Mr. INGERSOLL. In my opinion the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Sloan) is laboring under a misapprehension as to the facts. My recollection is that the original proprie tors of the city of Washington donated to the Government of the U.S. about 1,000 lots, and by an act of Congress subsequent to that time the proceeds arising from the sale of the property were to be applied to the liquidation of any claims the city might have for improvements. But instead of applying it in accordance with the original intention and act of Congress, 1000s of dollars were aid out of that fund for repairs of the presiential Mansion and other F.T. The proceeds of the sale of those lots donated to the Government by the city of Washington were thus diverted instead of being applied to the legitimate claims of the city for improvements. Had the money been applied in accordance with the original intention and act of Congress there would have been no claim of this kind presented here now, and the city to day. ". been vastly in advance of what it is in regard to its improvements. When this improvement was being made it was supposed there were funds enough left from the sale of those lots to pay this claim, and it was supposed that the lots had not all been disposed of: nor were they. After this work was done the Commissioner sold ten lots, if my recollection serves me right, and under that act of Congress paid some 8 or 10,000 dollars on that very jclaim, reducing it by that amount. But now this fund has been exhausted by the Government, and the balance of some 30,000 dollars or more is due to the city. This claim has been thoroughly examined by the ComDistCol, who reported in favor of it. It has been examined also by the ComAppropriat, and an appropriation reported once or twice for its liquidation. Upon the motion of some gentleman, who had a very strict regard for the rights of the Government, when it was last reported by the ComDistCol, it was referred to the ComClaims, knowing that that committee would scrutinize it closely, they having special charge of all claims. If it was notjimperative that they should report in its favor they would report against it. They have examined it for some time some 3 months, I believe and now they have reported in favor of cut ting it down 5 or 6,000 dollars, and ask the Government to pay the balance due. Some of it has been due for ten or 15 years, I think. The city has paid the money to the contractors long ago.F. to lose the interest on it. Now the fact becoming known to a former Congress that this fund had become exhausted and diverted I might say perverted so far as the act of Congress is concerned the act of 1864 was passed, which provides that the government shall pay to the corporation of Washington its equitable proportion of the expenses for the improvement of the city, for laying sewers, paving streets, &c., where the Government has property on the streets thus improved. It is nothing but equitable and just.