Transcription:
2 great odds, and spoke four hours before the Committee on Public Lands. They had arrayed a strong force from various departments
of the government to mislead public opinion by one-sided arguments. If anybody could stand up courageously against such opposition
it was Mr. Whitman; but of course most of the members of the Committee had made up their 3 minds unalterably in advance.
One or two, I understand, were impressed with Mr. Whitman's presentation of the case and I hope it may result in some good.
Mr. McFarland, I understand, was absent on account of illness. It is unfortunate there were not other societies and associations
represented on our side.