The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-04-04

SG0nflnued from Page One.)
necessity for the Inauguration of this
important reform, and recommend
that the necessary amendments be
made to the laws governing appoint
ments, such amendments to take eff
fect not later than July 1, 1913, so that
there may be secured to the people
the benefits to be derived from a con-
duct of their officers selected ON the
merit basis and devoting their time
and talents solely to the duties of their
Offices
The president expressed his concur
renee in the commissions reconnmen-
dalton that the life saving service of
the department of the treasury be
discontinued as separate organiza-
ton and that the maintenance and
operation OF the life savings stations
or the country be made one of the
duties of the bureau of lighthouses of
the department of commerce and la
Dor The commission estimates that
IN aqoltlon to the advantage that will
De OBTAINED through having these two
services operated by the same organ
1zation, a direct economy will be Sc
cured of at least 100000 annually.
a tI.ot mat the saving Will greatly exceed
that sum after the first year
Economy in Revenue Service
The message stated that the commits
SION, arter detailed investigation, has
concluded that all the duties now being
performed by the revenue cutter service
can be performed with equal efficiency bv
other services and that a great economy
Will result by having these duties so
performed, and adds: 1.-THE commission
accordingly recommends that the service
be abolished as a distinct organization:
that Its equipment be distributed amons
other services requiring the use of marine
craft; and that provision be made for the
performance of the work now being dome.
by it by such other services" The presi-
dent stated that he was in full accord
with the commissions recommendations
regarding this service and recommended
that the necessary action be enacted tc
put them into effect" an thus recon-
mending that the revenue cutter service
be abolished, desire to make it plain
that such action does not carry with it
the d1Scontinuance of the rendering of
any valuable and proper service now be-
ing rendered by that organization. On the
contrary, am persuaded that all such
services will continue to be performed
under the system recommended by me
with equal or greater efficiency.
THE report upon the organization and
methods Of work of the accounting Of
fices of the treasury recommends that the
offices of the six auditors be consolidated
under one auditor, and that the auditors
of customs accounts located at the prin-
cipal ports, and known as naval officers,
be made assistants to the auditors" This.
the message stated. would increase the
efficiency of the treasury audit and save
at least 100000 annually.
Travel Expenditures.
Referring to travel expenditures of
government officers and employees, the
commission reported, according to the
message, that all allowances in the form
of mileage should be discontinued and
that the actual cost of transportation be
paid; that in lieu of payment of actual
cost of other expenses, commonly known
subsistence, which would include lods-
ing, a scale of per diem allowances be
established by the president for the sew
eral classes of officers and employees"
The president in his message, approved
the commissions report Il
Continuing the message stated that AT
tention is called to the report of the COM
mission transmitted to congress with my
message of February on the centrahza-
ton of distribution of government pub
locations. By adopting this recommen-
dation it is conservatively estimated that
S242 eco can be saved
In conclusion the president, referring to
all the reports and recommendations in
his message said: Again / urge upon
congress the desirability of providing
whatever funds can be used effectively to
carry forward with all possible vigor the
work now well begun The 100000 re-
ouired for prosecution of the enquiry dur
ing the ensuing year, and the $4,000 esd-
mated for the publication of the results,
are inconsiderable in comparison with
the economies which can be realized