e commissioner,
attempted to enter a protest, but was instantly stopped by that high
functionary. A frozen silence pervaded the room. "There is no occasion
for any remarks in this matter," austerely replied the government
specialist. "Our department regularly awarded the beef contract for this
post to The Western Supply Company. There was ample competition on
the award, insuring the government against exorbitant prices, and the
required bonds were furnished for the fulfillment of the contract. Right
then and there all interest upon the part of the grantor ceased until
the tender was made at this post on the appointed day of delivery. In
the interim, however, it seems that for reasons purely their own, the
grantees saw fit to sub-let their contract, not once but twice. Our
department amply protected themselves by requiring bonds, and the
sub-contractors should have done the same. That, however, is not the
matter at issue, but who is entitled to deliver on the original award.
Fortunately that point is beyond question; an assignment of the original
has always been recognized at the War Office, and in this case the
holders of the same are declared entitled to deliver. There is only
one provision,--does the article of beef tendered qualify under the
specifications? That is the only question before making this decision
final. If there is any evidence to the contrary, I am ready to hear it."

This afforded the opportunity of using Sanders as a witness, and Sutton
grasped the opportunity of calling him to testify in regard to wintering
Southern cattle in the North. After stating his qualifications as
a citizen and present occupation, he was asked by the commissioner
regarding his experience with cattle to entitle his testimony to
consideration. "I was born to the occupation in Texas," replied the
witness. "Five years ago this summer I came with beef cattle from Uvalde
County, that State, to this post, and after the delivery, accepted
a situation under the quartermaster here in locating and holding the
government's beeves. At present I am foreman and have charge of all
cattle delivered at or issued from this post. I have had five years'
experience in wintering Texas cattle in this vicinity, and have no
hesitancy in saying that it is a matter of the utmost importance that
steers should be in the best possible flesh to withstand our winters.
The losses during the most favorable seasons have averaged from one to
five per cent., whi