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paper and other materials when the bid was Submitted, and the time when such materials must necessarily be purchased. I ask nothing -- I demand nothing -- perhaps I have no right to do either, I Simply present the facts to the Legislature, and if it be thought proper to appoint a committee to investigate these allegations, with a view to ascertain whether they are true, and whether if true, I was guilty of foolhardiness in being guided by the prices that have ruled for the past 15 years, I shall be happy to furnish such committee with any information within my power; and if the Legislature in its judgment shall deem it just and proper to authorize the Secretary of State to pay -- not to me --- but to those who furnish paper and materials, such difference as may be found to exist between the present ruling prices and those that governed at the time of submitting the bid, I shall be enabled to proceed with, and complete the work, in a manner I trust as acceptable as I have ever done it.

All of which is most Respectfully submitted

Stephen D Carpenter