Norwich bulletin., 1912-01-18

 tion to location of lights and the use of proper lamps and refiectors, the light efficiency at points where needed may be much increased and the cost of current reduced from 30 to 80 per cent Other inquiries into the use which is being made of properties and equipment are contemplated which promise even larger results.
 Unnecessary Cost of Insurance.
 It is the policy of the government not to insure public property against fire and other losses. Question has been raised whether the government might not apply the same principle to other forms of risk, including insur- ance of the fidelity of officials and em- ployees. A report is now in prepara ton on the subject which will show opportunities for large savings. I be- iieve that the present expense for in- suring the faithful execution of con tracts, which, though paid by the con tractor, is more than covered in the added price to the government, can be largely reduced without taking away any element of security.
 The importance of establishing and maintaining standard specifications is found not only in the possibility of very materially reducing the direct cost of government trading, but also | in insuring to the service materials, | supplies and equipment which are bet ter adapted to its purposes. One of the results of indefniteness of specifi- 1 cations Is to impose contract condi- tions which make 1t extra hazardous for persons to enter into contraceual relations. This not only deprives the 1 government of the advantage of broad competition. but causes 1t to pay an added margin in price to vendors, who must carry the risk.
 Excessive Cost of Travel.
 The annual cost of travel to the gov ernment was found to be about SIP 100000 It was also found that the government employees were travelling in practically every way that was open to the public. It was further found that, although the government was the largest user of transportation, 1t was buying railroad tickets on a less favorable basis than would be possible if the subject of travelling ex- penditures were systematically han dled from the point of view of the government as a whole. The form of ticket most often used between such points as New York, Philadelphia and Washington was the single trip first class ticket h two departments def nite tests have been made in the use of mileage books, and in each prac- tically the same result has been re pOrted-viz. an average saving of a lit- tie over one-half of cent per mile.
 One of the results or byproducts of this inquiry into travel expenses was the recommendation that the jurat or affidavit which is now required by or der of the comptroller be discontinued. The jurat does not add to the value of the return, involves persons travelling in much annoyance and trouble in gO- ing before an officer competent to ad- minister oaths, while every disciplina- " result is obtained through certiicaA tion under the law prescribing a pen alty for the falsiication of accounts. A discontinuance of the jurat in all cases would result in a direct saving of about S6O0O0 per annum.
 Other Expenditures to Be Investigated
 Before economy in government trad ing can be adequately covered such subjects as the following must be sys- tematically inquired into-viz: Subsist- ence and support of persons; subsist- ence and care for animals and the stor- age and care of vehicles; telephone, telegraph and commercial messenger service; printing, engraving, litho- graphing and binding; advertising and the publication of notices; heat, light, power and electricity purchased; re- pairs by contract and open market or der; building and other materials drafting, scientific and stationery sup plies; fuel; mechanics. engineering and electricians supplies; cleaning and toilet supplies; wearing apparel and hand sewing supplies; forage and oth- CT supplies for animals; provisions; ex- plosives and pyretechnic supplies; heat light power and electrical equipment; live stock; furniture and furnishings; educational and scientific equipment. From what has been already ascertain ed concerning certain of these differ ent objects of government expenditure 1t is evident that large savings will re- suit from such an examination.
 Reports at Present Required by Con
 press.
 The commission has made 6 study Oi the present requirements of law relat. ing to reports which are in whole ol in part financial in character from the various departments and establish ments. There are more than ninety acts of congress which annually re qutre reports of this character. These requirements of the law result in near Iy 200 printed reports relating to fnan cial matters, which must be submitted annually to the congress by the vari GUS departments and esta tablishments Studies of these reports and compari sons of the classification of expendi lures as set forth therein have beer : made by the commission to the end that. 80 far as practicable. uniformity of classification of objects of expendi ture may be recommended and idenh cal terminology adopted.
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