OCR Text |
Show 28 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFB-. WORK OF THE PURCHASE SECTION. EARLIER DATE FOR ESTIMATES. Heretofore January 10 was the time designated for the presentation by agents and superintendents of their annual estimates for goods and supplies for the ensuing fiscal year. In view of the fact that a great amount of work had to be done in the way of revision, schedul-ing, etc., after the receipt of the estimates in this office, and before proposal blanks could he printed and distributed-thereby necessi-tating the letting of contracts for clothing, shoes, and other articles that had to be manufactured, later in the calendar year than was deemed advisable--it was decided to set an earlier date for the pres-entation of these estimates. This year November 1 was the time named for the receipt of estimates in this office, and the dates of the annual lettings were advanced accordingly. This change permits of ample time for the manufacture of clothing, shoes, etc., contracted for, and the delivery of tlie articles at destination before the rainy season, when many of the roads leading to agencies and schools become impassable. REVISION OF SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES. As the estimates of medical supplies, instruments, etc., allowed for the service was in need of revision in order to bring the list of articles up to date, several physicians in the service were instructed to go to the Chicago Indian warehouse, make a careful examination of the medical estimate blank, erase therefrom such articles as, in their opinion, were obsolete, and insert iherein such additional drugs, instruments, etc., deemed essential for the good of the service. Many changes in the.liit were accordingly made by this committee of physicians; as a result, greater efficiency in the treatment of patients than ever before will doubtless result this year with these additional drug? and improved means. NEW FORM FOR GETTING AUTHORITIES. A new form of hlank has been devised on which superintendents are expected to submit all requests for open-market expenditures and a corresponding form on which to ask approval of vouchers covering exigency purchases. These blanks are more specific than those they displace, but are so prepared as to facilitate action on tlie requests themselves, guarantee greater accuracy in the accounting hranchof the office, and reduce to a minimum the opportunity for mistakes in indicating appropriations. Blanks have also been prepared on which to order supplies through the several warehouses, and to notify superintendents of orders so given, thereby decreasing and also simplifying correspondence. |