Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-17

promise even larger results.
Unnecessary Cost Of Insurance..
1t is the policy of the government
lot to insure public property against
Ire and other losses. Question has
been raised whether the government
might not apply the same principle to
ether forms of risk. including insur-
lnce Of the fidelity of officials and en-
ployees. A report is now in prepare
hon on the subject which will show
opportunities for large savings. l be-
feve that the present expense for in
surfing the faithful execution Of con-
tracts. which. though paid by the con-
added price to the government. can be
largely reduced without taking away
my 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 indefniteness Of specif-
cations is to impose contract condi-
tons 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.
| it 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 lit
tie over onehalf of 1 cent per mile.
One Of the results or byproducts of
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
tematically 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 anC
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 ant
electricians supplies; cleaning ant
toilet supplies; wearing apparel ant
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.
| ncpoTtS FECSCht FiCHbiEC6 DJ SOfl
gress.
The commission has made a study o
the present requirements of law relat
ing to reports which are in whole o
In part financial in character from tn
various departments and establish
ments. There are more than ninet,
acts of congress which annually re
iquire reports of this character. Thes
requirements of the law result in near
y 200 printed reports relating TO finan
cial matters. which must be submitted
annually to the congress by the vari
Gus departments and esta blishments
Studies of these reports and compari
sons of the classification of expendi
lures as set forth therein have beel
made by the commission to the emf
that. so far as practicable. uniformit,
of classification of objects of expendi
ture may be recommended and identi
cal Technology adopted.
In due time ! shall transmit to tn
congress such recommendations foI
changes in the present laws relating t.
these annual reports as appear to b
pertinent and necessary.
No National Budget.
The United States is the only groa