1194 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 
the House conferees that we will not entertain this project further at 
this time. [Cries of ‘* Vote!” ‘* Vote!”’] 
The CuatrMan. The time of the gentleman has expired. 
Mr. CLEMENTS was recognized, and yielded five minutes to Mr. 
Hopkins, of Illinois. 
Mr. Horxrys, of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, the arguments already 
made in favor and against the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from South Carolina [Mr. Hemphill] by members who have preceded 
me are as strong proof as any man can desire against the policy of 
adopting it. Gentlemen of intelligence and experience in such mat- 
ters contend that there is no necessity for the creation of a public park 
in the city of Washington of the character contemplated in the pro- 
posed amendment, while others of equal intelligence and experience 
insist that such a park is not only a necessity, but that members of the 
House who oppose it do not appreciate the importance of this great 
project. 
This, then, presents the issue as to whether the members of this 
House should favor a bill authorizing the laying out of a great 
national park in this the capital city of our country. Now, until this 
question is settled it seems to me, sir, that it is not wise legislation to 
attempt to appropriate a million and a half of dollars that may be used 
for such purpose. The gravity of the measure demands that it should 
be presented in a separate and distinct bill and brought before the 
House by a committee in the manner provided by the rules which we 
have adopted. 
In no other way can there be a full and a fair discussion of this 
proposition. If this vast sum of money is to be expended, as the gen- 
tleman from South Carolina [Mr. Hemphill] contends, for the good 
of the public, let the representatives of the public have a voice in 
determining the manner of its expenditure. The way in which the 
question is presented in the amendment takes from the members of the 
House all opportunity to be heard upon perfecting a bill for the pur- 
chase of the land for the creation of the proposed park and providing 
against illegitimate speculations by syndicates or real-estate dealers. 
We know that unless legislation for this object is properly guarded 
scandals are liable to arise. 
Now, before I am called to vote upon a proposition which takes from 
the public Treasury nearly a million and a half of money I would like 
to listen to the arguments of those who believe that a public park of 
the character proposed in the amendment should be established in 
Washington. 
When I have satisfied my mind as to the necessity of the park I will 
then be ready to assist in perfecting the legislation by which this is to 
be accomplished. But I protest against the summary manner in 
