Mr. ICE, of Massachusetts.Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that this measure ought not to pass. There are a great many contracts of a character similar to this that have been taken and executed by parties in all sections of the country; and I do not know what authority any commission to be appointed by the SecyNavy would have to go to a private establishment and investigate its books and its means of doing work, with a view to ascertaining the actual cost of the work, so as to determine what additional amount should be paid upon the contract; If this proceeding were authorized in anyone case and were practica ble, I see no reason why it should not be done in all other cases, and Congress would certainly have a large amount of business on its hands if it should undertake to uppointa separate commission to examine every case where a contract has been made during the war for the building of ships or furnishing materials of war, and the contractor claims to have suffered loss. The appointment of a commission to go out to StLouis and make this investigation would be attended with a great deal of expense. Now, sir, the SecyNavy takes the position that it is not within his power to make extra compensation for work that has been given out by contract. He refers all these contractors to conss, and says that when he has carried out the terms of a contract he has exhausted all his power in the premises; that if the contractors desire to receive anything more on account of their contracts they must apply to Congress for relief. Now, sir, I see no reason why these parties should not come here and present their claims in this way. Let them present their petitions; and let those petitions be referred to the appropriate committee, the ComClaims. before that committee the parties will have an opportunity to state allthe fisets bearing upon the case. It seems to me it would be alto ether improper and impracticable to adopt this proposition; and if it could be carried out it would be attended with very great expense, for which I think there is no justification.