The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-04-16

Coming from the audit committee, of all things under heaven it should have the sign of audit, if only as good example for us hereafter. May be it is fair claim. It is our duty nevertheless, to look into the mat ter, especially as we are entering up- on an era of economy, and audit, and inspection
 Alderman Brady said he believed the approval of the committee on audit was sufficient to warrant the approval of the bill, in view of the fact that the committee had full pow CTS to make arrangements into all de- tails, to hire experts and the like.
 Alderman Farrell said he didn't be- lieve there was a small business man in the city who would pay a bill that came in the form presented to the committee. sH +zza- rF
 Alderman Guy P. Miller remarked, thereupon, s'If that isn't an itemized bill I never heard One," and he add ed that his business called for his passing upon many such bills, from professional men.
 Mayor Wilson in passing spoke of the subsistence charge, remarked that he and Whites men often ate at Howland's lunch room, and that these men paid their checks in the lunch room, making it obviously impossible for them to have the lunch room subz
 
 the Moran resolution.
 Then Alderman Garrity took a hand. we fought to send that charge for subsistence to the chari- ties department said he, creating laughter. Let MT. Johnson theorize earn $15 and $25 a day can live on their income.
 ''I voted for that audit committee said Garrity. ''I believed it was go- ing to do something for the city. While experts may not be expected that bill ought to be itemized. I will absolutely refuse to vote to pay for that item of subsistence. Everybody that works for the city of Bridgeport pays for his own subsistence" Garrity continued that New Haven is having the same trouble, where a gentleman named Allen is charging $25 per day for this work. He sug- gested there might be a trust of these men keeping their prices up. Alderman Primrose then threw some light on the discussion. Practically every travelling sales man in the United States would be sending bills to the Charities depart ment,'' said he, eff Alderman Gar rity's ideas were followed" T 'a .3s ''My idea.'' retortedh.a Garrfty. 'is that the Charities department is sup-. posed to take care of those unable to take care tof themselves. ''- '. -- 7=-+ !, Do you make this suggestion as a. request, Alderman?"' interposed the Mayor. ;
 why, certainly" rejoined the, bell ligerent representative from the Sec ond. !. At this point Mayor Wilson sent out for Chairman Taylor of the commit tee OF audit
 Mr. Taylor had been lon call, in the room on the floor below, where Mr. Whites staff holds forth. "One at a time, now, Aldermen" ," cautioned the Mayor, as Taylor walk ed into the council chamber. ''I would like to know" said Alder man Moran, "why this bill is not iitemiZed?''
 What do you mean not itemized' ?'' parried Tavlor.
 Moran insisted that the bill was not sufficiently detailed.
 '1t is a, well established practice,n | said the chairman of the audit com mittee, among public accountants to render bills in a certain way. Mr. White has followed that well estab- lished practice to the extent of fur | nishing more information than was | expected
 Then he submitted for the inspec- ton of Alderman Moran, with in- | functions of confidence, copies of cer- | tain bills having to do with the great accounting firm of Haskins & Sells of New York. Moran looked them l over. Then Alderman DeFSorest took | hand in the questioning. He called the chairman's attention i to the various items. Taylor had a copy of the bill in a loose leaf form. | This book contained more informa- | ton than was in the bill as pre- | Sented.
 .'Do You know what these men were | doing?" asked DeFOreSt. Read the items'' said Taylor "I see nothing but names,'' said De- Forest
 DeForest then read names with items set opposite them. "But what were these men doing all