Mr. I". THOMAS. I will do so with pleas ure. But 1st let me make a remark or 2 to show the great propriety of such a motion. 2 months a 0, or more, the Senate, by a resolution, calle upon the SecyWar to appoint engineers to examine this Vashing ton canal and report a mode of improvement to accomplish two purposes one in reference to the sanitary condition, and the other in ref erence to the commercial capabilities of the canal. Those engineers have reported, and I have that report before me. Those engineers have reported to Congress a plan of improvement to relieve us from all apprehension in regard to the health of the city, such as was felt at the beginning of this session from the condition in which the canal was then found. The course so pointed out by the engineers has been pursued by the corporate authorities of Washington until the board of health interposed and forbade any further work upon it at this season of the year. This was not done, however, until the improvements on the canal removed all apprehension of its evil influence on the health of the city. Those engineers also reserved to themselves the right to make a more full and comprehen sive report as to the mode and mannerin which this improvement shall further be conducted by Congress if Congress shall see proper to take it in hand with a view to its commercial capabilities. Those engineers have not yet completed their labors, and the House will therefore see at once that this question is not ripe for action atthis time. But they willhave time to complete their labors long before the period to which it is now proposed by the gentleman over the way this bill shall be post poned. And then congress can resume the consideration of the subject with a full knowl edge of all the bearings of the question upon the commerce and convenience of the seat of Government, and the commerce and convenience of that glorious section of country that I have the honor to represent upon this floor. I acquiesce cheerfully in the proposition to postpone this subject.