Proposals for supplying naval hospital at Pensacola, Fla., etc.-Continued.

Classes I and V awarded to Benjamin Dolphin. Classes II, III, and VI awarded to T. J. Mooney. Classes IV and VII awarded to Charles E. Baker.

Articles.

Proposals for supplying the naval hospital at Mare Island, Cal., for fiscal year 1888.

CLASS I.

Articles.

Proposals for supplying the naval hospital at Mare Island, Cal., etc.--Continued.

son.

Water

05

Classes I II, III, IV, V, VI, VII awarded to J. F. Tobin. Classes VIII, IX awarded to G. W. Wil

per 100 gallons..

G. W. Wilson.

Proposals for supplying the dispensary at Mare Island for fiscal year 1888.

No. 12.-MARINE CORPS.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,
Washington, D. C., October 1, 1888.

SIR: I have the honor to submit my annual report of the condition of the United States Marine Corps.

On October 1, 1888, there were 1,890 enlisted men in the corps, 925 of whom were on board ships in commission and 965 doing duty at the several shore stations.

During the past year there have been 696 enlistments, 125 re-enlistments, 18 re-enlistments from the Army, 12 deaths, 390 discharges, 419 desertions, and 6 enlisted men have been retired. One lieutenant-colonel has been retired for age and 1 first lieutenant for disability, and 1 captain on the retired list has died during the past year. Except the consequent promotions, there have been no other changes of officers.

I renew my recommendations of last year as to an increase of the higher grades and a better distribution of rank; also for an increase of second lieutenants and 500 additional privates, as urgently needed.

In consequence of the Antietam being no longer available, a temporary barracks has been erected at League Island until an appropriation for a proper building can be procured.

Congress appropriated during the present session $30,000 "towards the erection of a barracks at Norfolk, Va." The estimate for barracks and quarters was for $60,000. It is not believed that the sum appropriated is sufficient for the erection of a suitable building, and an estimate for $15,000 more has been submitted, on the understanding that it would be allowed. The matter of construction has been referred for other reasons to the Department.

The quarterly inspections of the different posts during the past year show them to be in a satisfactory condition.

Apprehending danger from yellow fever, now so prevalent at the South, the detachment serving at the navy-yard, Pensacola, was withdrawn and sent to Norfolk, Va., where it now is.

Recruiting has been carried on with some difficulty, but at present the corps is nearer its allowed strength than it has been for some time past.

With the completion of the new vessels now building, larger and more numerous guards will be required, and it is hoped that the Department may see proper to press the matter of an increase of officers and men upon Congress at the next session, that if allowed they may be available for duty when the vessels are ready for sea.

The regular estimates for the support of the corps were forwarded to the Department on the 27th of September.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Hon. W. C. WHITNEY,

C. G. MCCAWLEY,
Colonel Commandant.

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.