Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 March 1903 — REPORTS DON’T AGREE. [ARTICLE]

REPORTS DON’T AGREE.

We notice some glaring discrepancies in the two last poor farm inventories or reports—the one filed by ex-JSupt. Clark, Jan. 28, when retiring, and that of his successor, Philip Blue, one month later. Of course The Democrat has no means of knowing whether either report is correct or not, but it was the duty of the county commissioners as the paid servants of the people to see that the property included in Mr. Clark’s inventory was there when he left. His successor’s report was accepted and approved, aud we will venture the assertion that the discrepancies in the reports was never observed, so carelessly are matters of this character passed over. The discrepancies are many, but we will only mention the more prominent ones, which amount to several hundred dollars in value: First, Clark’s report one month ago showed 2,500 bushels of oats on hand; Blue’s report shows only I,soobushels, a shrinkage of 1,000 bushels in 30 days, and the value of which is S3OO. Not a bushel was reported sold. The shrinkage in corn during the same period was only 100 bushels; Clark’s report showing 1,500 bushels and Blue’s report showing 1,400 bushels. Clark's report showed 10 two and three-year-old heifers; Blue’s report but 8. One beef has been kined—presumably one of these heifers—but still one is unaccounted for. Clarkes report showed 45 shoats, 9* fat bogs, 8 brood sows, 1 male hog; Blue’s report shows 446hoats, (tap 9 fat hogs have been butchered?) 10 brood sows and 1 male hog. [lt' will be noted that 9 fat hogs were butchered in February by the new superintendent. As there are inmates at the poor asylum 'b«6id6sthe superintendent’s family and the hired help, it would seem that 9 fat hogs would make plenty of pork for the season J Clark’s report showed 200

chickens; Blue’s report shows but 100. Here is h discrepancy amounting in value to S4O ©r SSO. Clark’s report showed 318 quarts of canned fruit; Blue’s report (including 86 quarts of tomatoes) shows 223, therefore 95 quarts must have been consumed during the month of February—if Mr. Clark's report was correct. Clark’s report showed 30 tons of straw and five tons of clover hay: Blue’s report shows but 20 tons of straw and 2 tons of clover hay. Among the minor discrepancies: Clark’s report showed 150 bushels of potatoes; Blue’s, 70’bushels. Clark’s, 1 barrel of vinegar; Blue’s, 10 gallons; Clark’e, 4 axes, 3 boos, 2 rakes, 8 hay and stable forks; Blue’s, 3 axes, 1 hoe, no rakes, 7 hay and stable forks. The only increase in the inventory is in lard Clark’s report showed 8 gallons; and Blue’s (with 9 fat hogs butchered) 75 gallons. The only property eu:d during the month was 1 beef hide to Moody & Roth, $3.58; 6 bushels of corn to T. F. Clark, $2.40; nnd 7 bushels of apples to B. Forsythe. $7.00, a total of $12.98. 1 Car,.700 bu&helß, seed potatoes, bought from a ed house, and guaranteed pure stock. Early Rose 60 cts per bushel, Early Ohios, 75cts per bushel. Chicago Bargain Store.