as to whether it was entitled to the
consideration of 'this important body.' Monsieur Souley replied, with
great fervency, that it were better Pierce be left entirely out of the
question, and the Congress proceed to deliberate on its own hook. A
good many dissenting voices here interposed; but the speaker, very
pertinaciously, said he had the floor, and was prepared to discuss the
question with any gentleman (here he turned a meaning glance at Buck)
disposed to accept the challenge. The dread of a lengthy speech
brought gentlemen to their senses: rather than endure it they agreed
that Pierce should be left entirely out. It was, now generally
expected that Monsieur Souley would sit down. No such intention had
he. Turning to me, he bowed, and said: 'Your Excellency will observe,
that as the order in which the many questions to come before this
Congress has not been produced, and the question of the acquisition of
Cuba to the United States being the most important one in the
schedule, I move that the order be suspended, and that the discussion
of that all-important subject be commenced.' Souley was inclined, I
saw, to absorb time very unprofitably. I was about to pronounce him
out of order, when there came a loud knocking at the door, followed by
a band attempting to play a Dutch medley. The door was immediately
thrown open. Ten citizens, savage and hairy of visage entered, to the
consternation of the Congress assembled. One of their number advanced,
having exchanged the countersign with Noggs; but he failed to make
himself understood until Monsieur Souley politely tendered his aid,
introducing him in succession to every one present. They were,
according to the rendering of Monsieur, a deputation from the '_Very
ancient and honorable order of Red Republicans_,' who, having become
aware of the many grand objects for which our Congress was convened
(as set forth in the circular of the great Saunders), had appeared
before it to pray that their grievances might be duly redressed and
themselves reinstated in the government of France. Monsieur Souley
made a speech of more than ordinary length on the subject, which he
brought to a close by calling upon the President (me) not to permit
this patriotic body of suffering men to depart without an assurance
that their case would receive immediate attention. This I did in the
very best manner possible, adding that Hanz might treat them to
gin-slings all round. This done, Monsieur polite