The evening Argus., 1869-02-15

eclare il an obstruction TO navigation. But
be government said the structure Of the
abroad company across the island and riy.
r was in their way. The company was
onteuted to let It remain as II was, but the
government said, "you must get out Of our
ray aud congress BY its action compelled
he company to enter into sealed agree,
lent with the government of the United
,tates TO take away the old bridge upon con.
ition that the government should Join in a
ew bridge. So that to-day there is con.
ract between the railroad company and the
United States, for which this 100000 Is
emanded to carry out the contract The
ther $2OO,OO0 Of this million goes 70 the
title town Of Moline. In order to carry on
t4 work the government demanded the wat
r power at Moline. That water power was
he property of the individuals who const
uted the company. Under the action Of
Ougress these lnly.duals surrendered their
property and decided il 70 the govcrnmen,
If the United States upon condition that
the government would make certain improve
nents in the water power. THIS 100000 is
to carry out that contract.
After several remarks from other mem
bers the committee arose aud the House al.
iourued until evening, Ia the eyenug the
House again went into committee Of the
whole, and resumed the consideration OF the
army appropriation bID .,
Mr.. Price ,rep. from Iowa said Mr..
Chairman, a simple statement OF the facts 10
reference to the matter ought, It appears 10
me, 10 settle it, although probably II will
not in the minds of some gentlemen. In
1864 congress passed law providing for
the appointment Of a commission to exam
ine Rock Island the principal part Of which
belonged to the United States, to ascertain
whether it would be advisable for the gov
ernment to purchase the remainder o! that
island and hold the whole Of II for military
A commission was appointed
Jf which Gen, Schofeld, the present sccro:
.ary Of War, was president The commis.
sion WAS also charged with the addHDna.
iuty-if they should report IN favor Of the
acquiring the whole Of the Is.
.and--of reporting whether bridge should
be- constructed TO the main land aud if so,
where it should bo placed, what kind Of Il
bridge it should be, aud how much that
Jridge should cost. Gen. Schohelda nd the
,ther commissioners went upon the ground
pent a great deal Of time there, returned to
i Washington, and made their report that in
heir judgement II was for the interest Of the
government that the whole island should be-
,wued by the United States for military
and that a bridge should be bu,it,
pecliylng where it should be built, Of what
Material It should be constructed, and how
much it should cost. In pursuance Of and
n conformity with the report of that
commission congress passed an act making
III appropriation TO bay that part Of the
siand that was not already owned by the
government. The money was paid, and the
government thus acquired possession Of the
entire island. Al. the legislation since had
on the subject, and all the work that ha.
been done, have been in pursuance Of and
ia conformity with the recommendations OF
the commission. Now, | subm.t 10 gentle
men who have never visited that island
and whose knowledge Of the subject IS ouI
theoretical, shethcr The opinion Of the prcsnu
Secretary of War, who when he was al
officer Of the army, was charged spcciall
with the daty Of examining that grOuu.
with reference to .ae-a questions, is not en-
titled to considerable weight IN this matter
With this suggestion laava TINT part Of the
question.
Now, want To say 70 Gentlemen that the
estimates which have been read here. bntl
from the desks Of members, and frofn tn,
clerks desk. abou, "oHcers quarters, $500,
0O0." "a dark Prison" and a good man,
other things that cannot remember. are
il ia true. to be- found in the book of csti
mates: but not one dollar Of appropriation
for such purposes is contained in the bill,
we have before US to day.
Mr.. Farnswortb, Mr., Chairman
Mr. Price cannot villa IN tbe gortle.
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NADIA TO ,Ia milne, =; " ~ r,Cs,' ,,nC,;r s,o,o
nc"t ''' s'''''' ''''''' 80 '''' ''''''' ''''''
Mr. pr;co If NV tim. woro .v,ond.l 7
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