Buckstone--"Mr. Chairman, I move you, sir, that the words 'three millions

of' be inserted."

Mr. Hadley--"Mr. Chairman, I move that the words two and a half dollars

be inserted."

Mr. Clawson--"Mr. Chairman, I move the insertion of the words five and

twenty cents, as representing the true value of this barren and isolated

tract of desolation."

The question, according to rule, was taken upon the smallest sum first.

It was lost.

Then upon the nest smallest sum. Lost, also.

And then upon the three millions. After a vigorous battle that lasted a

considerable time, this motion was carried.

Then, clause by clause the bill was read, discussed, and amended in

trifling particulars, and now the Committee rose and reported.

The moment the House had resumed its functions and received the report,

Mr. Buckstone moved and carried the third reading of the bill.

The same bitter war over the sum to be paid was fought over again, and

485

The Gilded Age