FIFTIETH CONGRESS, 1887-1889. LiZ7 
nation. Now, I do not pretend to say what those are; I do not know; 
I have no idea what was intended by the wording of that portion of the 
bill. I presume something was meant; but I suggested that it left the 
matter vague, that there was no provision that these swords should 
be placed anywhere for public inspection; and inasmuch as the Secre- 
tary of War has stated in a recent report that the want of legislation of 
that character has prevented him, or prevented the War Department, 
for many years from making any public disposition or display of 
. articles which may come under the general classification of ‘military 
archives,” I suggested that if these relics were to be purchased for the 
purpose of being exhibited to the people, we had better provide for 
that in the bill. For that reason I suggested such additional words, by 
way of amendment, as would accomplish precisely that result. So far 
as the other words that are left in the bill are concerned, I have no 
responsibility for them and no intention in connection with them. 
Mr. McMinn. But you spoke of the fact that a report has been 
made from the War Department stating that there is an absence of 
legislation concerning the public exhibition of the other archives 
referred to. Now, is it your object to accomplish anything, with ref- 
erence to those other military archives beyond these particular swords? 
I suspect that is the object, and oppose it. 
SeveRAL Mempers. Regular order! 
Mr. Titiman. Mr. Speaker, I yield two minutes to the gentleman 
from New York [Mr. Charles 8. Baker]. 
Mr. Baxer of New York. Mr. Speaker, I think this whole difficulty 
may be composed by a suggestion in the nature of an amendment pro- 
viding that these swords be placed on permanent exhibition in the 
National Museum. 
SEVERAL Members. That is right. 
Mr. Baker of New York. I move that amendment as a substitute 
for the amendment of the gentleman from Maine [Mr. Boutelle]. 
The Speaker pro tempore (Mr. S. S. Cox). The clerk will report 
the proposed substitute. 
The Crier read as follows: 
In line 9, after the word ‘‘nation,’’ insert ‘‘in some public place at the National 
Museum.”’ 
The substitute offered by Mr. Baker of New York was agreed to. 
Mr. Mansur. Mr. Speaker, I move to amend, in line 50, by striking 
out the words ‘‘actual cost not to exceed,” leaving the amount $10,000. 
Mr. McMuiun. I hope the gentleman from Missouri will not insist 
on that. 
Mr. B. M. Curcutron. I hope that will be withdrawn. It never 
has been before the committee. 
