The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-17

| gent Judgment regarding the discretion
displayed in making expenditure and
concerning the value of the results OBJ
tanned when contrasted with the sacri-
fees required.
am convinced that results which
are really worth while cannot be Sc
cured. or at least can be secured only
In small part, through the prosecution
at irregular intervals of special in
Quiries bearing on particular services
or features Of administration. The
benefits thus obtained must be but
temporary. The problem of good adj
ministration is not one that can be
solved at one time. 1t is continuous
" present one.
Plan Of the Work.
In accordance with my instructions
the commission on economy and eff
cheney, which l organized to aid me in
the inquiry. has directed its efforts
primarily to the formulation of con-
crete recommendations looking to the
betterment of the fundamental condi-
tions under which governmental opera
lions must be carried on. With a basis
thus laid it has proceeded to the prose
cution Of detailed studies Of individual
services and classes of work and of
particular practices and methods, push
ing these studies as far and covering
as many points and services as the re-
sources and time at its disposal have
permitted.
In approaching its task it has divid-
ed the work into five fields of inquiry
having to do respectively with organi-
counting and reporting and the budget
Organization.
I have stated that the congress, the
president and the administrative Of
ficers are attempting to discharge the
duties with which they are intrusted
without full information as to the
agencies through which the work of
the government is being performed
To provide more complete information
on this point the commission has sub
mitted to me a report on the organi-
zation of the government as it existed
July I, 1911. This report which is
transmitted herewith. shows in great
detail. by means Of outlines. not only
the departments, commissions. bureaus
and offices through which the govern
ment performs its varied activities.
but also the sections. shops. field sta
lions, etc. constituting the subordinate
divisions through which the work is
actually done. 1t shows for the serv-
ices at Washington each such final
unit as q laboratory. library. shop and
administrative subdivision and for the
services outside of Washington each
station and point at which any activ-
ity of the government is carried on.
Specific Economies Demonstrated.
With this outline as basis the com
mission has entered upon the prepara-
ton of three series of reports
The first series deals with the man
ner in which the services of the gov
eminent should be grouped in depart
ments.
The second ard third series of re-
ports deal. respectively. with the or
ganization and activities of particular
services and the form of organization
for the performance of particular bust
ness operations
One of the reports of the second Sc
ries is upon the revenue cutter service.
which costs the government over
So. 800, 900 each year. In the opinion of
the commission its varied activities
can be performed with equal or great
er advantage by other services. The
commission therefore recommends that
it be abolished. 1t is estimated that
by so doing Il saving of not less than
81 100000 year can be made.
Another report illustrating the sec
ond series recommends that the light
house and life saving services be ad-
ministered by a single bureau instead
of, as at present by two bureaus locat-
ed in different departments. These
services have much in common. Geo
graphically they are similarly located:
enthusiastically they have many of
the same problems. 1t is estimated
that consolidation would result in a
saving of not less than 100000 an
nuaIly.
In a third report the commission has
recommended the abolition Of the re-
turns Office of the department of the
interior This action. in it's opinion.
will cause no loss in service to the
public and will result in a direct saw
ing of not less than $4,000 year, in
addition to a large indirect economy
in the reduction of work to be per-
formed in the several offices.
In another report the commission has
recommended the consolidation of the
six auditing Offices of the treasury and
the inclusion in the auditing system of
the seven naval officers who now audit
customs accounts at the principal ports
The changes recommended wjsl improve
in many ways the auditing of public
accounts and will result in an immedi
ate saving Of at least S135,o00 annually.
A third series of reports is being pre-
pared on those branches of the organ
hation which are technical in charac
ter and which exist for the service Of