple Justice to the families OF
men who lost life or Health In the public
| service.
The report is accompanied by a general
| statement or appropriations; a classified
| statement or expenditures; summary oi
| the account which the commissioners u.
| discussing officers, keep with the Treas
| urer OF the United States; a statement OF
the water fund revenue account and also
| OF the water fund appropriation account
and summarized statement of the yarl
| Gus trust funds.