Public Examiner.—To render assurance doubly sure that public money shall be used only for the purposes for which it is designed, provision is made for the appointment of "a skillful accountant, well versed in the theory and practice of bookkeeping," to exercise constant supervision over the financial accounts of state and county officers and of banking institutions incorporated under state laws. This officer is called the public examiner.
The officers visited are required by law to furnish the public examiner facilities for his work, and to make returns to him under oath. The examiner reports to the governor, who is empowered to take action to protect the interests of the people.
Oil Inspector.—To protect the people from the danger of burning oil unfit for illuminating purposes, there is an officer called the inspector of illuminating oils. The inspector appoints a deputy for each county. It is the duty of these officers to test the illuminating oils offered for sale, and to mark the barrel or package containing it "approved" or "unsafe for illuminating purposes," as the case may be. Penalties are attached to the selling of oils not approved.
Boiler Inspector.—Steam is now used as power in threshing grain and in grinding it, in sawing lumber, in propelling boats and cars, etc. To prevent loss of life, engineers must pass an examination and secure a certificate of qualification. And boilers must be inspected at least once a year to prevent explosions. The latter duty devolves upon the state boiler inspector and his assistants. Locomotive engines on railroads are sometimes exempt from government inspection, because of the invariably high skill of the engineers and the great care of the companies.
Labor Commissioner.—Among the questions now receiving consideration from states and nations are many referring to labor—the healthfulness of factories, hours of labor, employment of children, protection against accidents, etc. In many of the states there is a commissioner of labor to make inspections and formulate statistics pertaining to labor.
Officers Peculiar to Certain States.—There are in some states other officers, necessitated by special industries. Thus, in Minnesota, where the grain, dairy and lumber interests are very important, there are inspectors of grain, a dairy commissioner, and surveyors-general of logs.
Appointment and Term.—The officers named in this chapter are elected in some states; in others they are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The term is usually two years.
All are required to give bonds for the faithful discharge of their duties. All have clerks, deputies, or assistants, appointed by themselves, for whose official acts they are responsible.
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS.
Besides the boards in charge of the several state institutions there are usually a number of administrative boards. Of these the most important are: