Read the sentence from "The Workers of Ellis Island." Given the enormous amount of paperwork that needed to be done at Ellis Island, it comes as no surprise that dozens and dozens of clerks and stenographers were employed there.

The details in the sentence are most likely meant to

question the need for so much paperwork at Ellis Island.
judge the quality of work done by clerks and stenographers.
explain why a large number of employees was necessary.
express the feelings of hired clerks and stenographers.