Mr. GRIMES. This clause provides for an appropriation of $203,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to purchase Benhams, Wilsons, and Winnebago Islands, and to ay for the property on RockIsland, which has been taken in pursuance of law for military purposes. I am somewhat familiar with that island and the country around there. RockIsland has always been reserved by the government for military purposes. when all the surrounding country lioth in Iowaand Illinois was sold that was reserved except 2 tracts, one on the west side of it next to the Iowa channel, which by act of Congress was granted to a gentleman who formerly lived there by the name of Davenport, embracing, I think, about 140 acres, and apiece of land that was granted to a party who built a dam at the upper end of the island. It is desirallle that the Government should secure that land which we have already granted away, and I understand that it has been apraised at a very large price; I do not know how much; probably, though, we shall be compelled to take it at that appraisement. What I wapt to know is, how much of this money is to be exended for the purchase of property on Rock sland proper, and how much of it is to be used in pure asing these small islands. Wilsons Island I know something about, and I cannot conceive of what earthly use it can be to the Government. It has been made since I have known that country; it has been made within 30 years by accretion, and upon it. have grown up some cotton tree sap lings as large as a mans leg and I think not much larger. The 2nd item says: To secure water power at the head of RockIsland, Is that for the buildin secure the title to the of a dam or is it to and which we have already conveyed under authority of an act of Congress to the party that went there and made a claim some 25 years ago? I only seek information in regard to it. I know that it is important that these appropriations should be may 0. That is the place of all others on the continent where there should be an arsenal, and alar e one. such has been the conviction of all the military officers who have examined the subject for the last 30 years; but I should like to know exactly what is proposed.