Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 December 1882 — PUBLIC PRINTER. [ARTICLE]

PUBLIC PRINTER.

He Wants a General Engraving; Estali isliment Added to the Big Printing Office. Public Printer Rounds will recommend to Congress that a photo-lithographic and general engraving establishment be added to the Government Printing Office. Almost ev ery one of the greater publications of the Government now involves more or less illustrationo. The drawings, with the copy, are simply sent to the Public Printer, with directions to issue the books. The result is that a large amount of the appropriation for rhe, office is annually consumed in th s manner, about w ich there is a good deal of uncertainty under the present plan of doing the work. There being no appliances at t lie Government Printing Office ror making lithographs, engravings or maps, the Public Printer is obliged to advertise for bids and let the contract to outs de parties for doing the work. The result is very often that, owing to an understanding among the lithographers, of which there are not many estab ishments, or irom other causes, it is impossible to get a very low rate, for the work whi his oblisre Ito be done. The lowest respo isible bidders having secured the contnet, the publication of the voluin ? then depends upon the promptness with wii h they execute t leir agreement. The Pa lie Printer may have all the type set or even the letter press ready, an I then have to w lit weeks” an I perhaps months before the volume can be bound, owing to the delays ia the d ’livery or th 3 illu-trat ons. There are two great objects to be gained by the g vein no nt doing its own work—cheapno is an t rap di y.