| The Sun published a 14 part series between July 14, 1915 and August 27, 1915 detailing "public waste" in Maryland government. Among the offices targeted by the reporter as "useless" and should be either abolished or consolidate with another agency: State Wharfinger, State Vaccine Agent, Land Commissioner, Fire Marshall, Boiler Inspectors, Automobile Commissioner, State Board of Aid and Charities, and the State Auditor. Concerns about conservation and natural resources were also raised.
The author of these articles did not mean, in most instances, for his comments to be a reflection upon the individual serving in the capacity. Rather, he stated "It is not his fault that he has an obsolete job." (The Sun, 14 July 1915.)
As a result of the articles and the report of the Goodnow Commission, then Attorney General Albert C. Ritchie helped draft legislation "to put the State upon a more efficient and economical basis." (The Sun, 7 February 1916.)
The newspaper articles cited above were found on microfilm in the MSA Government Publications catalog - COMMISSION ON EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMY (Newspaper Clippings Relating to Reports of Commission on Efficiency and Economy) 1914-1917, MdHR Roll 322-8, PD1538 (Note: Articles in pdf are arranged as they appear on the microfilm and are not necessarily in chronological order) |
