The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-18

of reNring simply by giving proper al tention to location of lights and the use of proper lampsrand rehectors, the light efficiency at points where needed may Ds much increased and the cost of current re duced from 30 10 60 per cent. Other in- | quires into the use which is being made of properties and equipment are contenl- plated which promise even larger results.
 Unnecessary Cost of Insurance | II Is the policy of the government not to insure public property against fire ant other losses. Question has been raised whether the government might not apply the same principle to other forms of risk, l including insurance of the fidelity of of | iicials and employees. A report Is now r | preparation on tho subject which Will show opportunities for large savings. l believe that the present expense for in- surfing the faithful execution of contracts, which, though paid by the contractor ls more than covered in the added price Ia the government can be largely reduceu without taking away any element of se- curity.
 Lack of Specifications The importance of establishing and maintaining standard specifications is found not only in the possibility of very materially reducing the direct cost of gov
 
 the service materials, supplies, and equip ment which are better adapted to it's pui- poses One of the results of indeiniteness | of specifications is to impose contract conditions which make it extra haZardous for persons to enter into contractual rela~ tions. This not only deprves the govern | ment of the advantage of broad competl- , ton, but causes 1t to pay an added mar gin in price to vendors who must carry the risk. The specifications which may have been worked out in one department usually differ from specifications for the same article to be used in another depart- ment Much progress has been made to- ward improving this condition through the schedules of the general supply committee. but there are many classes of supplies not on these lists which may he standard izcd, and the articles which are thers listed may be specified with exactness. In connection with standard specitica- tions for purchasing. the subject Of standard form of contract has been given considerations No one form or small number of forms will be applicable to aii the agreements into which the govern- ment enters. There can be standard con ditons and provisions for such contracts. however and the work in this connection is being prosecuted in an effort to simplify the forms of contracts and to do away with the great diversity of requirements which so often perplex and irritate those who wish 10 enter into a contract with the government.
 Excessive Cost of Travel
 one of the first steps taken toward con- structive work was the reconsideration 1T the expenditures for the year 1910 by oh- iects. The foundation was thus made forf the investigation of government trading practices. While 1t was recognized that this large field could not be covered With l.: wear except at enormous cost, the subjects of transportation of persons and "subsistence while in travel status were taken as concrete examples. Tho annual cost Of travel to the government was found to be about sl2.coo.OOO 1t was also found that the government employees were travelling in practically every way that was open to the public; t was fur ther found that although the government was the largest user of transportation lt was buying railroad tickets ou a less fav- orable basis than would be possible If tho subject of travelling expenditures were systematically handled from the point of view of the government as whole. The form of ticket most often used between such points as New York, Philadelph.- and Washington was the single trip. first class ticket. In two departments definite tests have been made in the use of mu-- age books and in each practically tho same result has been reported, viz. an average saving of little over one half or per cent per mile. What the possible saving to the government by more sys- tematic handling of transportation may be- can not be estimated al this tim. Ifpon inquiry 1t was found that an anait- sis of travel vouchers for the wear would cost not less than sl2O.00o The nvestiga- ton, therefore. was confined Co the analN- sis of travel vouchers which came to de partments during the month of April report of the result of this inquiry has been made and at an early date will ae sent to the Congress with recommenda- tions.
 one of the results or by-products of this inquiry into travel expenses was the recommendation that the jurat or affidavit which Is now required by order of tts comptroller be discontinued. The juras does not add to the value of the return, involves persons travelling in much an- noyance and trouble in going before an officer competent to administer oaths. while every disciplinary result is ob- aimed through certiflcaton under the law prescribing a penalty for the falsihcation of accounts. A discontinuance of tho ilirat in all cases would result in direct sacing of about s6o0oo per annum.
 Other Expenditures to Be lnvesti-
 gated
 Before economy in government trading can be adequately covered, such subjects as the following must be systematically inquired into, viz: Subsistence and sup port Of persons: subsistence and care for animals and the storage and care of Yer hicles telephone. telegraph and commer- cial messenger service; printing. enerav- ing. lithographing and binding; advef- tsng and the publication of notices; heat. light. power and electricity pur- chased: repairs by contract and open
 
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