Mr. CONNESS. The Senator, who is chair man of that committee here, says he does not want it. I knew that; and although the Son ator has discussed this measure with a clearness and acumen that commonly belong to him on every subject, and evidencing the industry that is of so much value to this nation, I have so much confidence in the Senators sense of justice that I believe the cases having merit would receive due consideration at his hands. It was suggested by the Senfrom Nevada, who addressed the Senate a few moments ago on this subject, that the chairman of the ComClaims had now committed himself 1: on the subject. I do not understand that when a Senator performs the duty incumbent upon him here of analyzing closely the claims that are presented for the public consideration and payment he is committing himself against a measure. While the uttermost farthing that is due should be paid by the Government to whom it is found to be due, the uttermost farthing at the present time should be also kept in the Treasury if it belongs there; and I should feel for one that I was performing my part but illy here if I did not by my votes sustain such utter ances. If the instructions are to go with this motion, or it is to be the understanding that when the bill is recommitted to the ComNavAffrs they are to examine each case and report at the earliest period of time during this session, so that it may be acted upon, what is due to each of these contractors, I shall give a vote for that recoinmittal; but in its present shape I desire to say that the bill cannot receive my vote on its passage. I have felt, Mr. President, called upon to make this statement more particularly because constituents and friends of mine are interested in some of these claims. I shall as a matter of course, both in the gratification of my feelings and in renderingthem justice at the earliest period of time, seek the opportunity of serving them to that extent. If t iey expect anything beyond that they expect service that they cannot receive at my hands. I am in favor of the earliest examination of their claims, and the ayment of the greatest amount that shall be ound to be their due, and I have no doubt that their claims will stand the closest test of examination and comment when the facts are presented to this body.