Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-21
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Would Investigate rwo-why Not

Would Investigate Two-why Not
AIIe
OMAHA, Dec. 19.-To the Editor of The
Bee; In reporting my talk before the
Real Estate exchange. one paper quoted
me as stating there was at least 10000
wasted by the fire department each year,
but the reporter neglected TO add the
words ON account Of the double shift
system" This left the impression that
the waste was due to the management
Of the department and not on account
OF the very unfortunate law passed in
1907 forcing the city to adopt a double
shift system which was not then in
vogue in any other city in the United
States.
am not at all surprised that the head
of the department, Mr.. Withheld. should
be incensed at the implication that there
is waste In his department for which he
il responsible, but an unintentIonal error
on the part of the newspaper reporter
does not Justify him into a personal atl
tack upon me, every statement of which
Is untrue and the slightest inquiry or re-
search would have shown him that in
stead OF supporting the double shift sys-
tenn bill in 1907, I was so active against
IL that every member of the fire depart
ment including Chief salter knows that
fact.
In my talk before the Real Estate ex-
change urging that body or the CONNER
ctal club to make a careful investigation
of city finances in order that the dele
cation may be well informed as TO the
real needs of the city, | laid particular
stress upon the fact that my remarks
had nothing 20 do with the personnel Of
the present city commission for the
sinecures and needless, departments OF
the city government, IL they exist, were
created by statutes and the present city
commission Is compelled to fill these
offices by law.
1 simply wish 20 call the attention of
the proper civic bodies to the need of the
investigation at this time, in order that
the Douglas delegation may be instructed
how to amend the charter to save the
heavy expense for salaries and depart
ments that were created by law. In
years past, but which have proven to be
mere slnecures OF political victory.
These reforms can not be carried out by
the commissioners, but the laws must
be amended OF repealed at the coming
session IL we are to make more efficient
and economic CITY and county govern
ment.
The same Investigation should cover the
county government. II is pretty gen.
orally conceded that the registry of deeds
Is an unnecessary office, The work can
be done by the county clerk
There is also some agitation to do
away with the coroner's office and that
work be done by the sheriff. Proper in
vestigation will undoubtedly disclose
other opportunities 70 save thousands of
dollars to the county and city, which we
need badly in our parks. boulevards and
library and other places.
II the newspapers together with the
Commercial club and other civic bodies
will join in a nonpartisan, careful and
business-like investigation into the city
and county expenditures and with recon-
mendations to the legislature to enact
nleasures carrying out the efficiency re-
form such as the legislature is expected
to carry out effecting its own affairs, I
am sure that Omaha will within the next
few years. II proper and efficient com
missioners are elected. be able to put it's
own house In order TO show 10 South
Omaha Dundee, Benson and Florence
some advantages to be gained. other than
the sentimental, by becoming a part OF
Greater Omaha. N. p. DODGE, JR