The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-16
New State Grain Inspector
Makes Great Record.
j. +. White Claims He Did This
in Five Months.
PAYROLLS PADDED.
White Claims RadfOrd Was Ex.'
travagant.
Says Former Inspector Employ
ed Incompetent Help.
SATURDAY.

j. L. White, the state grain inspec-
tor, appointed by Governor Stubbs
has made a report to the governor in
which he shows a saving to the state
by his department of $1,000 in the last
SIX months. The report in full fol-
Hon w. r. Stubs. Governor. Topeka
Kansas.
Dear Sir:-In answer to your re-
cent inquiry as to the manner in which
the business OF this department is be-
ing conducted, 1 beg leave to report
as follows:
Il have prepared and enclosed here
with in tabulated form a synopsis show
ing tne expenditures and receipts of this
department for the last two preceding
hscal years and down to the present
date BY reference to this, and by a
comparison between the present and
past administration of this office, it
may be easily seen that we are try
ing to give the state a clean, business
like and economical grain inspection
department, and that we have achiev-
of endeavor.
During the fiscal year ending June
30, 1906, every item of the appropria-
lions for this department was practi-
cally exhausted. Out of appropriations
FOR salaries and contingent fund ag-
gregating $4S,400. but $500 was left in
the state treasury at the end of the
fiscal year. The fees received by the
state amounted to $23, 10435. leaving a
net loss of about $4,000. Fully two
thirds of this loss may be charged I'D
to m1Sm ana cement.
The first SIX months of the next
fiscal year also show the same condi-
ton of padded payrolls and useless
and unnecessary employees. However,
the months OF January and February,
1903, at the beginning of your admins
tration, show marked decrease in the
payroll. This occurred before the
writer assumed the office of chief grain
inspector, but 1 understand that it
was done at your direction. In April
and May OF this year. when 1 took
charge, a further reduction was made
1t is apparent that without your in
tervention. the former conditions would
have prevailed. but as matters stand.
closed amount to only $43,629.67. show
ing a saving Of $4,361.04 in the last
five months of the year ending June
80, 1909
charge of this department for Ave
months, since May /, 1909. Your atten-
ton is requested to a comparison Of
that period with the corresponding
July, August and September of this
year, the total disbursements wers
SIS, S65.56 and for the same months of
last year. $2O.262;77-a difference of 81
the figures for this year include the
salaries of inspectors and helpers at
Anthony, Wichita, Hutchinson and
Leavenworth, none of which are count
ed in last years total, as the state did
not pay salaries at any of the above
points last year. The salaries at these
stations durin~ the past five months
amount to $2,566.09. making total saw
ing of about $1,000 in five months of
my administration of this office.
I'm October of 1908 the pay roll show
ed IL inspectors, IL weighmasters, and
IL helpers here in Kansas City. This
We aY1nlnxyfno
IL weightmasters and helpers to do
the same work. This is a direct saving
of $1,140 this month. further reduc-
tion is contemplated and will be made
by November 1st. We are keeping the
payroll down to the lowest point con-
sistent with good business policy.
In previous years men have been
carried on the salary list of this de-
days service to the state, or to any
body else as 1 am inclined to believe.
Helpers and weighmasters were paid
as inspectors, and men were given posi-
lions and increases in salary solely
upon their ability to get out and line
up the push The state accountant re-
ports an embezzlement of over 50 900 of
the states funds during the past six
was subject to much well deserved
criticisms and it's value to the state
was greatly impaired.
I'VE have endeavored to change all
this, and have been somewhat success
full, if numerous commendatory state
ments are to be believed. One thing is
true-every present empIoye
Of this department. is giving honest and
adequate service, and every man under
stands that his retention depends sole
ly upon the quality and quantity of the
service he renders.
Very respectfully.
JOHN T. WHITE.
Chief Grain Inspector"