1158 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 
Mr. Netson. I want to say in reply to the gentleman from Illinois 
that that is a pure matter of detail, and if he thinks that there is any- 
thing in this which is susceptible of a misconstruction it can be coy- 
ered by a suitable and proper amendment, which I am perfectly willing 
to accede to. 
Mr. D. B. Henperson, of Iowa. The amount fixed in the Senate 
amendment is 100 acres. 
Mr. Netson. Yes, sir; and so far as I know the gentlemen with 
whom I have conversed, and I may say, indeed, about the only gentle- 
man I have talked with is a man who is interested in this from a purely 
scientific standpoint—I refer to Mr. Hornaday, of the Smithsonian 
Institution—informs me that all that is contemplated and all that is 
desired is 121 acres. It has nothing of the element of speculation 
about it. It is to establish a zoological garden for the benefit of the 
great body of our people who visit this city and for no other purpose. 
Now, by establishing the institution, sir, in this manner, we will 
make a beginning; and knowing what our experience has been in ref- 
erence to the Smithsonian Institution, we are safe in saying that a large 
number of valuable specimens which we are likely to acquire in the 
future will be given us as a free gift whenever we have the place to 
put them and take care of them. I urge every gentleman in this 
Chamber, no matter what his politics may be, as he looks upon the 
greatness of this country and regards its abilities and resources, vast 
and unparalleled as they are, under all these circumstances, to join 
with me to aid in establishing this institution here, and thereby place 
us on a par with other great countries of the world, and in this manner 
do what intelligence, civilization, and public spirit has done for all 
other countries. There are no people in the country, no class of our 
people, who would begrudge the sum—the few thousands of dollars— 
necessarily involved in this establishment. 
This city is the great center which attracts all of our people. They 
do not feel that anything is too grand for this city or Government. 
They go away from here often feeling perhaps that with the exception 
of the Capitol our public buildings, particularly the White House, are 
most insignificant and incompatible with the high character and dig- 
nity of the country. They feel that here, in the capital of a great 
nation, everything should be on the grandest scale, in consonance with 
the dignity of our nation, and that all that appertains to culture, art, 
and science ought to have a home and abiding place here on a grand 
and ample scale, commensurate with our resources, greatness, and 
dignity as a nation. 
Mr. W. H. Forney. It is proposed by this amendment of the Senate 
to establish a zoological park in the District of Columbia by the 
appropriation of $200,000 at this time. Now, when this $200,000 is 
expended, what have you got? You simply have 121 acres out here 
