COM. The view taken of the subject by our legislature, is, that if we can borrow the capital now, to complete the works, the income from them will so increase, with the increase of products and population, that in twenty years they will pay the debt and interest, and leave a large revenue to the State ever afterwards. FEELING HIS WAY. JOHN. I have always advised my friends to invest in the securities of the Western States, as being the safest they could make; and many of them are large capitalists, who frequently ask my advice in such matters. I think if I had the agency of all the Western States, in this market, I could save them a great deal of money in their negotiations. Their debts being only about forty millions, the management of them would relieve me from too much leisure, which I find rather irksome, since I retired from the active superintendance of a large institution here. COM. Perhaps the best introduction to such an arrangement, would be, for you to take up the loan now offered. JOHN. Well, my investments, latterly, have been very large, which I would not like to disturb at present, but if it would _accommodate_ you, I would take the matter of 300,000 dollars of the bonds, at par; but then, I should pay you 200,000 in the stock of the Long Island Railroad at par, and the balance in six months. This railroad is estimated to be the most promising stock in the country; and its friends are sanguine, that _when_ completed, and in operation, the stock will be worth, at least, 250 per cent., and produce an interest of, at least, 20 per cent. per annum. The original capital was but 700,000, and with that capital, and the income of the portion already finished, say only about one-third the distance, the company has already expended one million and a half—_i. e._, including a small debt still outstanding. I would not part with the stock for any other purpose than to oblige you—being anxious to facilitate the interest of all the Western States. COM. My object, sir, is ready funds; they are wanted for immediate disbursement, to about the amount you speak of; if that could be arranged, terms could be made for the balance. JOHN OVERSHOOTS HIS MARK. JOHN. Well, Mr. Commissioner, if that is the object with you, I think I could arrange for 300,000, and give you Mississippi funds at par. The State would, of course, give me some additional security, and you would deposite the remainder of the 2,000,000 of the bonds with me for sale. My commission would be very reasonable. COM. Why, sir, if the security of the whole State is not good, they have nothing else to offer. However, I will think of your offer of Mississippi funds. I have another call to make—so, good morning, sir. As soon as the commissioner had left, John held this soliloquy with himself: HIS SOLILOQUY THEREUPON.