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Show I COMMISSIONER INDIAN AFFAIM. 57 All reports concerning the part of the band remaining in Okla-homa are to the'effect that they are now reasonably comfortably sit-uated and bid fair to become industrious, self-supporting Indians. The part of the band who removed to the Mescalero R~~e rva t ioinn New Mexico have possibly not made so much advancement, but these Indians have been placed in a position to commence farming, and have been reported as fairly comfortable and satisfied durmg the year. The further work of reestablishment of these Indians is being made the subject of special attention. I PURCHASE DIVISION. Goods and supplies to the amount, approximately, of $3,500,000 were purchased for the service during the fiscal year just closed and delivered at a cost for transportation of about $264,021.66, exclusive of wagon transportation from the terminals of railroads and boat landings, which service amounted to $168,139.70. . The cost of in-spection was $6,862.47. These amounts indicate service actually paid for to date. They will be increased by liabilities incurred during the last three months of the fiscal year which have not been placed on our liability ledgers. The high cost of supplies has had its effect on the prices paid in numerous lines during the year, particularly in ' . the purchase of beef, both net and gross. In addition to such supplies as the superintendents bought direct other purchases were made for them through the several Indian warehouses, all of which, except emergency purchases from Indians or patented articles, were made after proper advertisement, as re-quired by law. These purchases were authorized only after the bids secured by the officer had been presented to this office and cheeked, freight figured when necessary, and the most advantageous quota-tion accepted,price and quality considered. The service has not received quite all the benefit hoped for from its policy of economy in purchasing, as oftentimes what was saved in original cost was offset by delay in delivery. The necessity for more expeditious execution of field officers' requests is realized and steps have been taken to modify the existing plan so as to effect quicker deliveries. As the idea is developed during the coming year greater efficiency in purchasing will result. Short cuts to quick results have been adopted, both in the office and field, and believing that concentrated effort will materially improve our systeni a new division, designated.'' purchase," has been created, which wili handle exclusively tho purchase and transportation of supplies. The Indian appropriation act for the enrrent fiscal year will pro-vide for three permanent warehouses instead'of five, as heretofore, |