Mr. MAYNARD, I renew the amendment. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me this is an ine pportune time for us to engage in building fortifications upon the sea coast. I Presume there is less possibility of war now on the part of this country or any other than at any preceding Yeriod of our history. The events of the past ive years have put the whole civilized world under bonds to keep the peace toward us. do not see there is any neceesity, therefore, in expending money to complete those works already begun, much less commencing new fortifications. Moreover, sir, the part of attack and defense has undergone material and im rtant changes during the last 5 years, and it is now undergoing such changes that expend itures made at this time may, in all probability, be utterly valueless. We cannot lose sight of the important fact that not a solitary work upon the southern sea board, so far as I can recollect, except Fort Pickens, but was attacked during the late war with success by one side or the other. Forts on which we expended money almost uncounted when attacked by us or the rebels succumbed. To expend public money in building other structures like those upon our sea board seems to me to be a waste of our means. Besides, if this particular work is as important as its friends insist, let us have an estimate; let us see the magnitude of the work and the ultimate expense so that we may judge understandingly. such estimates can be made. There is no necessity of passing this at once. In former short sessions, when current appropriations only extended to the 1st of the ensuing July, there may have been such necessity, but as the next Congress will commence in time to pass the appropriation bills for the next fiscal year, I think we can leave this matter to be determined by them. I am opposed to this whole thing, and wiil, at the proper time, move that the bill be laid on the table, so the whole subject may go over to the next session. I withdraw my amendment to the amendment. The amendment was rejected, only 25 voting in the affirmative.