GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS It is not generally known to what an extent the Treasury Depart ment. of the United States is a builder, or to what extent its demands for material and labor influence the market; nor do many contractors or material men know much about the nature of the contracts to be awarded, and there is a kind of superstition that such contracts are so bound up in "red tape" that it is wise for contractors and men with good material to keep out of this market. It is the object of this paper to show the amount of work which is under the control of the Treas ury Department; to indicate its general nature and the conditions under which contracts are let and the work executed, and which govern the furnishing of materials; and to explain the nature of the formal contract and in what respects it differs from those usually required between individuals.
Government work is not all red tape. In fact, when the reasons for certain fixed lines of action arc understood, the red tape appears in the light of necessary business machinery, which, if more frequently applied with discretion to private enterprises, would assist in pro ducing results far in advance of the average now obtained.
Number and Value of Buildings Now under Way and Contem plated in the Near Future. There are now (January, 1007) under contract, wholly or in part, or for, which contracts will probably be awarded within two years, approximately 250 buildings, the cost limit of which, including sites, has been fixed by Congress at approxi mately $40,000,000. Placing the cost of sites at about 20 per cent of the limit of cost, it will appear that there is to be spent in material and labor over $30,000,000. At the rate at which work is generally carried on, the disbursements involved through the different channels will be from $600,000 to $1,000,000 a month. While there are many corporations in the world disbursing an equal sum for materials and labor required in industrial enterprises, there is probably none where such large sums are disbursed through general channels open to so many branches of industry.
Character of Buildings. The buildings under the control of the Treasury Department are for the use of the civil branches of the Government, such_as Postofiices, Courts, Customs, Internal Revenue, Marine Hospitals, and Quarantine Stations. Such buildings as the
Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Executive buildings of the different Departments at'\Vashington, are not under the control of the Treasury Department nor built by it; neither are forts or other Array or Navy buildings, or United States Jails.
Many of the buildings under the Treasury Department are very large and expensive, the New York Custom House and the Chicago and San Francisco Postoffices being buildings of this type. The larger number, however, are of moderate size, ranging from 40 feet by SO feet outside dimensions, and one story high, to buildings of three tines that area and three stories high, and costing complete, with heating apparatus, etc., from $35,000 to $175,000 each.
The large rnajority are of fireproof construction and classic design, with interior finish of hardwood and marble where the funds will permit. The best of materials and appliances are used through out, as it is inadvisable and almost impracticable in public buildings of this character, to exercise the many economies which prevail in private building.
The interiors are fitted with the nest of modern appliances and conveniences; plumbing is extensive and perfect; the toilet rooms for Postoffice carriers are supplied not only with the usual appliances, but often with shower-baths; and no woodwork either in floors or in finish is allowed. Through the building, small private toilet rooms are provided for the more prominent officials; and in many, especially in the South, bathtubs are supplied. The heating, ventilating, and electric work are, in their lines, equally complete.
The buildings in the larger cities where the Railway 1v1ail Service men change, have dormitories for the accommodation of from ten to seventy-five men. In the Postoffice proper are galleries with openings commanding every corner accessible to the men, from which Inspec tors can watch for days, without arousing suspicion, any person sus pected of pillaging the mails.