Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-12-28
THE ELK0 DAILY INDEPENDENI

automatically solving the problem
which has confronted the navy pur-
chasing for many years.
In order that the purchase OF sup
plies for the navy might be distri-
buted throughout the United States In
a more far-reaching manner than pre-
viously. cooperation was requested
from the Chamber of Commerce OF
the United States.
This organization sent out letters to
hundred local chambers OF COM
mercc in various cities of the United
States and TO twenty-five trade organ
izations. Through these agencies the
plan to secure wide competition was
spread broadcast in the various states.
The nayy's desire or direct dealing
was thus stated to the business world:
THE navy believes in publicity both
before bids are received and after
awards are made. The entire record
regarding all it's contracts Is open TO
inspection at any time by parties in
terested."
AS result of this letters OF appre-
citation were received from prominent
manufacturers in every section of the
country.
Despite all this effort to get into i'm
mediate contact with the producer
there still remain, however, a large
number of profiteering agents, profes
sional contractors, and naval brokers
who constitute "shOrt-selling bri-
gade," holding out to responsible but
uniformed outsiders all manner of
inducements and assurances that they
are in a position to furnish advance
information and TO land" contracts.
These people are scarcely more
troublesome than a number of other
spectators who seem 10 be under the
impression that the navy is seeking
the services of outside purchasing
agents instead of simply buying the
goods direct as required by section
1922 fthe Revised Statutes which
provides that:
"" No person shall be received
as a contractor who is not manufac-
turcr Of. or regular dealer in, the
articles which he offers to supply"
As concrete example of how sharp
ly the lines are being drawn between
satisfactory and unsatisfactory con-
tractors, it may be stated that Sc
firms have been debarred from the
bidding list since July l. 1914. and
not one has been restored.
There has been. and will continue
TO be as long as the war lasts, a large
number of well meaning but unin.
formed persons who will naturally in.
dude in much criticism of government
purchasing in general. The navy
knows, however. that its own purchas.
ing system is flexible and businesslike
and that it has met all demands upon
it in supplying the needs of the fleet
No test could have been mode severe
anu ilO lCdSOh tA4SlS lOl lIlt
system.
The increased volume of bushes!
handled by the Purchase Division dur
ing the fiscal year is indicated by tn,
fact that the total purchases mad
here in Washington during the fisca
year 1916 aggregated S27.7O2.995.61
whereas during the fiscal year 1911
they aggregated $66.231,99 an in
crease of lao per cent.
Ever since war became imminent
the strain on the Office force has bee,
particularly heavy. Leave has had t
be practically abandoned, while 70
months the entire force worked owe,
time every day to say nothing of tn
voluntary overtime work in additio
by every body in a position of respol
sibility. Officers, civilians, and reser
lists worked with an enthusiasm trul
admirable and results most gratifying