Mr. Ford made an effective little speech, in which he presented statistics to show that Cleverly was just the place for the station. He said that the increasing importance of the place justified the people in making this request. When one of the members suggested that the proposed site might be far from the ocean, he said that very thing insured the Government a fresh-water basin where the barnacles could be readily cleaned from the largest battleships afloat. Mr. Smithers was then presented to the Committee, and the force and originality of his remarks immediately attracted the attention of the members. He had the valuable faculty of saying commonplace things in a very impressive manner, and he proved to be the best speaker of the delegation. He dwelt upon the growth of Cleverly, and said that it was the duty of the National Government, not only to keep step with local progress, but, if possible, always to be a few paces in advance. After Mr. Smithers had taken his seat, the President of the local Board of Trade told the members that the growing importance of Cleverly as a business centre justified the demand which the citizens were making upon the Congress of the United States. The members of the Committee were beginning to get a little bit bored by this time, and they did not pay much attention to the array of facts which the speaker presented in support of his contentions. As he sat down Mr. Carlton arose, and turning to the members, said: "Gentlemen, have you any questions to ask of my constituents? If so, I know that they will be only too glad to answer them." The members shook their heads, as much as to say that they had heard as much as they cared to hear, but this did not satisfy Mr. Carlton. He desired, if possible, to spike any opposition that might develop. He turned and looked directly at Jesse Hudson. "Mr. Hudson, have you any questions to ask?" "No," said Hudson, in a slow-going way, "I've listened to all that has been said, and I have no desire to combat any of the arguments which have been presented." Carlton beamed with delight. He had no idea that his proposition would have such plain sailing. He turned to the head of the Committee and said: "I suppose, Mr. Chairman, that it would not be premature if I were to tell the members of this Committee that the proposition for a new Naval Repair Station for Cleverly is likely to be reported to Congress with a favorable report?" "I think that what you say is quite probable," said the Chairman. "For my own part I--" "One moment," interrupted a determined voice. Every eye was turned in that direction and discovered Jesse Hudson on his feet, gazing at Carlton in a menacing manner. "Mr. Hudson has the floor," said the Chairman, respectfully. "Now, gentlemen," said Hudson, in his bristling, aggressive way, "before we go any further in the business that is before this Committee, I move that we throw out the proposition to give this station to Cleverly."