The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1905-03-01
Mr.. SMITH A POOR
BOOKKEEPER, BUT
NOT DISHONEST.

Oh lnt ONtfctth AHu dttcuuill8 piy
sician, and that further aid should
be rendered if applied for.
That the overseer did not exceed
his duty in removing her to the
city farm when first injured. 1t
further appears by the city clerks
records that on Sept. 18th, 1904,
Oyerseer Smith presented this case
in writing to the city council, and
it was disposed of by referring to
the overseer, city attorney and char
ity committee to adjust.
Substitution of vouchers as men
toned in auditors report, we be-
lieve to be a case of faulty methods
in using personal check as voucher.
The oyerseer having a perfect right
to keep all funds furnished him BY
the city if he so desires, or to
deposit in bank, and distribute by
personal check.
In this case he used personal
check, filing same as voucher for
expenditure, together with itemized
memorandum on voucher blank, lat
er fled receipted bill for part of
same, and still later, as we under
stand it, filed another memorandum
to show part Of expenditure covered
by said check. All or any part Of
which did not conform to the law
as heretofore practiced by city Of
icials.
The memoranda which were filed
could not be used by auditors, they
being obliged to use book accounts
with vouchers In detail, properly
certified. to verify by.
We find that assignments of
wages and other property rights
have been taken as security for
help rendered, and to be rendered,
by oyerseer.
We find that some Of these are
assignments to the overseer in his
official character, others personally,
dependent on circumstances, condi
tions and character Of consideration
assigned.
We find that the same have gem
orally been made under advice Of
the city attorneys office.
Having no auothrity TO summon
or swear witnesses, your committee
was unable to procure all testi-
mony that might be desirable to
thoroughly verify all actions Of the
oyerseer, but feel that this report
covers the transactions during the
term designated III the resolution au
thorizing its appointment in fair
and impartial manner.
We believe from all information
brought to our attention, that Mr..
Smith, as overseer Of the poor, has
conducted the Office with The best of
intentions, honestly and at large
expense Of personal attention. And
that the necessity for the criticism
your committee have made is caused
by the oyerseer not realizing the
necessity of system and accuracy
in recording all transactions in
proper form, and in not insisting
on proper vouchers for reference
and verifeation in all cases.
Aldrich Library Discussion.
The transfer Of the lot OF land 3
the corner Of Washington and Ell
streets by the city to the Aldrich Libri
ry trustees was brought up by L. 7
Bisbee and N. ID. Phelps, who reporte
that the trustees had found they con
not accept the deed az drawn up /
the city attorney, as some parts Of
were not compatible with the provision
of the viii OF the late Leonard +. A
drich, who gave the funds for the
brary. The trustees, therefore, presen
ed deed for the consideration of Il
council and 1t viii be considered /
the council IN conjunction with the ell
attorney. Both Mr.. Bisbee and N
Phelps spoke at some length and we
questioned by the members.
The deed presented by the city a
torney stated that the library shou
be kept open all the time. This, d
clared the trustees, they were unab
to guarantee. as they didn't know
they would have funds enough for
but they would keep it open as lnf
during the day as they were able Tl
Gordon deed stipulated that the tru
tees should provide room for the city
books, as many as should be accumula
ed. The trustees stated that they we
prepared to house as many as possibl
but if the library stack rooms shou
become filed mp and the city shou
acquire lot of new books, the truste
might not have funds to build ado
tional stack room. In that continge
ev, they would not be able to live !
to the provisions Of the deed The Go
don deed stipulated that the buildil
be erected within three years, and tn
If burned It should be replaced with
one years time. The trustees mai
tained that the latter condition won
not be possible. Said the trustees, t
deed presented by the city attorney
full Of conditions and restriction viii
cannot be complied with according
the will.
Robins wanted the trustees deed d
cepted and made that motion. All
setti objected and wanted it referr
to City Attorney Gordon, also Sowde
while Mckenzie and Burke thought t
deed would come back from the ci
attorney about the same as his origin
one. The motion TO refer the new de
to the city attorney prevailed. II
is, according to the motion, to detg
mine the legality Of the trustees de
The trustees said they wanted I
people Of Barre city and Barre toy
to know just the condition OF the 4
drich property in trust as it was real
decided TO the city and town, only
be held in trust by seven men. SO th
stated the financial condition. With
very short time they could lay th,
hands on $4,000 in money. They es
mated the National Bank corner to