Mr. SPRAGUE. I trust this resolution will not take the course suggested by the Senfrom Iowa. It is a matter which seems to me to be exclusively within the province of the ComMilAlrairs to investigate. The items are all set out in dollars and cents. This is a special expenditure brought about at the time that it originated by the urgent need of the national Government and of the whole country when we were trembling for fear of a foreign war. As is said by the committee in the report, it would have been criminal and treasonable if Massachusetts and her citizens had not responded with their money. The expenditures were purely military, and the whole amount now called for is to pay for may terial which the General Government is to receive to a very large extent. Massachusetts has now in her possession the us that she purchased and the materials that s e purchased or this purpose. Of course she cannot sell them to Mexico or to Chili or to Peru, as we all know. She must retain them. These may terials were bought at the solicitation of the Government, and it is only asked that the government shall receive them and pay for them and make such other reimbursements as will compensate the State for disbursements that were specially called for by the different heads of depts of this Government. The whole subject was investigated by members of the ComMilAffrs, and the Depts informed those who investiated it that they had solicited very many of tie expenditures that were made plans for harbor and coast defense, telegraphs, and cmbankments at different places where it was impossible for the Government of the U.S. to do the work promptly. I do not know what other claims Massachusetts may have, but I am informed that this is the only claim which Massachusetts makes for the expenses of coast defense, that were especiall y required at this particular, this distressing time to the Government. Whatever claims for money she may make on grounds common to the other States may very well be put off until the time arrives for the other States to be reim bursed; but here is a special appropriation for lparticular surpose, and if Massachusetts had not expende this money the General Government would have paid it. It was simply a question of time. Immediately after certain expenditures had been made, and the General Government had opportunity and ability to resume its control over the matter, Massachusetts relinquished that control, and the General overiiinent took it up where Massachusetts had left it and made the expenditures according to the circumstances and the necessities of the case. If Massachusetts had not been prom t, if she had been dilatory and neglectful, the government of the U.S. would have paid every cent of this money; but the fact that she was prompt, energetic, and patriotic should not be a reason to deprive her of fair consideration. Her claim should go through regularly and romptly, as many claims that have not nciir tlFie warrant that this has.