Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General assembly, That the Auditor of Public Accounts, Treasurer and Secretary of State be and they are hereby created and constituted a Board of auditors to audit, settle and adjust the claims and accounts of all such contractors who have been engaged upon the public works of the State of Illinois, and whose accounts have not been passed upon or rejected.

Sec. 2. Said Board shall be confined to such claims only as shall be based upon estimates made upon contracts entered into in accordance with law, and shall have power to order a re-estimate where injustice shall appear to be done either to the State or individuals, to examine witnesses upon oath, having power to administer oaths or affirmations to such witnesses, and to do all things necessary to ascertain and arive at the amount justly due and owing from the State to such contractor or contractors.

Sec. 3. When the Board shall be advised and settle down upon the amount due, in justice and equity, for work done under contract they shall draw a draft or drafts for the same

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upon the Fund Commissioner, bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum from the date thereof until paid, which drafts may be drawn in any sum not less than fifty dollars—Provided, That in case the sum found due be less than fifty dollars a draft may be drawn for the amount due to such individual or individuals.

Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of said Board to keep a full record of all their proceedings, and in drawing drafts the same shall be numbered, shew to whom drawn, the particular work, amount and date; all accounts, reciepts, vouchers and certificates examined and adjusted by them shall be carefully filed and preserved, and they shall make such reports on the buisness assigned them as will enable the Governor from time to time to report to the legislature the true and accurate amount allowed and awarded and the proceedings of said Board specially.