this Bureau. [146-31.] When municipalities are desirous of purchasing supplies through the Bureau of Supply, the Governor-General may by order require the Purchasing Agent to furnish the same. [231-1.] The Governor-General may also, in his discretion, authorize the performance of the same service for the authorities of the United States in the Philippine Islands or for other persons therein. Purchase of Government Supplies SECTION  1897 . Scope of Term "Supplies".  — "Supplies", as herein used, includes everything, except real estate, which may be needed in the transaction of official business or for public use, whether of the nature of furniture, equipment, stationery, materia ls for construction, live-stock, foodstuffs, or personal property of any sort. [183-20; 267-3.] SECTION  1898 . Authorization of Purchase in Other Mode than Through Bureau of Supply . — Purchases which, under section one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six hereof, are required to be made through the Bureau of Supply may be effected through other chann el when the public interest so requires and the Governor-General shall so order. In cases where the Governor-General exercises the power herein conferred he shall, if practicable, make provision, in the order conferring the authority, for such restrictions upon the method or methods of purchase as will secure the articles in question a t the lowest prices consistent with the emergency presented and the conditions of the market. [231-1.] SECTION  1899 . General Exceptions . — A purchase may in any case be effected in the open market and without the intervention of the Bureau of Supply, if the purchaser so desires, in either of the following situations: ( a ) Where a purchase is made from the United States Government; or Copyright 2012 CD Technologies Asia, Inc. and Accesslaw, Inc. Philippine Law Encyclopedia 2011 564 ARTICLE  II