The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-17
equipment are contemplated which
promise even larger results.

not 10 insure puDl1c 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 en-
ployees. A report is now in prepare
ton on the subject which win show
opportunities for large savings. l be-
Iieve that the present expense for in
surfing 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 fndefniteness Of specifi-
cations is to impose contract condi-
lions which make it extra hazardous
for persons to enter into contractual
relations. This not only deprives the
government of the advantage Of broad
competition. but causes it 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
eminent was found to be about $12.-
100000. 1t was also found that the
government employees were travelling
in practically every way that was
open to the public. 1t 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
died 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. In two departments def
mite 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 l cent per mile.
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 adj
minister oaths, while every discipline
~ result is obtained through certifica-
ton under the law prescribing a pen
atty for the Justification of accounts.
A discontinuance Of the jurat in all
cases would result in a direct saving
OF about 100000 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-
tematcally 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 9th
er supplies for animals; provisions; ex-
plosives and pyrotechnic 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
it is evident that large savings will re-
suit from such an examination
Reports at Present Required by Con-
gress.
The commission has made a study of
the present requirements of law relat-
ing to reports which are in whole or
in part financial in character from the
various departments and establish
ments. There are more than ninety
acts of congress which annually re-
quire reports of this character. These
of the law result in near
~ 200 printed reports relating to finan-
eial matters, which must be submitted
annually to the congress by the var1-
BUS departments and establishments.
Studies of these reports and compari-
sons of the classification of expendi-
lures as set forth therein have been
made by the commission to the end
that. so far as practicable, uniformity
of classification of objects of expendi-
ture may be recommended and idenh-
cal Technology adopted.
In due time l shall transmit to the
congress such recommendations for
changes in the present laws relating to
these annual reports as appear to be
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