Mr. SPALDING. I know something about this case, for I was on the Naval Committee when it was fully examined and the parties to it were heard with their testimony. I am satisfied that this measure in its inception was one of speculation. It proposed to introduce into the Navy a ship propelled by an engine which would compete with all the engines then in use in the Navy, and, in order to induce the Navy Dept to enter into a contract, this contractor stipulated that he would build a ship capable of running 15 knots an hour. The Dept had no faith in this, but they agreed that the ship, when built, should be put on trial, and that it should come up to that rate of speed or else the Dept should not be under obligation to accept of the vessel. Now, it has proved to be impossible for Mr. Forbes to make a ship that can accomplish that rate of speed with the motive power which he placed within her. She ran 8 or ten knots an hour on the trial trip; and it is now proposed that, notwithstanding the government had taken bonds that the vessel should be completed so as to run at a particular rate of speed, to receive this vessel, which has only the capacity of running 8 or ten knots an hour, and to pay the full price under the contract. Now, sir, with all the disposition in the world to accommodate Mr. Forbes, I protest against any such action on the part of the House. I am in favor of the JtResolution as it came from the Senate, which would give to the SecyNavy discretion either to receive back the money from Mr. Forbes or else to take the vessel at the contract price. Now, it seems to me that these terms are as just and liberal as Mr. Forbes has a right to “Fo at the hands of Congress. will vote for the resolution as it came from the Senate, but I will not vote for this amendment which instructs the SecyNavy to take the ship at the contract price and pay $600,000 for her when she does not come up to the rate of speed which it was contracted that she should attain. Vessels such as this are not particularly wanted now in the Navy. I would give to the SecyNavy power either to take the vessel at the contract price or to receive from Mr Forbes the money advanced to him and let o take the ship and make the most he can of it.