The treasurer also has charge of public money, and pays it out when
ordered to do so by the proper authorities.

All of the operations of government are matters of record. While each
officer is expected to keep strict account of the operations of his own
department, the general records of towns, villages, and cities are kept
by the _clerks_.

This general view of local governments may now be summarized in two
forms:--

I. THE FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

1. _Protection_:--


The preservation of order.
Protection against fire.
Protection of public health.


2. _Providing Necessities and Conveniences_:--


Roads--Streets--Sidewalks.
Water--Lights--Sewers.
Poor relief--Education.
Parks--Libraries--Museums.