STATE bee-keepers' ASSOCIATION. 33 



where the law says they must be, and he will have them 

 here in the morning, to place in the hands of the Auditing 

 Committee. And the Secretary, though he did not report 

 the funds he handled, has placed his book and whole ac- 

 counts in the hands of the Auditing Committee, and they 

 are so simple and complete that a balance can be struck in 

 two minutes; but on account of membership fees coming in 

 at all times of the year, no report could be made till the last 

 moment, when you can plainly see how much (?) time the 

 Secretary has had to spare. And further, the Treasurer has 

 made his reports to the Governor, • as the law requires he 

 should do. 



Pres. Smith — Don't any one think we are criticising them 

 at all; we are just getting them fixed up for the future. They 

 can submit those bills and get things itemized. 



Dr. Miller — I did not say our President was on a drunk, 

 positively! I don't think so at all. 



Pres. Smith — Any further remarks? I believe the time 

 is too short to read any papers ; any suggestion any members 

 have will be considered. 



Mr. Becker — I believe the committee ought to be here at 

 Springfield to audit their accounts. Were Mr. York to send 

 ■ in his bill to the Secretary, and you of the Auditing Com- 

 mittee live at Quincy, and at Decatur, why, it would be an 

 expense to come here and audit his accounts. Why not take 

 them before a Notary Public and swear to them ? I think that 

 would be all that is necessary, then at the end of the year 

 have an Auditing Committee audit these books. But I don't 

 believe it would be the proper thing to put before an Audit- 

 ing Committee when the Secretary could do the work. Make 

 an affidavit to it, sending a bill with it, so much for so many 

 days' inspecting, and so much expense for other things. 



Pres. Smith — The same way with other things, printed 

 matter, postage, mailing. Itemize all bills. I don't think it 

 necessary to bring them up. 



Pres. Smith — I think it might be a good idea to appoint 

 an Auditing Committee at the beginning of the session to go 

 over and report the necessary business. 



Mr. York — The law provides that an executive commit- 

 tee can audit all payments. The executive committee shall 

 approve all bills ; that is provided in the law. I think we 

 should have an auditing committee appointed the first ses- 

 sion and report the next day. 



Mr. Bowen — I say that bills should be submitted to the 

 executive ■ committee hereafter whether they are in the in- 

 sane asylum or where they are. 



Mr. Becker — I believe that if we are to ask for an ap- 

 propriation before the next Legislature we ought to get our 

 accounts in as good a shape as possible. I am Treasurer, and 

 I move that the chairman appoint a committee of three to 

 audit the books, and report at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning. 

 [Motion seconded and carried.] 



Pres. 'Smith — He practically said he would appoint the 

 committee. What business has the State with the accounts 



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