The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-01-17


the results of indcfniteness Of spccid-
cations is to impose contract condi-
tions 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 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,
1t was buying railroad tickets ON a
less favorable basis than would be
possible IL the subject of travelling ex-
pendltures 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 i'm each prac-
tically the same result has been re-
ported-viz, an average saving of a lit
tie over one-half of l cent per mile.
One of the results or byproducts Of
this inquiry into travel expenses was
the recommendation that the iurat or
anidavit 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
I'm much annoyance and trouble in go
ing before an officer competent to adj
minister oaths, while every discipline
ry result is obtained through certilica-
tlon under the law prescribing a pen
atty for the Justification of accounts.
a discontlnuance of the jurat in all
cases would result in n direct saving
of about 100000 per annum.
Other Expenditures to Be lnvestie 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
It is evident that large savings will re-
suit from such an examination.
Reports at Present Required by Con-
gress.
The commission has made n study of
the present requirements of law relat-
ing to reports which are in whole or
I'm part financial in character from the
various departments and establish
ments. 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 200 printed reports relating to finan-
cial matters, which must be submitted
annually to the congress by the vari-
Gus departments and establishments.
Studies of these reports and comparl-
sons OF the classification of expendi-
lures as set forth therein have been
made by the commission TO the end
that, so far 1s practicable, uniformity
of classification Of objects Of expendi-
ture may be recommended and identi-
cal terminology adopted
In due time ! shall transmit to tho
congress such recommendation for
changes in the present laws relating TO
these annual reports as appear to be
pertinent and necessary.
No National Budget.
The United States is the only great
nation whose government is operated
without a budget This fact seems to
be more striking when it is consid-
ered that budgets and budget proce-
duRes are the outgrowth of democratic
doctrines and have had an important
part in the development of modern
constitutional rights. The American
commonwealth has suffered much
from drresponsibllity on the part of its
governing agencies. The constitutional
purpose Of budget is to make gov
eTnment responsive to public opinion
and responsible for its acts.
A budget should be the means for
getting before the legislative branch,
bpfOrn tho frocG and hnfora tho nao