The clerical force of the division at the present time consists of 1 clerk class 7, chief of division; 1 clerk class 8, 1 clerk class 10, 3 clerks Class A, 1 clerk Class D, 1 clerk Class G, 1 clerk Class H, and 3 messengers at $180 per annum. Total, 12.

The work of the division has been hampered from time to time by transfer of clerks to other vacant positions of more importance in other divisions, thus compelling this division to take on a new man that generally knew nothing about the business. At the present time, however, the division is blessed with as steady and industrious a set of clerks as it would be possible to find anywhere. Not one is averse to hard work or working any number of reasonable hours overtime.

It has been noticed by the undersigned that in all offices where the principal duties are those of handling property the record division is generally considered of the least importance. It would be difficult, however, to handle a large business without proper record of communications passed, and it is hoped that the near future will see the record division of every office looked upon as one of if not the most important part of the office.

During the latter part of the year the chief of this division has several times been called upon to occupy the chief clerk's desk, some two months of his time having been occupied in that way. During part of this time the next ranking clerk in the division was on vacation, and the force was constantly compelled to put in from one to three hours overtime, but not a single complaint was heard and not a single objection was made or overtime pay requested. Respectfully submitted.

Maj. E. G. SHIELDS,

Insular Purchasing Agent, Office.

S. J. EPPERLY, Chief of Record Division.

RECORD DIVISION, Manila, P. I., October 8, 1904

SIR: In compliance with your verbal instructions of even date, I have the honor to submit hereto attached a tabulated list of circular proposals issued by this bureau during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1904, showing number of proposal, date issued, date opened, kind of supplies purchased, from whom, together with cost price, so far as can be given at this time. You will please note that cost price on proposals such as No. 65, for lighterage of supplies during fiscal year, 1904; No. 107, for supplying engine and cylinder oils as called for; No 108, for all castings (iron and brass) required by the various bureaus during last six months; No. 124, for 45,000 pieces bejuco, contract awarded by the picul; No. 132, calling for a certain number of feet of rope, contract awarded by the pound; and No. 147, for lighterage of all supplies to be received during the next fiscal year, can not be given until delivery is made, or services are rendered. In these cases a brief of same will be found at end of tabulated list above referred to.

Respectfully submitted.

S. J. EPPERLY, Chief of Record Division.

List of circular proposals issued by the insular purchasing bureau during fiscal year 1904.

92

.do.

.do.

Bilibid carriage shop.

93

...do.

.do..

Bilibid furniture shop.

Uniforms, equipment, etc., for Philippine constabulary.

.do..

.do.

List of circular proposals issued by the insular purchasing bureau during fiscal year 1904.

Mar. 16, 1904 Sundry school supplies.

.do.

400 Chinese bullocks.

Cement pipe, assorted.

Cocoanut oil...

Track, curves, turntables, etc.

Uniforms, equipment, etc., Philippine constabulary.

.do..

Grant & Co....

39, 176.40

E. C. McCullough & Co.

11,096.72

Schmidt & Ziegler.

6,400.00

May 5, 1904 May 14, 1904 Sundry small hardware and tools.

F. L. Strong.

E. C. McCullough & Co.

Mariano Uy Chaco.

138

.do.
do.
..do.

139 May 10, 1904 May 17, 1904 Machinery and tools, various.

.do.

Mariano Uy Chaco..

1,600.00

F. L. Strong.

2,285.28

American Hardware and Plumbing Co.

452.25

4,337.53

do.

1,900.00

WAR 1904-VOL 11-20

List of circular proposals issued by the insular purchasing bureau during fiscal year 1904-Continued.

8, 159.93