No just inference can be drawn from such confidential utterances that the "high ground" of safety was fertile soil bearing the flowers and fruits of political purity, rather than a chosen rock of refuge from continuous danger; and the allusion to possible "investigation" involves the confession that it was deserved and the dread that it might occur. Use of Influence, and Power of Money. But, there is no obscurity of meaning, nor is there much room for doubt, that there is the expression of mature judgment based upon wide experience and ample practice, in the following: "I think this coming session of Congress will be composed of the hungriest set of men that ever got together." (No. 389. N.Y., Nov. 30th, 1874.) "I sent a man to Richmond, Va., on Saturday, and one to Albany to-day, to get resolutions passed by the legislatures against subsidies. I think it will control two members of the R. R. Committee." (No. 117. N. Y., Feb. 14th, 1876.) "I left Washington on Friday, the 11th. I think our matters are safe there for the Session." (No. 218. N. Y., Aug. 4th, 1876). "I think our land matters in Washington have been fixed." (No. 366. N. Y., Oct. 29th, 1877.) "I think the R. R. Committee is right," (as made up for the 45th Congress), "but the Com. on Territories I do not like. A different one was promised me." (No. 373. N. Y., Oct. 30th, 1877.) "I do not think we can get any legislation this session for extension of land grants unless we pay more for it than it is worth." (No. 378. N. Y., Nov. 9th, 1877.) "If we are not hurt this session it will be because we pay much money to prevent it." (No. 381. N. Y., Nov. 15th, 1877.) "This Congress is nothing but an agrarian camp." (No. 449. N. Y., April 19th, 1878). "I have done all I can to prevent certain bills from being reached, and do not think any bills can be that will hurt us." (No. 468. N. Y., June 15th, 1878.) "I have received several letters and telegrams from Washington to-day, all calling me there, as Scott will certainly pass his Texas Pacific bill if I do not come over; and I shall go over to-night. * * * It cost money to fix things so that I would know his bill would not pass. I believe that with $200,000 I can pass our bill." (No. 107. N. Y., Jan. 17, 1876.) A Low Estimate of Congressional Brains and Public Interest.