Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-12-14

work and the hotel and other expenses
until the next morning were unnecessary
and unlawful.
$3.50 for Use Of His Team.
We further find that during this time
Commissioner Howard has charged the
state $3.50 for the use of his own team TO
carry him to and from Hardwick. As to
whether this is q legal charge against
the state we make no finding, but we do
find that on 6S occasions he took re-
ceipts from his hired men, his children
and his brother-ln-law and filed them UNI
der oath as vouchers for money neces-
sarlly paid out, when in fact nothing was
paid. These vouchers or receipts os-
tensibly show the amount thus paid to be
$780, We further find that on three oc-
casions he visited Springfield, Mass, and
was paid by the state $24 and his expenses
of $3.50. On Dec. 4, 1905, his account
shows that he went from Springfield to
Boston and charged the state with two
days time and his expenses. He made at
least one trip to Hanover, N. H., from
Burlington on Saturday and stayed over
Sunday with his son, charging the state
with two days time and his expenses
amounting to $745. on June 20, 1906. he
attended the Republican state convention
at Montpelier and charged the state with
one days time and his expenses of $3.45.
We further find that on one occasion he
q
family and charged that expense with his
own to the state. We further find that
IL was his invariable rule when away
from home to telephone there each day
about his own business, and at the ex-
pense of the state We find that he
claimed to the auditor that these tele-
phone bills were in regard to state bust
ness.
State Should Recover.
From the evidence before us we find
that in all these specific instances Com
missioner Howard rendered no service
and incurred no expense for which the
state was liable that by means OF vouch-
ers and accounts apparently correct, on
their face. but false in fact, he has been
paid the items above reported: and we
therefore recommend that an action be
brought against the said Howard to re-
cover the same together with such fur
Their proceedings as the evidence warrants.
We further find that in April, 1906, the
commissioners engaged n stenographer al
a salary of $50 per month; that in July
and August she was employed by the
Republican state committee. and was
paid by the committee for her services,
and proper reduction made in her ac-
count against the state, as appears from
the auditors file
Commission is Necessary.
We make no further findings with refer
ence to this commission. We believe.
however that experience has demon
strated the necessity OF a railroad COM
mission. Our new railroad laws impera-
lively demand some tribunal with the
power to insure both the rights of the
people and the railroads In that behalf.
Differences are constantly arising between
individuals and the railroads and there
should be some tribunal to which applica-
ton may be made for quick relief and
without great expense. But we believe
that no law should be enacted which OF
itself is an invitation to the commission
ers to go out looking for business that
the emoluments of thelr-office may there
by be increased. The state must always
trust to the honor and integrity OF those
engaged in its service, but we believe that
the per diem system as applied to a board
as important as this is unbusinesslilSe in
principle and pernicious in practice. As
well put your superior judges on a per
diem basis as your railroad commission
ers. Looking to this end we earnestly
recommend the early enactment of House
bills No. 627 and 634 into law.
We have examined the accounts of some
of the other commissions. but owing to
lack of time, have taken no testimony
relating thereto. and therefore make no
report upon them other than to say that
we haze as yet discovered nothing to criti-
else in the accounts themselves so far as
examined.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
this 18th day of December. 1906.
CHAS. S. CHASE,
c. II. A. STAFFORD,
+. b. Finn,
ELI II. PORTER,
s. HOLLISTER JACKSON,
Joint Investigating Committee.