1424 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 
canyons or small ravines in this park, and it is necessary to have them 
bridged at several points. If the gentleman has been upon the site he 
will recollect the topography. 
Mr. Outuwaite. I have been informed by a gentleman in whom I 
have great confidence why some of these bridges which are appropri- 
ated for are not constructed. In other words, that an architect bas 
been brought here, or has been employed here, to plan bridges over 
these grottoes or chasms, and that he has planned some and has received 
compensation for planning them, but that when the same have been 
submitted to a practical builder he has declined to accept the contract 
for their construction, for the reason that they would not stand up if 
built upon the plans and specifications proposed by this architect. I 
should like to know how far that question has been examined by the 
committee, if at all, and what information they have as to these 
bridges. 
Mr. Cannon. I will say to the gentleman that but very little of the 
appropriation for the current year has been expended, and exactly 
what work has been done I do not know; but we had the Secretary of 
the Smithsonian Institution before us, and asked him in reference to 
the report that has been made, and he reported as to the amount that 
is being paid for wages, salaries for watchmen, etc., and he estimated 
that it was desirable to have certain appropriations made for the com- 
ing year. He inquired and found that he could improve with this 
appropriation for the coming year, that he estimated for in the appro- 
priations for the coming year, if I recollect, about 40 or 60 acres—I 
am not sure which—of this park, and make improvements so that it 
could be thrown open to the public and be reasonably convenient for 
them. After full inquiry, as the work has just commenced, the com- 
mittee thought it wise to recommend one-half of the appropriation 
estimated for, and run that work over two years instead of one. 
Mr. Ouruwairte. This is for one year? 
Mr. Cannon. Yes; it is for one year. So that the park might evo- 
lute; that we might give that sum, and that in the meantime Congress 
from time to time will be in session, and as it evolutes it can be further 
provided for. 
Mr. Ouruwaire. I. do not know how much there is in this state- 
ment that was made to me. 
Mr. Cannon. I do not know either. 
Mr. Outuwatre. It was made to me about a day or two ago, and I 
have not had time to investigate the matter. I desire to see this pub- 
lic park progress as rapidly as it may; but I also desire that the money 
appropriated shall be expended for value received. 
Mr. Cannon. If the gentleman will allow me, this whole tinh is 
under the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian institution, and they 
can see how it is to be expended. 
