It was estimated that $700,000 would be required to finish the shaft, constructing also a suitable base, and that the work might be completed by the 4th of July, 1876.
"In considering the question as to what action Congress shall take in this matter, three views are presented: First, Shall the responsibility for the completion of the Monument rest wholly upon the efforts of the Monument Society? Second, Shall Congress assume the entire responsibility, and to that end repeal the charter of the Society? Third, Shall Congress aid the Society by an appropriation, leaving it to continue its efforts to raise funds for the completion of the Monument?
"As to the first, the committee find that the Society has made _every reasonable effort_ to revive public interest and to secure subscriptions, but its efforts have failed and will _continue_ to fail without _some expression of confidence on the part of Congress_ in the form of material aid.
"As to the second view, the committee are unwilling to recommend the disbandment of an association which has already done so much, and is still willing to continue its patriotic efforts to redeem the plighted faith of the Nation.
"The committee have taken the third view--that of recommending an appropriation by Congress and of the continuation of the Society for the purpose of soliciting further subscriptions under the original idea upon which it started." * *
*The present consideration of the report, however, was postponed until the following "Wednesday, at two o'clock," and made a special order. But on the appointed day the committee failed to secure recognition, and not obtaining the floor at any time during the remainder of the session, addressed a letter to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate asking an amendment to the sundry civil appropriation act of $200,000, to be expended as provided in the bill it had reported to the House. But Congress adjourned without action on the report.
At the next session the select committee of the last Congress was reappointed, and on May 1, 1874, submitted a report comprehending its former one, and to which was appended a transcript of the complete accounts of the Society. The report concurred with prior ones in Congress, commending the Society's past management and efforts to erect the Monument.