voted without a dissentient voice,
seeing that it cost nothing. The spokesman of the order again held a
consultation with Monsieur Souley, the result of which was, that
gentleman's making a charitable appeal to the Congress, and concluding
by proposing that a contribution be taken in aid of the forlorns. This
brought Mr. Belmont suddenly to his feet. He would oppose any such
thing. Their difficulties had already increased beyond calculation;
and, were this proposition acceded to, it would not only confirm a
singular belief outside--that the object of this Congress was the
general relief of mankind, but so increase their responsibilities as
to render it impossible to proceed with legitimate business. No sane
man--much less one accustomed to dealing in coin--could have
entertained such an idea. I need scarcely add that the proposition was
negatived without a dissenting voice, Monsieur Souley not voting. It
was now pretty evident to all present that the Congress would have its
time and attention pretty well absorbed in receiving deputations of
citizens deluded by Saunders' letters, and listening to the very
pathetic speeches of Monsieur. The day was now far gone; the Congress
began to feel its appetite; the forlorns withdrew in discontent; the
presence of many other deputations surrounding the doors was
announced; and the Congress drank all round, and adjourned to meet on
the following morning for the dispatch of business.

"The 'following morning' came, and with it troubles insurmountable.
Scarcely had the Congress resumed its sitting, when an avalanche of
deputations was announced, waiting an audience. Monsieur Souley
proposed that they be received in their order. Of course I was bound
to submit his proposal, but could not suppress a smile. I thought the
order would be the most difficult thing to ascertain. However, as we
are naturally good-natured, and love to turn the gravest subjects into
the lightest jokes, that they be received in their order was agreed to
without a dissenting vote. By four o'clock in the afternoon we had
received and heard the prayers of all sorts of deputations. There
was--'The Ancient Order of Roman Republicans;' the 'Lone Band of
Oppressed Brothers;' the 'Universal Brotherhood of Exiled Patriots;'
the 'Hopeful Band of Hungarian Refugees;' the 'Polish
Perpetuators;'--in fact, there came all kinds of orders, and bonds,
and leagues, and societies, all with innumerable grievances about they
knew n