FIFTIETH CONGRESS, 1887-1889. 1197 
many eminent and patriotic statesmen favor it. It may be that it is 
all wrong, as the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Mills] argues, that the 
form of government which we find in this District exists. 
But, in the language of the gentleman from South Carolina, I beg 
leave to remind these gentlemen, respectfully, that we are not respon- 
sible for the existing law, but that there can be no ground purchased 
for the purposes of a zoological park or park of any kind, and no 
money expended for the maintenance and care of such park unless by 
the consent of Congress. I would remind the gentleman from Texas 
that it is not the fault of the people of this District that this ‘‘un- 
American system of government” exists here. This, as has been said 
by the gentleman from South Carolina, is due to the act of the Amer- 
ican Congress and without the agency or consent of these people. 
Let Congress assume the responsibility for its own misdeeds; if it did 
wrong, let it correct that wrong, and not lay the responsibility for it 
at the door of the District. 
Now, a word in reply to my friend from Georgia [Mr. Blount]. A 
few days ago, when a certain measure was under discussion in this 
House, that gentleman remarked in my presence that he would not 
give much for a man who always saw a ‘“‘job” in everything, and 
therefore opposed it. I responded that I agreed with him cordially in 
that feeling. Now, I want to call the attention of the House, and 
especially of my friend from Georgia, to the fact that, losing sight, I 
think, of the spirit of that sentiment, hé has made a speech against 
this proposition based primarily upon .the assumption by him that 
there is a ‘‘job” in it; that there is some great real estate organiza- 
tion behind it and pushing it; and he intimates that although the gen- 
tleman from South Carolina disclaims having been approached upon 
the subject by interested parties, perhaps others have been approached. 
Now, I have heard no man on the floor of the House or elsewhere, 
except the gentleman from Georgia, intimate that anybody had been 
approached. I do not believe he was ever approached—— 
Mr. Buount. If the gentleman wants to press that matter, I have 
no objection to answering very fully. 
Mr. Hxearp. I do not fear to press it. More than that, I invite the 
gentleman to make any disclosures in his knowledge. I challenge him 
todo so; for if he knows anything behind this scheme which makes it 
disreputable or liable to bring scandal upon the American people, I 
say it is his duty to disclose it for the benefit of his associates on this 
floor, that they, being warned by such knowledge, may be prepared to 
act as intelligently as he. 
Mr. Buiounr. Will the gentleman allow me—— 
Mr. Hearp. Not now; I want to finish my sentence. I want to say 
to the gentleman, however, in the presence of this House, every member 
of which who hears me knows that I speak truly, that the gentleman, 
