Mr. CONNESS. I propose the following amendment to come in at the end of the 1st section: To enabletheSuperintendent of the Naval Obsery ator to carry out theobject of the Senateresolutionof h arch 19, 1866 for report of Isthmus routes to the Pacific ocean.51.500. I I will simply say, in explanation of this amendment, that the Senate passed a resolution calling upon the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory to furnish a report upon the data in possession of that office relating to the Isthmus routes for the purpose of the construction of a canal for commercial uses. It is found by the Navy Dept that there is no appmpriation froui which the eXpeuditures necessary in making that report can be drawn. The are required to furnish maps and lines of love s, &c., requiring a good deal of work. It has also been found by Rear Admiral Davis, who has charge of the Observatory, since he entered upon the work that a lar O mass of the most important matter, facts O great public importance and consequence, are in possession of the office. Since the introduction of the resolution there has been sent to me byMr. Squier, our former minister to Central America, a very large mass of important matter connected with this subject, much of it obtained from British sources, which has been forwarded to that othee. I will also say now, in connection with this matter, that it is a subject in which many of the leading men of the country are taking a ver deep interest, includin Lieutenant Genera Grant. It is propose further to follow this up with a survey to be made during the next winter. The encouragement that the parties engaged. including the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory, have met With 81008 they have begun their observations point to very great success in the investigations proposed and being carried out. here is no opportunity to obtain this slight appropriation in any other way than by a separate resolution, except by an amendment to one of the appropriation bills, and it was deemed fit to propose it to this bill. It is offered with the concurrence of the ComPostOffices.