FIFTIETH CONGRESS, 1887-1889. 1125 
M. Glover, Mr. C. R. Buckalew, and Mr. B. M. Cutcheon in favor of 
purchasing certain swords of the widow and children of the late Gen. 
James Shields. 
Mr. C. A. Boute.ie. Before the previous question is called, I ask 
the gentleman from South Carolina if the bill [H. 3796] is not slightly 
ambiguous in its closing words as to the disposition of these trophies? 
It says: 
When so purchased the same to be deposited with the other military archives of 
the nation. 
Is that phraseology well understood? What disposition will be 
made of these swords under the bill? 
All the gentlemen who have spoken have referred to the importance 
of the purchase of these relics and their ownership by the Govern- 
ment as pointing to an example of illustrious patriotism and giving an 
incitement to the emulation of future generations. It strikes me this 
bill is slightly vague in its provision in the closing lines, so as to leave 
some doubt as to whether these trophies shall be placed in a position 
where they can be seen by the people. 
Mr. Titiman. In reply to the gentleman from Maine I will say this 
bill was drawn by the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Mansur] and 
was reported back to the House by the Military Committee without 
amendment. We thought it was very modest in the price it fixed, 
and we also thought that the provision leaving the whole matter in 
the hands of the Secretary of War was ample protection for the Goy- 
ernment to dispose of these mementos properly. I presume they 
will be deposited either in the National Museum or in the War 
Department. 
Mr. Bouretxe. The Secretary of War, in a recent communication 
to the House, has stated that the lack of legislation or of instructions 
by Congress as to the disposition of certain relics and trophies has 
prevented the War Department from making any such disposition of 
them. 
Mr. Truuman. Iam ready to accept any amendment which may be 
suggested by the gentleman from Maine to accomplish his object, and 
will thank him to suggest one. It occurs to me the National Museum 
would be the appropriate place. 
Mr. Bouretie. I am not particular about the place, but I would 
suggest some such amendment as this. Let the last clause of the bill 
be so amended as to read: 
When so purchased the same to be deposited and publicly displayed, with the 
other military archives of the nation, in some appropriate place at the national seat 
of government. 
