Greenfield Republican, Greenfield, Hancock County, 4 August 1910 — Page 7

PEOPLE OWN THE FAIR

Hoosier Exposition Has Double Tie to the Publico! Indiana.

The State Fair is to be held at Indianapolis the week cf Sept. 12. and people from Hoosier town and city •will"turn it to account as a playground, while from the tioofier farms men and women by tev.s of thousands wiii u:rn to it as a source of education and inspiration. while !hoy also wi'.l extract from it as much pleasure as does the lirban element. Nothing in Indiana year after year brings together so many thousand people as does the fair, and they assemble there in the spirit that the exposition belongs to them, as it really does, under the state law which created the fair in 1851 and which from that year to this has guided its destiny. To have a fair, it must have a directing force, and the state provided it "by creating the State Board of Agriculture. To make the fair in truth representative of Indiana people and interests, the legislature has always held general control of it. the Board of Agriculture being the medium for assembling the exhibits and conducting the fair. To give the fair a double tie to the people, the membership is made up of representatives of count*' fairs and agricultural societies, and thc-ir membership is made up of people from the farms.

In the organizations behind it and In the knowledge and enjoyment it gives them, the State Fair more closely comes to the people than does any other organization in the commonwealth. To keep the fair management without the pale of undue influences, the law makes the Board of Agriculture a non-partisan body, and the hope of gain cannot be an incentive to obtain membership, for the members receive $5 a day for only time actually in the service of the fair, amounting tc about $60 a year. The members can have no personal interests in the fair or its property. Each member is elected for a term of two years, and he continues in service only as long as the agricultural district which he represents says he may. Capability means a continuation on the board ior the reason that experience adds to the worth of a member in fair management yet the membership is constantly undergoing changes.

The fair grounds is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in Indiana and it belongs to the people. It is held in trust Cor them by the board which cannot sell or incumber th* property without permission from thf legislature. The fair is not

opersted tj0n

for the profit of any man. not even foi the board which conducts it. Its profIts year after vear are turned tack into the upbuilding of the exposition. Therein lies the secret of the fair continuous expansion and the abiding faith which the people of the state have in it as a source of education tc the farmer and wholesome enjoyment to every class.

BATTLE IN THE CLOUDS

Pain's Great Aerial Spectacle At the Indiana State Fair.

The most elaborate spectacle ever offered at the Indiana State Fair •will he given the week of September 32, •when Pain's new pyro-aero-miiitary display, "Battle in the Clouds" is presented. It will he a big night attraction of the fair, given on and above the infield of the racetrack, where 25,000 people may witness it in comfort. Experience of other years has shown the fair management that the crowds cannot all be taken care ot at the night horse show in the coliseum, and "Battle in the Clouds" has been provided to give pleasure to as many thousands as may go to the exposition in the evening. "Battle in the Clouds" undertake? to give a look into the mode of warfare which may prevail in the year 2,000 A. D.. when airships, aeroplanes, aerial torpedoes and deadly gas grenades become the engines of human conflict. The spectacle will require a stage 400 feet long, behind which will be stretched sceneries reaching to Sixty feet in height, showing a progressive city of the time. On its streets will be several hundred men and women in costumes to enjoy a fete day, with processions, sports and acrobatic pastimes. When the fete is at its height, wireless messages bring word of the approach of an enemy's air fleet, and suddenly the scouting vanguard floats over the city. The forts open fire with electric shells, driving the aerial monsters into retreat, but soon the main fleet advances and opens the attack.

The fort and the fleet open a terrific! bombardment, of fire shells, aerial torpedoes and bursting bombs, filling the heavens with fire, electric flashes and thunderous detonations. Some of the airships are disabled and leave the firing line one explodes high in the air another becomes disabled and dashes to the ground, its men escaping In parachutes. The airships bombard the city's fortifications with high explosives, fire balls and grenades. Battery after battery is silenced and finally the magazine is blown up. Towers and buildings in the city fall and burn and devastation and ruin follows.

The spectacle is marked by vlvldnesjs and thrilling excitement, and includes elaborate vaudeville and fireworks.

ROOSEVELT READY WITH HIS REASONS

an Tell Goad

Indiana Voters Work Done by Beveridge.

with

child labor.

"Similarly their attitude was

of

TEDDY'S RIGHT HAND MAN

Indiana Statesman Helped Advance

Roosevelt Policies Very

Effectively.

The Chicago Tribune, commenting on the coming of Col. Theodore Roosevelt to Indiana, to speak for the Republican ticket, details the relations between Senator Beveridge of Indiana and the former president, and concludes that Col. Roosevelt can give very good reasons why Senator Beveridge ought to be re-elected because of the good work the Indiana senior senator has done for the cause of the people. Here is the Tribune's article. 'In their own interest as well as that of the nation the people of Indiana should return Albert J. Beveridge to the United States Senate.' This declaration will be made by former President Theodore Roosevelt in a speech he has promised to deliver in the Hoosier state. It will be an honest expression based upon intimate knowledge of Senator Beveridge's course which Col. Roosevelt had while in the White House. "It will be an indorsement given to Beveridge less as the insurgent than as the man and Republican. It will be the return of the former President for the loyal, zealous way in which the Indianian aided him in getting through legislation recognized as essentia' to the public interests. "Mr. Beveridge will be given credit for vital assistance in: "Molding the Philippine legislative policy, which has produced peace and order with civil government in the archipelago. "The removal of the tariff wall between the United States and Porto Rico. "Statehood for Oklahoma and Indian Territory, as against a proposal to organize two states. "Enactment of the Federal meat inspection law. "Enactment of the pure food taws. "Development of reforms in connec-

"Protection against spoliation of the coal lands of Alaska. "These are the things done lor which it is possible specifically to give credit to the Indiana senator. "There are many other laws enacted and policies enforced which he has influenced during the eleven years he has been in the Upper House of Congress. Take, for example, the debates in connection with the Aldrich tariff law. "There is no doubt that the activity of Mr. Beveridge and the colleagues who fought with him caused a rea-

Can He "Come Back"?

But Mr. Bryan ,has heard other political obituaries and he has been burled before. Also he has proved that he can come back. The peerless loser is counted a dead one at the present time but it is safe to guess that when the time comes for another national convention he will be chief advisor as to candidate and platform.—Lafayette Journal.

Yes, indeed. He may even be the candidate. Stranger things have happened. But of course this result meaue he must whip the bosses again next November.

Farmer# Pay Taxes.

Orant county farmers, having sold their wheat, are paying their taxes. This condition, brought about by a bumper crop and $1 wheat, has caused an unusual summer rush at the county treasurer's office. It is reported the farmers are going to the tax-pay-ing with grins on their faces. And they are not talking in favor of the Democratic movement to reduce prices on farm products. They generally agree there is a strong leaning towards the Republican party in the fural cogflMpitiea.

eonable reduction in some of the: schedules below that which had been a'id maturing in 1915 (See Bond Statecontemplated, and also enabled the|men*)- •*So propagation is being Indianian to obtain an amendment to I made for meeting this obligation, the act which forced the Tobacco I Cash on hands in City funds JanuTrust to pay millions annually to the ary 3, 1910, was $7,548.45. It has government that under the laws of I been the custom of the Council to 1902 it had been collecting and keep- authorize temporary loans to meet Ing for itself.

State Board of Accounts: Dear Sir:—Pursuant to your instructions we have examined books and records of the city offices of Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, and respectfully shbmit the following report:

Our examination covers a period of five years, beginning January 1, 1905, and ending January 3, 1910.

Our report embraces the following city offices: Mayor—G. A. Carr, from Jan. 1, 1905, to Sept. 3, 1906, John B. Hinchman, from Sept. 3, 1906, to Jan. 3, !i9io.

Clerk—Oscar O. Bever, from Jan. 1, 11305, to Jan. 3, 1910. I Treasurer—C. M. Curry, from Jan. 11, 1905 to Sept. 3, 1906, David Walsh, from Sept. 3, 1906, to Jan. 3, 1910.

Appendedjhereto and made a part of this report is a tabulated statement of assets, afbond statement, summary of errors, a statement of the distribution of taxes and a financial statement.

FINANCE.

In our opinion the financial status of Greenfield is most unsatisfactory. On January 1, 1910, the bonded inidebtedness was $51,000.00, this being within $304.00 of the constitutional I debt limit of 2 per cent. Bonds to I the amount of $2,000.00 were redeemed

April 18, 1910. There was also outstanding on January 3, 1910, temporary loans to the amount of f4.800.00. $21,000.00 of this amount has been paid since aforesaid date. Bonds to the amount of $30,030.00 are school bonds issued in 1895

ciaims

re*

uponsible for substantial and valuable mend that a better rate of interest be modifications of the railroad rates

4

bill which was passed during the last I .. session of Congress. It is true, like-!.

GREENFIELD REPUBLICAN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1910.

STATE ACCOUNTANTS PRAISE THE W0RK_0F CITY CLERK

Examiners Report on City's Books for the Last Five Years is Made in Detail and at Length.

GOOD WORD FOR THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION

Plans of Doing Business in the Past Pronounced Loose, and the Practice of City Employees Receiving Free Electric Lights and

Water is Condemned.

Rsport of Examination Of City Officers Of the City Of Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana. HON. W. A. DEHORITY,

against the City, fre-

qUently at 7 per cent. We recom-

a a re

Money

19

wise, that statehood for Arizona and individuals. There is also an obligaNew Mexico could not have been tion of the City in regard to the imachieved had Mr. Beveridge objected. provement of the electric lijjht plant He occupies the post of chairman of (See Page 6). The assessed'valuatfce Committee on Territories and in tion of taxable property in 1909, was that position easily could have pre- $2,565,230.00. Mortgage exemption vented a statehood bill from being $119,045.00. Net assessed valuation reported to the Senate. I *2 445 185 00 "These several matters are recalled at this time both because it is desirable from a public point of view to call attention of Indiana to Mr. Beveridge's record as well as to the fact that the points are being considered by the former President in connection -with the speech he will deliver in Indiana."

sometimes borrowed of

REVENUE.

The revenue other than taxes is derived from licenses, Mayor's docket lees, water rent®, electric light, sale of cemetery lots and miscellaneous receipts. The receipts for the period covered by our examination, excluding special improvement receipts, were $241,014.81. Expenditures $239,131.07.

SPECIAL IMPROVEMENTS.

The City is fairly well improved, although the assessments have not been heavy against property owners and there has been no complaint as to letting of contracts. The largest contract was for a sewer built in 1909, which amounted to about $12,000.00. Tne total receipts for special improvements, including balance of $1,486.89 on hand January 1, 1905, during the five years covered by our examination, were $52,436.63.'-Expenditures $47,419.33, leaving a balance in hands of the treasurer of $5,017.30.

MAYOR.

From January 1, 1905, to September 3, 1906. During the term of Mayor George A. Carr cases, other than lor violation of city ordinances, were tried before Justice of the Peace. The Docket shows fees in the sum of $87.00, which were paid to the City Treasurer and receipted for by him.

From September 3, 1906, to January 3,1910.

The Mayor's Docket, during the term of John B. Hinchman, shows receipts of $1,624.58 which were paid into the City treasury and receipted for. Of said amount, $603.31 were fines for violation of the statutes and should have been paid into the County treasury for the benefit of the Common School Fund. Mr. Hinchman states that he paid the fines into the City treasury on advice of the City Attorney. We recommend that said sum, $603.31, be paid immediately into the County treasury.

The docket further shows that $66.00 in fines was paid to the County Treasurer and receipted for.

CLERK.

We highly recommend the administration of City Clerk, Oscar E. Beaver. He has complied with the law in all official acts and furthermore, papers, books and records of his office are well kept and filed in good order. He collects money on account of licenses only occasionally, in the absence of the Treasurer, but immediately pays it in and takes a receipt.

He is also City weigh-master and collects receipts on account of City scales. By ordinance he is allowed to retain 60 per cent of said receipts, the remaining 40 per cent, which is $71.68 (two years' receipts) has been paid in the treasury.

•TREASURER.

Mr. Cassius M. Curry was elected Treasurer for the term

beginning

September 5, 1904, and ending Sep- ^ater ^or^5 tember 3, 1906. The affairs of the office were entirely in charge of a deputy, his sister. Although many clerical errors were made, we find all moneys accounted for (See Summary of Errors.)

The affairs of the office during the term of David Walsh, from September 3, 1906, to January 3, 1910, were also wholly in charge of a deputy, Mr. Walsh's daughter. We find numerous errors occurring during this term, which results in an apparent shortage of $158.16. On January 1, 1908. when the funds were to be deposited according to the depository law. an attempt was made to determine the correct amount in each fund. There was found to be an excess of $149.87. This amount is still in the Citizens' Bank, which is not a depository, to the credit of David Walsh. Mr. Bottsford, Chairman of the Finance Committee, advised the deputy treasurer to hold this money till it was determined to which fund it belonged.

Also, at the end of this term, (January 3, 1910) there was an excess of $41.17, which was turned over in the final settlement to the present Treasurer and held by him as 'change in drawer."

Our examination shows that on January, 1910, there was due the City $158.16, (See Summary of Errors) less $41.17, excess herein before stated.

On May 25, 1910, Mr. David Walsh paid to his successor the sum of $173.81, being $158.16 principal, and $15.65 interest.

We feel that the honesty of the Deputy Treasurer during Mr. Walsh's term cannot be questioned, but lack of system in the office resulted in the discrepancy.

The system of book-keeping in vogue in the Treasurer's office for the last several years is a very poor one. There is no record of balances in the different funds except on the daily cash book, (and that only since February 3, 1908), other than monthly reports on file in the Clerk's office. We strongly recommend that a new system be installed in regard to the collection of electric light and water rents. The Treasurer collects said rents from receipts made out by the superintendent^ of the respective plants, he not beinjg harged with the total amount of receipts. Owing to the loose method our examination has necessarily been incomplete in these

two departments. There is no record showing amount due contractors on the separate improvements, the Treasurer being obliged to run the improvement duplicate to determine if bonds and coupons presented should be paid. A cash book has been kept since February 3, 190S. Prior to January 1, 1908, money due contractors on account of special improvements, was paid by check, no warrant being issued. All receipts and cancelled bonds and coupons were in evidence. In checking from these we discovered several items to the amount of §2.167.60 credited twice. We also discovered items to practically the same amount not credited at all. These items were considered in the monthly reports, therefore, we made the proper entries on the books. These omissions occurred during Mr. Curry's term.

PUBLIC UTILITIES.

The City owns the water plant and it is claimed it is on a self-sustaining basis. This cannot be determined from the books. The outstanding water works bonds amounted to $21,000.00

011

January 3, 1910. Of this

amount $2,000.00 was paid April 18, 1910. The City acquired the electric light plant in 1902. In 1907 it was deemed necessary to enlarge and improve the plant. Tbe City could not. issue bonds to the amount necessary to cover the cost. A proposal was submitted to rebuild the plant by Robert S. Ashe, of Richmond, Indiana. The Common Council authorized and directed the Mayor to execute a contract with said Ashe. The substance of this contract was as follows: "On completion of improvement said Ashe, or assigns, rents new machinery and apparatus installed, to the City for the period of twelve years at stipulated semi-an-nual rentals. At the end of said period, which is January 1, 1920,

011

the

payment of $2,050.00 by the City, the plant becomes the absolute property of the City. During this rental period the City operates the plant." The City will have paid in rentals at the end of twelve years $36,212.50.

The Greenfield Light & Power Company, a company incorporated by the contractor, issued, with consent of the council, bonds secured by first mortgage on said machinery and apparatus to the amount of $25,000.00. The City pays said rentals to the Security Trust Company, Trustee, of Indianapolis, to be applied to the payment of said bonds and interest. The cancelled bonds and coupons are returned to the City clerk. Total amount redeemed to date is $4,500.00.

Balance all funds September 3, 1906

S A E E N

454.16

Cemetery $

Fire Dept Liq. License License Corp. M. B. Interest Taxes, misc. Veh.License Elec. Light Spec. School Sinking. Spec. Imp

2,044.29 .00 1.062.50 59.50 81.00 .00 .00 760.08 1,838.15 .00 .00 7,367.38

1906

Cemetery Water Wks Fire Dept. Corp. Veh. License Spec. School Elec. Light J. Frost. Tr Chandler, Tr Sinking Spec. Imp..

$ 1,501.76 5.295.67 708.28 6,928.41 670.56 900.00 5,862,59 .00 .00 .00 7,239.19

Frora September 3, 1906, to January 3,1910. RECEIPTS

1906

1907

us in regard to a payment made to him March 27, 1909, of $10.00, which we found was not on the Treasurer's books. We called Mr. Clayton in and he immediately paid said amount to the Treasurer, claiming it to have been an oversight.

Upon examination of the City's disdursements our attention was called to the seemingly large sums paid for. printing and supplies,' amounting to $2,166.05 during the five years covered by our examination. On inspection of many of these bills we found that a large portion of the total was for legal advertising in one of the City papers. After careful examination into some of the items for supplies, we are of the opinion that exorbitant prices have been paid in many instances.

We find that employees of the electric light and water plants have been using both light and water without payment to the City and without authority from the proper officials. We recommend that the Council take some action in this matter. We understand that City officials and employees in the past have been allowed full sway in making purchases of supplies, said purchases sometimes amounting to a considerable sum. This we believe to be a dangerous precedure and should be stopped.

The law in regard to purchasing supplies from City officials has been violated in a few instances, but in such a manner as to evade the law. We recommend that care be taken in the future in this matter.

Through apparent misconstruction of the law, appropriations have never been made for the City's expenditures, but this has been largely offset by the division of the tax levy into the different funds. There is now before the Council an appropriation ordinance covering the remainder of the fiscal year, which meets all requirements of the law.

We recommended to the Common Council that in making their next levy in September that one general levy cover all city purposes and a special levy be- made only for a specific purpose.

We commend the custom the Common Council has followed since January 1, 1908, of allowing all claims against the treasury,'including money due on account of special improvements and all salaries.

CONLUSION.

We believe the present city officials are desirous of following the letter of the law and that they will manage the City's affairs in an economical manner.

1908

2,411.35 8,350.25 2,374.10 2,500.00 512.75 513.00 .00 8,717.22 863.89 17.655.52 1.294.41 2,373.57 9,519.09

1909

$ 2,634.35 10,385.58 2,472.06 1,500.00 533.00 791.00 243.82

2.221.72 1:2.270.34 4,100.15 750.00 211.00 159.00 267.54 7,703.35 867.75 18,726.53 1,391.69 2,400.75 12,814.04

S,862.16 77.85 19,792.00 1,357.82 2,451.25 11,435.42

Total $13,667.06 $57,095.15 $62,536.31 $63,8*4.46 197,182.98

EXPENDITURES

1307

1908

$ 1.293.04 8,002.99 2,997.40 8^941.42 524.70 1.800.00 18,839.83 2.00 .00 2.O0O-OO 9,703.86

Amount due City, all funds January 3, 1910 Amount turned over to present treasurer

Balance due City from David Walsh, ex-treasurer Interest charged to David Walsh, ex-treasurer

Amount paid City by David Walsh

Here follows a bond statement, the tax levy, distribution of taxes, summary of errors from January 1, 1905 to January 3, 1910, a mass of figures which time and space will not permit

of publication today. Dr. S. C. Clayton, street commissioner, collected on several occasions money in small amounts for dirt from streets. Information was furnished

Sunday School Picnic.

The M. P. church S. S. picnicked in the beautiful grove on Little Brandywine creek on the farm of W. F. Thomas Wednesday. About 100 persons attended, including the pastor, Rev. Howe, and the superintendent, Lawrence Wood. The time was pleasantly spent at games and races, including sack races and pitching horseshoes. The school expressed its sincere appreciation of the courtesy and kindness of Mr. Thomas in giving it the use of the grove.^

Children Cry

EOB FIETCHEB'S

CAS.T.O IA

1909

$ 1,352.43 10,686.37 2,506.96 11,173.78 221.35 1,800.00 19,958.37 .00 2.00 2,000.00 11,419.11

Total $29,106.46 $65,105.24 $61,120.37 $63,856.85

Balance all funds January 3. 1910, Errors (see summary of errors)

23,596 05

Totals

$ 7.721.58 33,050.46 8.946.91 5,812.50 1,326.25 1,544.00 511.36 25.232.73 2.569.57 58,012.20 4.043.92 7,225.57 41,435.93

$220,779.03

Totals

$ 2,852.06 11,906.85 4.104.24 13,305.22 1,031.40 1,800.00 18.726.27 .00 .00 2,000.00 8,130.81

$ 6,999.29 35,891.88 10,316.88 40,348.S3 2,448.01 6,300.00 63,387.06 2.00 2.00 6,000.00 36,492.97

$20S,188.92

..$ 12,590.11 133.20

$ 12,723.31 12,565.12

158.16 15.65

$171.81

Respectfully Submitted.

Greenfield, Ind. May 25, 1910. H. W. C. Fosdick, Webster Parry,

Field Examiners.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25th day of May, 1910. Bertha Cockayne,

Notary Public.

My Commission expires March 28, 1914.

In buying a cough medicine, don't be afraid to get Chamberlain's Cough Remedy. There is no danger from it, and relief is sure to follow. Especially recommended for coughs, colds and whooping cough. Sold by all druggists. I

James Cleary, county surveyor, is in his office again, after a two weeks' vacation enjoyed in central Ohio. He was in Columbus during the street car strike.

Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffman entertained at dinner Monday, Mrs. Elizabeth Dowling and Miss Florence Druxel, of Dayton, Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Friel, of Columbus, Ohio.