14 
THE PURCHASE OF COAL UNDER SPECIFICATIONS. 
each and in quantity 10 per cent more or less than that stated on page 1, as 
may be required during the fiscal year ending June 30, 190_, in strict accord- 
ance with this specification ; the coal to be delivered in such quantities and at 
such times as the Government may direct. 
Item No 
Item No 
Item No 
Description. 
Size of coal (if coal is screened) : 
_ ..inches 1 round, 
{•square. 
_._ inchesjbar. 
Coal to pass over openings 
Data to establish a basis for payment. 
Per cent of ash in dry coal (method of 
American Chemical Society) . 
British thermal units in coal as delivered- _ 
[square, 
--.inchesjbar. 
[square. 
..-inchesjbar. 
Price per ton (2,240 pounds) __ - - 
It is important that the above information does not establish a higher standard than 
can be actually maintained under the terms of the contract ; and in this connection it 
should be noted that the small samples taken from the mine are invariably of higher 
quality than the coal actually delivered therefrom. It is evident, therefore, that it will 
be to the best interests of the contractor to furnish a correct description with average 
values of the coal offered, as a failure to maintain the standard established by contractor 
will result in deductions from the contract price, and may cause a cancellation of the con- 
tract, while deliveries of a coal of higher grade than quoted will be paid for at an in- 
creased price. 
Signature 
Address 
Name of corporation 
Name of president 
Name of secretary 
Under what law (State) corporation is organized !. 
As will be seen from the foregoing specification, the bidder is not 
required to submit a sample of his coal, but is expected to name a 
standard of British thermal units in the coal as it is to be delivered. 
This value is made the basis for purchase, because a correction is thus 
made for the amount of moisture in the coal. It should be noted that 
this value will in all cases be lower than the British thermal units in 
the dry coal, which is usually given in connection with the coal anal- 
ysis. The percentage of ash is also specified, as it is a factor in the 
successful burning of the coal on the grate and as it involves an ex- 
pense for removal from the premises. 
If the dealer is not fairly familiar with the value of his coal, it 
may then be arranged to have him submit a properly selected sample 
with his bid, this sample to be analyzed by the Government and the 
results used as a standard in the contract. It is preferred, however, 
that the bidder use his own values. 
The following circular letter was issued by the Treasury Depart- 
ment in connection with the Government specification, for the infor- 
mation of dealers desiring to bid on coals for public buildings, such 
