Mr. HO[LLaMuEgSh.tenl move to amend the amendment by striking out “25 ” and inserting “ fty tive, ” so that the amount of the appropriation will be $55,000. Mr. Chairman, I hope the committee will bear with me for a few moments, while I say a few words on this subject. This fort is in the district I have the honor to represent; and the people in that portion of my district would feel was neglecting my duty to them if I did not object to the adoption of the amendment moved by my colleague, [Mr. Baooxs.] For the purpose of saying a few words, I have offered the pending amendment. This fort originally was an earth and wooden work. The wooden portion of it has entirely decayed. Some years ago an appropriation was made to rebuild the portion ecayed with stone. Itwas commenced, and has been rose cuted from then up to the present time. here were no casemates in the flirt, and they are now being built in a most, substantial manner. It was said yesterday, or last night, in the discussion of this question, that these estimates were mere guess work of the engineer Dept; that the Officer having charge of that Dept submits the matter to some subor mate officer, or clerk, who makes a guess of what will be required. Itook the trouble to call at the engineer Dept this morning, where I learned that these estimates were originally much larger; that they were submitted to the revision of the SecyWar; that on consultation with him, and against the better judment of those having charge of the engineer apartment, the bill was reduced over one million dollars. For this work the Dept asked for an appropriation of $75,000, but with all others it was reduced at the suggestion of the SecyWar more than 1/3rd. The officer in charge authorizes me to say that he knows the locations of these forts, and that the amounts which have been retained are necessary for the work which ought to be done. I hope, sir, the scaling of these appropriations 50%. will not prevail. There is no foundation for the statement that the estimates are mere guess work. They have been made after actual examination of the men engaged in the work, and who have reported what is necessary and proper. Even if it were guess work. I should prefer to have the guess work of men who are acquainted with this business, who know these forts and who know their location, instead of that of members who at up here and without knowing anything of8 these works guess they are not necessary. I with draw my amendment.