Mr. HIGBY. The Gentfrom Illinois [Mr. Wasnnuaxa] has referred to one itemin the bill appropriatin some $400,000 to be expended at the Norfol navyyard. Willhe also state to this committee that the Governmentlost during this rebellion from 3 to 5 millions by destruction in that same navyyard, and we are now asked simply to provide for making some repairs, small in comparison with the value of the property previous to the commencement of the rebellion? I know that to be so from ocular demonstration, having seen the yard, which isnowliterally a pile of ruins, with some slight reairs here and there. Mr. ASHBURNE, of Illinois. Well, sir, I do not see what bearing that has upon my argument. My argument was that the committee proiosed to may e a new yard. Mr. toLLINS. Iam very glad indeed, that the Gentfrom Illinois [Mr. lVASHBURNE] has introduced here the reiort of the chief of the Bureau of Yards and Doc 3. I only regret that in quoting from that report he did not give us more of it. I will read from it also the following: "The area. of thisyard is only about 60 acres and most of it is already occupied by buildings. I hmethercforeestimatedfor the purchaseof the whole of Seaveys Island adjacent to the ard. The purchaseof this island will furnish an ii ditional water front and ample space for the erection of all the workshops and storcliouses that will be required to make this a 1stclassyard. Besides. the bridgeconstructedacross the water betweenSeave s Island and the navyyard, authorized by act of ongress. with the conditional free use of away through the yard for the residentsof the island. hascausei an increase of inhabitants on the island. which will continue to enhance the value of the ground. This increase of population is a source of great inconvenience and embarrassment to the Government by the frequent useof the way through the yard and over the Governmentbridge to Kittery, so that I recommend the purchaseof the whole island if it can beobtainedon reasonable terms. In case such acquisition cannot be madeon reasonable terms, I recommend the prohibition. asprovided by said act of Congress, at the discretion of the Dept. of travel o everykind from said island to and through the navyyard.”