Mr. SPALDING. I move to amend the amendment by striking out the last word. I ventured to.the other day that it was worthy of consideration whether we should go into these extensive appropriations for fortifications upon the coast. Now, I will agree that I was mistaken when I said that these appropriations for 2 additional fortifications at Portland and at other places were not in the estimates; I find them in the estimates. But it will be noted that these are for fortifications additional to those already erected at those points. It seems to be the case that our old forts and fortifications all along the coast are to be of no use, or of comparatively little use, on account of the great improvements in the armor and guns used on board of our ships, or perhaps on board the enemy's ships. It seems that extra fortifications are to be placed, not only at Portland, but all along the eastern coast. I want the members of the House to be apprised of the fact that this is only the 1st of a series of appropriations, amounting altogether to an enormous sum. I will advert for a moment to the list of estimates for additional fortifications. I read from the estimates: For 2 additional ports for defense of harbor, Maine, $100,000. Portland For additional fort for defense of Portsmouth, NewHampshire, $75,000. For additional fort for defense of Boston harbor, Massachusetts, $75,000. For 2 forts for the defense of Narragansett bay, RhdIsland, $100,000. For permanentdefensesatmouth of and at Admiralty inlet, $400,000. Columbia river There are some of the items of appropriation for new fortifications, which this appropriation bill is to be made to contain; and the 1st of the series is now moved as an amendment.. I am content to vote for this appropriation for Portland harbor provided we are to go into this whole scheme of fortifications. If it is intended to inaugurate this system of new fortifications I will vote for this amendment, and I will vote for all others; but it is desirable that the committee shall understand what they are about to do. I have referred to this item for Portland harbor. If this amendment shall prevail, my friend and colleague, [Mr. SchENCK] the chairman of Military Affairs, will propose another amendment, and then another, and then another, until we shall have gone through the list of items which I have enumerated and what I read from the book of estimates. If the committee now understand the subject, if they understand that this is only one of a series of appropriations of the same character, and are prepared to vote for it with that understanding, then I will vote for it and for all of them.”that is aili have to say, sir.