FORTIETH CONGRESS, 1867-69. 713 



He tells me, and I have no doubt tells the gentleman, that 

 $6,000 is needed, and that he ought to have it. 



Mr. "Washburne, of Illinois. I understood that he would 

 be entirely satisfied with $4,000. And I will say that, instead 

 of losing anything by any controversy with me, he would 

 certainly obtain an additional amount here by getting into 

 any such controversy. Will the gentleman from Vermont 

 j]Mr. Poland] consent to modify the amendment by making 

 the amount $4,000 ? 



Mr. Poland. No, sir. 



Mr. Pruyn. Mr. Chairman, T move 'pro forma to amend 

 the amendment by making the amount $7,500. I am pre- 

 pared to corroborate in all substantial particulars the state- 

 ment made by the gentleman from Vermont, [Mr. Poland.] 

 It is quite impossible that these collections can be taken care 

 of for a less sum than five or six thousand dollars. They 

 occupy the large hall of the Smithsonian Institution, the 

 best part of the whole building. The rent of such a room 

 anywhere else in this city would cost as much as the appro- 

 priation asked for. If the gentleman from Illinois will agree 

 to an appropriation of $5,000, I will modify my amendment 

 so as to name that sum. 



Mr. Washburne, of Illinois. No, sir; $4,000 is the usual 

 appropriation, and I see no reason why, in the present con- 

 dition of our finances, we should increase it. 



Mr. Pruyn. I withdraw my amendment; but I hope the 

 committee will agree to vote at least $6,000 for this purpose. 



Mr. Selye. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amend- 

 ment. I would like to know of what this institution consists. 

 1 would like the gentleman from New York [Mr. Pruyn] or 

 the gentleman from Vermont [Mr. Poland] to tell us how 

 many of his constituents ever saw this institution, or ever 

 will see it, or ever want to see it ? It is enough to make any 

 man or woman sick to visit that institution. No one can 

 expect to get any benefit from it. I am opposed, sir, to 

 taxing my constituents $7,000 a year to keep up any such 

 institution. 



Mr, Poland. In accordance with what seems to be the 

 wish of gentlemen around me, I modify my amendment so 

 as to make the amount $5,000. 



On the amendment of Mr. Poland, as modified, there 

 were — ayes 50, noes 53. 



Mr. Poland called for tellers. 



Tellers were ordered; and Messrs. Spalding and Selye 

 were appointed. 



