1078 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 
perhaps I should have been able to learn otherwise. Iam ready to 
admit that when we come to attempt to make an estimate of what 
Professor Baird’s services to the world, and to this country especially, 
have been we can not do so in dollars and cents. 
When I offered the amendment a few minutes ago to reduce the 
appropriation from $50,000 to $25,000 I did it feeling that we should 
probably fail to do anything toward recognizing that great service, 
and for Mrs. Baird and the daughter, unless a smaller amount should 
be agreed upon than that which was proposed to be inserted in the bill- 
by the Committee on Appropriations. Hence it was that I offered 
the amendment. I am ready to say now that so far as I am personally 
concerned I shall have no hesitation in voting for $50,000. 
I believe that we have the power, in the first place, to do whatever 
in the judgment of the Congress of the United States is right to be 
done in the way of voting money to the widow and family of the late 
Professor Baird. I have no compunctions or doubts in my mind upon 
that question. But I am desirous that some appropriation shall be 
retained in the bill for the family of Professor Baird. It was with the 
feeling that there was doubt whether the provision as it was reported 
by the committee could be retained that I moved the amendment I did. 
I am willing now, tf it is permitted by the Senate, to withdraw the 
amendment which I offered, and allow a vote to be taken upon the 
original amount before any amendment is offered, unless some other 
Senator shall see proper to offer one. 
Mr. Reacan. I-wish the Senator would not eee the amend- 
ment, for I do not want to make the point of order, and I can not con- 
sent to an appropriation of $50,000. 
Mr. Cuttom. The Senator from Texas indicated that he desired to 
make a point of order. Iam not prepared to say whether the Presi- 
dent of the Senate would sustain the point of order. It was on 
account of the suggestion made by the Senator from Texas, as well as 
the suggestion indicated by him that he would not make the point of 
order if a smaller amount was proposed, that I came to the conclusion 
that it was best, all things considered, to move, as I did, to amend the 
amendment reported by the committee. As it is probable that some 
other Senator will renew it if I should withdraw it, it may be as well 
that I should let it stand and let the Senate vote on it. I do not, 
therefore, withdraw my amendment. ft 
Mr. H. L. Dawes. Mr. President, there is one view of the case 
which I feel ought not to be lost sight of by the Senate when they 
come to vote upon this question. 
The connection of Professor Baird with this matter dates earlier 
than the statute of 1871. Before there was any such office or any 
duties imposed upon anyone with reference to this matter Professor 
Baird volunteered his services and came, as the Senator from Ken- 
