The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1916-12-08

state Auditor Clausen, chairman eN-
offtcio of the state bureau of inspec-
fion. recently presented a report Gov
ering the administration of the work
mems compensation act from the time
the act was put in operation. This
went on for period of
about ten months, and the report was
released lust previous to election. 1t
contained some severe criticism of adj
ministration of the commission and
some two score recommendations
were made
The present members of the State
Industrial Insurance Commission re-
piled to the criticisms Of the bureau
in an open letter to Mr.. Clausen. This
letter was offered to the press, but
found space in but one daily paper in
the entire state. 1t is scathing re-
buke of the bureau of inspections
findings and will be read with interest
by every one interested in the work
iug out of this great law.
The letter of the commission to
Mr.. Clausen is reproduced herewith:
Olympia, Oct. o. 1916.
Hon. c. w. Clausen, eX-Officio Chief
Bureau of Inspection and Super
vision of Public Offices,
Capitol Building, Olympia, Wash.
ir in la6 o.
ment of your letter of October 81,
transmitting the report of your bureau
of investigation made of the affairs of
this department from October l, 1911,
to January l, 1916
We have carefully perused this doc
ument and desire to extend to you
our congratulations in that it is a
masterpiece from the standpoint of
political eXpediency illogical CON
illusions and misstatements of facts
Several Erroneous Conclusions
At the time that this report was
read in the presence of members of
this commission on the afternoon of
October Is only a cursory examination
Of its contents was afforded us. Yet
we We're able at that time to point
out to your examiners several enron
eous conclusions, misleading state
ments and Measurements of fact, one
Of which was admittedly based on
hearsay, We note that since that
time the report has been revised and
some -of the statements referred tC
have been eliminated or corrected.
on Octobr n we wrote you a letter
advising that we had found the report
to contain numerous misstatements
of fact, and therefore requested
further opportunity to point out these
discrepancies to you, which you must
admit showed our good faith in the
matter Whether it was your eager
ness to get the report in the hands
of the newspapers at a psychological
moment, or whether you failed to com
|prehend that we aimed to assist you
cordially in perfecting your report
we are at a loss TO know. The fact
however, remains that we We're given
| no further opportunity to point out the
many Measurements that the report
contained before it was given to the
/ newspapers, and, therefore. the full
responsibility Of the contents rests
upon yourself
In view of the unfounded attacks
recently made by the partisan press
/ on this department, such attacks be
ing based on the report of your bu
reau, we feel constrained at this time
To specifically call your attention tC
some of the most staring dlscrepan
cies of fact contained in the report
THE public, of course, presumcs tha
amy report made by a public Official
O" public officials, must ring true il
accordance with facts, and especially
40 they expect this from the bureau
. of Inspection and supervision of publ,
Offices o. which YOU are chief, mas
much as This bureau is required b,
law 70 ascertain the actual conditions
financial and otherwise, of all publ,
offices and TO make a truthful repor
Of i.s findings.
Mo Desire to Oiscredit
Iu Is No DE amented that we ar,
comp ual 3 call taa attention of th,