Middletown transcript., 1904-05-21
Communicated
SOME LIGHT ON THE LIGHT AND WATER
COMMISSION STATEMENT

GtelIIS tlldt OtNSi dtiA 0icOt OhttECit
than myself has commented upon this
report all these weeks, | venture few
suggestions thereon, not in spirit of
captious criticism, but in hopes to do at
least some public service.
]. From the fact that the report claims
to cover their entire work as Commits
sion from its organization February I'D,
1893 until March 10Th, 1904, period
of eleven years and one month lacking
three days. infer that it is their first
and only report during that long period.
From the figures given it appears that
this joint Light and Water Commission
has spent during these eleven odd years
the sum of $109,S24.32 of the peoples
money, and this meager recital-perhaps
the best possible after the lapse Of so
long time-is, l repeat, their first and
only report during that lengthy period
of a public trust wherein they have
handled the large sum of nearly one
hundred and ten thousand dollars of pub
lie funds
Certainly, Mr.. Ed, it is just comment
upon this remarkable fact to say that
this is neither the usual nor the proper
way in which to account for the monies
of a public trust.
do not insinuate that single penny
of that big sum has been dishonesty ex-
pended or diverted, but do say that in
this day Of widespread peculation by
those holding fduciary relations, Ma
tional, State, NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. graft
graft everywhere gentlemen occupy
ing positions of public trust, owe it to
themselves not less than to the people,
to set the good example Of accounting,
fully and often and with approved
voucher proof, for all their financial
doings.
This would make impossible the crit
icism one hears that this Commission
was run as "a close corporation" We
suggest that in future these custodians
Of public monies, give to their principals,
the people, those frequent and full state
ments and reports of their stewardship
which are proper and customary in such
cases.
2. Let us glance casually at this re-
port.
1t is signed by nobody, and SO far as
appears upon its face, is unauthorized.
We will assume, however, that it IS in
fact the duly authorized report of the
Light and Water Commission. Why
not have the proper officials sign it then ?
Perhaps the present incumbents are
loath to stand sponsors for so venerable a
document
We suggest as to this, the propriety
and general practice of signed public re-
ports.
8. But it is not only signed by nobody,
but its correctness is vouched for by
nobody!
Again we suggest that it is always Gus
tomary and proper for reports. state
ments, ETC., of persons holding fiduciary
relations, to be audited by disinterested
third parties.
4. Then, the report, such as it is, is a
mere statement of receipts and expendi-
lures, and in no sense whatever a report
showing the assets and liabilities of the
Light and Water plant.
From this report not even an expert in
bookkeeping could tell the true condition
Of the Commissions affairs e. g. how
much they owe, fixed charges, etc.
Would it not be proper thing for the
Commission to take the taxpayers into
their confidence and inform them how
much the Light and Water Commission
owe the present value of their plant and
Improvements /; the amounts for which
they are bonded how long the bonds
run what rates of interest they bear ;
and if they were foated at par, or below
par, and if SO how much-or at a prem
ium what floating debt, if any, in the
shape of notes, accounts, ETC., etc. I?
5. During this period of eleven years
there have been burned at the power
house over II 900 tons of coal the carriage
of which at twenty-five cents per ton,
has amounted to upwards OF $1,000.
1t is plain enough now that mistake
was made by the Engineer Cairns in
locating the power house SO far from the
railroad.
Would it not have paid the Commits
sion long ago to build spur from the
railroad to the power house? With
secondhand material this could probably
be done at small cost, if, indeed, the
railroad would not for a nominal sum
run such track. For that matter, would
it not nop pay to remove the power house
nearer the railroad? Certainly if coal is
to be carted eleven years longer, will not
the cost of removal, trenching and piping
to the standpipe be saved well within
that time
Again, If the latest boring, No. 81, fails
to give drinkable water and enough of it.
would it not be best to move the power
house and sink wells on new site some
where near the railroad?
If 1T be true, as We have heard, that a
number of former wells were fruitlessly
sunk at the towns cost without protect
ing it BY guaranty of water, We are glad
to be informed that such guaranty Of
sno water no pay" has been exacted in
this last well. The more pity if it were
not always go.