FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS, 1885-1887. 1031 



As you will see from the printed report, the item has been twice estimated for by 

 the Treasury Department. On the first occasion it was placed in the deficiency bill, 

 but was thrown out as not properly belonging there. On the second occasion it was 

 placed in the sundry civil bill. The chairman, however, instead of striking it out 

 in committee, brought it to the attention of the House and had it referred to the 

 Committee on Claims of that body, satisfied it would not be allowed as an item of 

 the bill because of a certain rule operating against its status therein. 



I have reiterated from time to time that the item is just and explained why the 

 amount was not allowed without resort to Congress; also that the account has been 

 examined and found correct. The Committee on Claims of the House, as you will 

 see in their report, recommended its allowance. 



The gentlemen for whom this relief is intended know little about methods of 

 legislation, and rely entirely upon our securing the passage of the measure. The 

 sum is trifling, but being justly due, and the parties having waited nearly four years 

 for its payment, they are very desirous of securing favorable action at this session of 

 Congress, especially as they receive no interest on the amount which has been paid 

 from their own pockets, and hence becomes, as it were, a loan to the Government. 

 ******* 



January 15, 1887 House. 



Mr. WILLIAM M. SPRINGER, from the Committee on Claims, sub- 

 mitted a report (H. 3612) to accompany bill (S. 2871): 



The Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 2871) for 

 the relief of Semon, Bache &Co., having- had the same under considera- 

 tion, report it back with the recommendation that it do pass. The 

 committee reported House bill No. 9865 (Report No. 3318) on the same 

 subject, in which report the facts in relation to this claim are set forth. 



Committed to Committee of Whole. 



March 3, 1887. 



Sundry civil act for 1888. 



For expense of heating, lighting, and electrical and telephonic serv- 

 ice for the National Museum, $12,000. 



For the preservation, exhibition, and increase of the collections from 

 the surveying and exploring expeditions of the Government, and from 

 other sources, including salaries or compensation of all necessary 

 employees, $116,000. 



For cases, furniture, fixtures, and appliances required for the exhibi- 

 tion and safe-keeping of the collections of the National Museum, includ- 

 ing salaries or compensation of all necessary employees, $40,000. 



(Stat, XXIV, 529.) 



August 4, 1886. 



Sundry civil act for 1887. 



For expense of heating, lighting, and electrical and telephonic serv- 

 ice for the National Museum, $11,000. 



For the preservation, exhibition, and increase of the collections 

 received from the surveying and exploring expeditions of the Gov- 

 ernment, and from other sources, including salaries or compensation 

 of all necessary employees, $106.500. 



