a proposition to install a section of the tube which would operate practically and demonstrate its feasibility. I just want to say, Mr. Chairman, that we, with a tried pneumatictube system, were never invited to put any tube in the Capitol Building connecting up the House Office Building. That tube was simply in effect a gift from the new company, and for that reason we were not able to get in. In fact, the negotiations were conducted so quietly that we were not aware that a tube was to be installed in connection with the House wing of the Capitol Building until informed thereof by Mr. Anderson two weeks after he had entered into his arrangement with the Government for the installation of the tube at a nominal price of $1,000 and after the work was actually in progress. We therefore were not invited even to give a tube to the Government for demonstration purposes. So far as I have been informed, this tube which was given to the Government has not been in practical operation. A few bags have been sent through the tube, but the Government is not using it to-day. Senator POINDEXTER. You are speaking of this tube between the Capitol and the House Office Building? Mr. DE KNIGHT. Yes, sir. As I understand it, it was practically a gift to the Government. This tube begins nowhere and ends nowhere just at present. Once in awhile they send a bag through it for demonstration purposes. Mr. Woods himself practically says it was put in for demonstration purposes, and, as I understand it, it is there only for such purposes. It is there, but is not being used. April 1, 1911, when I first learned of the proposed installation of this tube, I made inquiry of Mr. Woods concerning it, and he stated that Mr. Anderson was very anxious to put in this line at a loss, for the reason that he felt it would demonstrate its usefulness and would be beneficial to his company along commercial and other lines. Mr. Woods stated that the distance would be about 800 feet; that the appropriation from which the $1.000 was to be paid for the tube was an item of $36,000 in the sundry civil bill for transportation between the Capitol and the House Office Building, this item being originally intended for the purpose of putting in a monorail or automobile service primarily for passengers. Mr. Woods also stated that he wished the line installed, as he thought it would be useful in transporting books and other heavy packages. On November 17, 1911, Mr. Woods stated to me that the only people who would be able to give it practical use were the people upstairs in the House document room, who, when they wished to operate it, would have to supply one of their own employees for this purpose, as no special employee had been provided by the Government, and said that unless the document room found some reason for its use the tube would simply lie dormant. I understand that no employee has ever been assigned to run it. The CHAIRMAN. It could be used regularly? Mr. DE KNIGHT. I presume it could be, yes, sir, if it were more accessible; but I venture the assertion that the Government has not yet benefited a dollar's worth in practical transportation from this tube, nor is it likely to render valuable service to the Government as at present located. Mr. Anderson, in answer to your question about the durability of the wheels conveying the carrier in his tube, stated that the wheels do not wear out; that he has had the tube in operation since last September" almost every day," and that they do not show wear. view of the fact that I have been reliably informed that this tube has not been in operation more than a few days since its installation, it appears to me that Mr. Anderson's answer to your question as to wear of the wheels is not correct. Furthermore, I wish to state for the information of the committee that carriers of this type, with wheels supplied with similar apparatus, were tried in Boston and had to be abandoned because the wheels would break or wear out and the carriers would block the tube; also, that where the carriers came into buildings the noise was so excessive as to be unbearable. I would suggest that the committee satisfy itself as to the number of days and hours per day that this tube has been in operation since its formal acceptance by the Government in September last. I understand the tube installed by Mr. Anderson is 18 inches in diameter, while the extensions thereof which he has proposed to make are to be 24 inches; and I am told it is impracticable to connect up in one system tubes of different diameter. And, furthermore, we are not advocating any particular diameter of tube. We are prepared to furnish any diameter of tube the Government wishes. The CHAIRMAN. That question has been discussed. Mr. DE KNIGHT. Referring again to this transaction with Mr. Anderson, when I first learned of it I interviewed Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds, who informed me that the only reason why the $1,000 was paid for the tube, which Mr. Anderson has already testified it cost him $40,000 to install, was merely in order that the tube should be owned by the Government. Yet Mr. Anderson states to the committee that the understanding with him was that if this particular tube proved satisfactory his compensation was to be that it should be extended as a part of a system in use; that it was not to be a question of a new contract. It seems to me highly important to the Government that no arrangement be permitted whereby Mr. Anderson is to have his tube extended from the House wing of the Capitol and the House Office Building to the Senate Office Building, the Congressional Library, Government Printing Office, and the new city post office, without competitive bidding. Otherwise, such an arrangement as Mr. Anderson has alluded to would serve to give him about $250,000 worth of Government work without competition as to price or as to system. I think Mr. Anderson has put sufficient in the record to warrant the committee in inserting in any legislation which it may recommend for a tube system a provision to the effect that the whole question as to price, system, etc.. must be thrown open to the fullest competition and the work awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a full and complete investigation of the bids and of the systems proposed, such investigation to be by an impartial board of experts carefully selected by authority of Congress. Thereupon, at 11.45 o'clock a. m., the committee adjourned. The reports of the various executive departments and other officials of the Government are as follows: REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY. THE WHITE HOUSE, THE PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY, Hon. GEORGE SUTHERLAND, United States Senate. DEAR SIR: Further replying to your letter of April 30 relative to an underground pneumatic or electric system between the Capitol, White House, executive departments, etc., and referring to our letter of May 9 in connection therewith, we wish to state that we have issued to the following departments, independent establishments, congressional institutions, etc., in Washington, a letter of inquiry covering this matter in detail: State Department, Treasury Department. War Department, Department of Justice, Post Office Department, Navy Department. Interior Department, Agricultural Department, Department of Commerce and Labor, Senate, House of Representatives, White House, city post office, Washington, D. C., Government Printing Office, Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, Civil Service Commission, Interstate Commerce Commission, Isthmian Canal Commission. In issuing the inquiry above referred to, which was mailed under date of May 10, 1912, we requested that reports relative thereto be with us by or before May 20. Up to this date we have received reports in connection with this inquiry from the following departments, independent establishments, etc.: Library of Congress, White House, Civil Service Commission, House of Representatives. Interstate Commerce Commission, Isthmian Canal Commission, State Department. Department of Justice, Navy Department, War Department, Agricultural Department, Interior Department (except Land Office). It will therefore be noted that reports from the following are as yet to be received: Government Printing Office, Treasury Department, Senate, Commerce and Labor, Post Office Department, city post office, Smithsonian Institution. We have been in communication with the depar ments which have not reported, and they advise as that we may expect reports from them during the next few days. In order that you may know the detail which this inquiry is covering, we are inclosing herewith copy of letter, questions, exhibits, e c., as forwarded to the various departments and establishments under date of May 10, 1912. From this inquiry you may readily see that we are going in o the matter very thoroughly, and with the thought of getting all the information possible relative to the conveying or transferring of matter of all kinds from public buildings to public buildings within the city of Washington, the thought in mind being to ascertain the aricles or other matter which could be conveyed by tube as well as that which would necessarily be conveyed by other methods. Our object in obtaining information relative to mat er not convertible to fit the tube method of transportation is with the thought of recommending the establishment of a central sys.em of team or truck conveying, to be organized on such a plan to enable the trucks to call at the various Government buildings in Washington approximately every half hour or hour of the day and thereby eliminate the large number of teams and trucks now used by the departments independently, necessitating, under the present circumstances, much was ed time through idle periods between calls and deliveries. We are now working upon the reports received from the various departments. etc., making an analysis of same and thus far have figures upon an estimated basis relative to the Department of the Interior (except the Land Office) and the Navy Department. From these figures it is shown that the Interior Department (except the Land Office) conveys 7,591,204 pieces of matter annually, this quantity being expressed in minor units, weighing approximately 875 tons, which is estimated to be equivalent to 96,308 cubic feet. Of this quantity the Interior Department estimates that 40 per cent is not convertible to be fitted into the tube conveyor, and must be conveyed by some other means. As a result of further investigations which we have been making in this matter, we believe that this quantity will be reduced, and in this department that at least 75 per cent of the matter will be found in shape suitable for converting into packages so that they may be conveyed through the tube system of transmission. Under the present method of conveying, the Interior Department estimates that the annual cost of transferring this matter is $8,958.73. From an analysis of the Navy Department's report, we find that they transfer 1,868,132 pieces of matter, this item being expressed in minor units, the total weight of which is approximately 89 tons, measuring approximately 9,904 cubic feet, of which, it is estimated by the Navy Department, about 85 per cent may be converted so as to fit into the tube conveyor, which means that but 15 per cent will have to be conveyed by other means. The Navy Department in their report estimates that the cost for conveying this matter is $7,868.70. While at this time we are unable to prepare any figures relative to the remaining departments and independent establishments, etc., we are submitting herewith an extract from the commission's circular No. 21, relative to the handling and filing of correspondence which we believe, in a general way, may be considered as a basis of what may be expected from the reports from other departments relative to all matter handled or transferred by them. As shown in the grand total of the above tabulation, there is received and delivered from the nine departments of the Government in Washington 65,551,215 communications annually. In considering the reports previously referred to as just received from the Navy Department and the Interior Department, it seems reasonably fair that a comparison of those two departments with the other departments of the Government might be based on the number of outgoing communications, as shown in the above tabulation. It will be seen that these two departments are transmitting approximately 27 per cent of the total outgoing matter forwarded by the nine departments. Looking at this as a part of all matter conveyed, as is under consideration in our present inquiry, we estimate, from the fact that the Land Office is not included in the Interior Department estimate, the total of the two departments would equal not exceeding 23 per cent of the nine departments of the Government. Taking the matter upon this basis, it is estimated that the total quantities, weights, costs, etc., for the nine departments would be as follows: Quantity, 41,127,550; weight, 8,357,872 pounds, or about 4,179 tons; cubic feet (total), 463,971; convertible to fit tube system (cubic feet), 288,197, or 0.622 per cent; not convertible (cubic feet), 175,774, or 0.378 per cent; cost, $73,163. The foregoing estimates, it will be noted, do not in any way consider the independent establishments, congressional institutions, and other services of the Government in Washington. While we have no full or complete data at hand which would be of material assistance to us in arriving at a figure to supply this, from observations and estimates it may be conservatively stated that approximately 100 per cent should be added to the above amounts to include all Government buildings in Washington, making an estimate of quantity, weight, cost, etc., per annum, as follows: Quantity, 82,255,100; weight, 16,715,744, or 8,358 tons; cubic feet (total), 927,942: cost, $146,326. In considering the foregoing estimates it must be borne in mind that we have analyzed reports from but one department in full, and all of another department excepting one of its larger bureaus, and that the final results, as before stated, are based upon these figures. Under the circumstances we believe that it is the best that can be obtained at this time. As previously stated, we expect to have reports from all other departments, independent establishments, etc., during the next few days. We are unable to say at this time, however, just when we will be able to present to you a complete and final report covering this subject, as in looking over some of the reports on hand we find that in several instances our questions have not been fully understood and that it will be necessary, in many cases, for us to make personal calls upon the departments in order to have estimates placed upon a proper basis. Just to what extent these differences occur and to what length it will be necessary for us to make personal investigations in order to place this matter on the proper basis, we will not be able to say until we have made a preliminary review of the matter in hand and the matter to be reviewed. From a hurried review of the matter in hand and our knowledge and impressions of general conditions as to styles, sizes, quantities, etc., of matter conveyed, it appears to us that from 80 to 90 per cent of the total quantity estimated in the foregoing may be so couverted as to fit into a tube with inside dimensions of 63 inches in diameter by 21 inches deep. Based upon this estimate, say, of 85 per cent, it may be stated that the following quantities, weights, etc., may be conveyed by tube, the present cost of which is estimated at $124,377.10 per annum: Quantity, 69,916.835; weight, 14,208,382 pounds, or 7,104 tons; cubic feet, 788.750.70; cost. $124,377.10. This leaves the remaining 15 per cent, as shown below, which it is estimated will necessarily be continued to be conveyed by methods other than the tube system, and which we believe should be handled by some central-delivery organization, rather than by the present independent departmental plan; quantity, 12,338.265; weight, 2,507,362 pounds, or 1,254 tons; cubic feet, 139,191.30; cost. $21.948.90. We will prepare and forward to you a complete report covering this subject in all its detail at as early a date as possible. Very truly, yours, F. A. CLEVELAND, Chairman. THE WHITE HOUSE, THE PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY, The honorable the POSTMASTER GENERAL. SIR: In order that we may have a basis for considering the matter of improving the methods now in use by the various departments, independent establishments, and congressional institutions in Washington in the conveying of all matter delivered from Government buildings to other Government buildings within the city of Washington, it is desired that answers and statements be prepared to the inclosed requests. In each instance it is is desired that the locations of buildings be given, with the name of the building. Unless otherwise specified, it is desired that the operations, quantities, costs, etc., be estimated for a period of one year. We would be pleased to have you make a special effort to have this report with us by the 20th instant. Very respectfully, F. A. CLEVELAND, Chairman, QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED AND INFORMATION DESIRED RELATIVE TO CONVEYING MATTER FROM GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS TO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. [The word "department " in this circular should be interpreted to mean either department, independent establishment, or congressional institution, or all, as the case may be.] 1. What matter is now conveyed from the buildings of your department to other buildings of your department and to buildings of other departments of the Government in Washington; state in tabular form the kind, the approximate quantity, size of minor (single sheet, form, book, or other article) and major (box, package, bundle, etc., as conveyed) units, weight, and cubical contents conveyed annually, and the method of conveying. Where packages, sheets, or other matter can be reduced in size so as to be placed in a cylinder 63 inches in diameter by 21 inches deep, indicate such by making a cross (+) following |