The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1912-01-19
eqGlpmep, are contemplated which
promise a. en- larger results.
Unnecessary Cost Of lnsurance.

eqGlpmep, are contemplated which
promise a. en- larger results.
Unnecessary Cost of Insurance.
1t is the policy of the government
not to insure public property against
fire and other losses Question has
been raised whether the government
might Not apply the same principle to
other forms Of risk, including insur-
ance of the fidelity of officials and en-.
ployees. report is now in prepara.
ton on the subject which will show
opportunities for large savings. be-
Iieve that the present expense for in
suring the faithful execution of con
tracts, which, though paid by the con
tractor, is more than covered in the
added price to the government. can be
largely reduced without taking away
any 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 indeflniteness of specifi-
cations is to impose contract condi-
tions which make 1t 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 venders, who
must carry the risk.
Excessive Cost Of Travel.
The annual cost of travel to the gov
ernment was found to be about S12.-
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 IL the subject of travelling ex-
penditures were Systematically han
died from the point OF view Of the
government as a whole. The form of
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 one-half of l cent per mile.
One Of the results or byprod lets 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 ad-
minister oaths, while every discipline
ry 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 lnvestis ated.
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 and
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 and
electricians supplies; cleaning and
toilet supplies; wearing apparel and
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
/ IL Is tN lNltlil ludl SuN ilSo "lii iN
suit from such an examination.
Reports at Present Required by Con-
eress.
The commission has made study of
the present requirements of law relat-
ing TO reports which are in whole or
in part financial in character from the
various departments and establish
meuts. There are more than ninety
acts Of congress which annually re
quire reports of this character. These
requirements of the law result in near
ly POO printed reports relating to tinan-
ciul matters. which must be submitted
annually to the congress by the vari-
Gus departments and establishments.
Studies OF these reports and compari-
sons Of the classification of eXpendi,
lures as set forth therein have been
made by the commission to the end
that 80 far as practicable, uniformity
Of classification Of objects of expendi-
ture may be recommended and identi-
cal Technology adopted.
In due time | shall transmit TO the