Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. I move to strike out lines 138 and 139, which are as follows: For purchase of Oakman 5c Eldridzes wharf, 81. (11). I do not know but that it would be only post poning the evil day to strike that suction out now, but I propose to postpone it as long as we can. We had this matter u in the last Congress, as gentlemen who were erewill well recollect and it was ver fully discussed. This provision pussed this I House, but the Senate struck it out, and the House concurred in the action of the Senate, and hence it failed. I did not suppose that the proposition would be here again quite so soon, and I am sorry that have not more than 5 minutes to call attention to some facts which I have before me, and which were developed during the discussion in the last Congress. I hold in my hand affidavits of parties in Charlestowu in regard to this whole matter. It was found, in the 1st place, that. there is no real necessity for the purchase of this property, and in the 2nd place that it is a mere matter of speculation. These facts were proved conclusively by affidavits which were read in the last Congress. 1 1mm within the last few days received a letter from the mayor of Charlestown on this subject, to which will call the attention of the committee. The mayor seems to have known what my action in regard to this matter in the lust Congress was, and he has written to me on the subject. I may say that he is a patriotic l gentleman, representing aspatriotic a town as . 1866. 721 there is in the U.S., where Bunker Hill is. He addresses me as follovts: Crrr or CHARLESTOWN. MASSACHUSETTS, MAYoas Orrics, January 1866. Sm? It appears that the proposition of Glarging the navyyard in this city isagain beforo Congress for coOnusirdecirtaytiois decidedly opposed to the measure, ” its enlargementwill take more of our territory and therebywithdraw itfrom mupicipsl improvementand taxation. The feeling is quite genera in this community that the proJoct is fosteredbyspeculatorsand “111050 owning the land which it is proposed to pure use. Was there a real necessity for the land, on the part of the Government. this city would not interpose I. single objection, but there is goodground for believing that within the presentlimits of the yard thore is ample spacefor all the requirementsof the Governmentn. By the vote of the city council. Passed January 1866. I am instructed to takesuch actionas shallten to bring the wholesubjectfairly in view, and thereby securethe interestsof the city. I am informed by my predecessor. exmayor Stone, thatyou haveinteresied yourselfin this matter, which is my reason for addressinayou at the presenttime. Haveyou copiesof the eviglcnoe which was presented 2 years ago? It was printed in the Charlestown Advertiser? How soonWill the subject be brought up for discussion? Can I be of any service and is any additional evidence required? If my presence iximmediatoly required pleasetelegraphtoing at my expense. If not, write, and state if you deSireany further evidence or whether it is advisablefor meto attend at Washington. By so doing you Will confer a I favor uponme. am, Very respectfullsv, our obedientservant. CHA. OBINSON,Mr., Mayor. Ben. E. B. WASHBUBNE. M. C. That is the letter of the mayor. I cannot in the 5 minutes that are allowed me read the affidavits which were produced here during the last Congress, and which I have in the Globe before me, showing the facts in regard to the value of the property. If I recollect aright, it was shown that all of this property, half of which it is proposed to purchase for $135,000, was purchased for less than 1/2 of that sum. On the ground, in the 1st place, that there is no real necessity for the purchase of this property, and on the further ound that it is a mere matter of speculation am opposed to the ropesition of the committee.