OPEEATIONS OF THE YEAH 



APPEOPRIATIONS 



The maintenance of the National Museum for the fiscal year ended 

 June 30, 1925, was provided for in the following regular items of 

 appropriation carried in the executive and independent offices act 

 approved June 7, 1924 : 



Preservation of collections $434, 482 



Furniture and fixtures 21, 800 



Heating and lighting 77, 560 



Building repairs 11, 000 



Books ^ 2,000 



Postage 450 



Printing and binding 37, 500 



584, 792 



Increase in the total sum appropriated was due mainly to the in- 

 auguration of salary schedules provided in the reclassification act of 

 1923, which became effective July 1, 1924, and carried an addition 

 of $44,534 to the salary rolls. Subsequent reallocations of employees 

 by the Personnel Classification Board led to increase in salary allot- 

 ments of approximately $9,000 beyond the estimated amount, which 

 came from current funds since it was not included in the original 

 salary allocation. The amounts available for operating expenses 

 were thus actually less than during the preceding year. A decrease 

 in production value of the amount allotted for printing and binding 

 may also be noted since the reclassification act alluded to, carried 

 definite increases in salaries in the Government Printing Office which 

 caused commensurate increase in cost of services rendered by that 

 establishment. 



Funds available for administration were barely sufficient for ac- 

 tual necessities in the way of supplies when expended with the most 

 careful economy, and made wholly inadequate provision for needs 

 that arise constantly in connection with the care and preservation of 

 the steadily growing collections. Lack of funds was further felt 

 through inability to purchase specimens to round out available ma- 

 terials, and to provide curators with needed temporary assistance in 

 routine work. The results obtained in curatorial work and exhibi- 

 tion have been accomplished only through unremitting endeavor on 

 the part of the staff. 



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