The Washington times., 1914-12-08

tirely and absolutely inadequate. I sug-
gest that the question of providing q
new building, at an estimated cost Of
$1,000 zoo. should be seriously considered
by Congress.
TN conclusion, ] wish TO state that l
consider the record made by the Govern
ment Printing Office during the year to
be a splendid one, and that too much
credit can not be given to the officers
and employees for their faithful and eff
fIcient cooperation"
Expenses Reduced.
Ii cost a total Of S6,s72 .629.72 20 oper-
ate the Government Printing Office dur
ing the last year, which was under the
total OF expenses for the previous year,
despite increased work.
With few minor exceptions, the Public
Printer says, the work Of the past fiscal
year shows an increase in the larger
items OF production. Considerable more
woTl, is being handled by less number
of employees actually working" ne adds,
Indicating a decided increase in cff:ci-
ency and earnest cooperation on the
part Of employees.
The overhead charge for the entire
office shows a decrease over previous
wear of 6Ia per cent. or $SS,206.S6.
The total operation cost decreased
over previous year by S2e, 1866, while
the product Of the office (including mis-
cellaneous work for superintendent of
documents and stock) increased over
previous year by 5000, 703.01.
Analysis OF operating expense and
production by divisions of the office
shows each and every one, without ex-
ception, was operated without a loss.
This is the first time since the estab-
fishing of adequate cost records that
this cond' ton has been shown. I'm
proved methods of handling certain
ola nF r1riT gfn
supervision. we're mainly responsible
for this condition.
$4,000 Saved On Lumber
Lumber sent to this office in the
shape of boxes and crates. and formerly
sold at nominal figure, is now as
sorted and reclaimed for use in making
new shipping boxes. over 23.OOO of
which were made for shipment OF pos
tai cards alone. 1t is estimated the
retaining Of this lumber resulted in
a saving of at least $4,000 during the
year.
A total OF 2.375 medical and surgical
cases were treated in the emergency
room. A rest room" has been in
stalled Oh the fifth floor of the new
building for women employees who may
become exhausted during working
hours. This room is under the super
vision Of the medical and sanitary Of
hcer. ] consider it very humane and
nece ssary adjunct to the office.
The insanitary roller towel has been
discarded, and each employe now re-
ceives daily an individual towel. All
this laundering is done on the premises
The production of the power plant
was 5.403. 025 kilowatt hours, an increase
over previous year Of approximately
10000 kilOwatt hours; the cost was re-
duced to LIS cents per kilowatt hour.
as against ~ cents last year En-
largement Of the power plant. in order
TO furnish heat, light. and power TO
the new city postoffce building. as
authorized and appropriated for last
year, has been practically completed,
and the service began July ! 1914
Tho cost VIII be a proper charge
against the Ppstnn!cc on the basis OF
cost per unit Of heat. light. and power
and an appropriation for that purpose
VIII be necessary. 1t is requested thar
such appropriation he made to the Post
office. for the reason that If the Gov
eminent Printing Office appropriation
is increased by that amount and TOR
that purpose. and ! am directed to sun
ply allsnecessary heat, light. and power.
II Is possible more eNtravaEant use nav
develop than il the Postofice was 10
pay for the service as per itemized
bills rendered monthly"