Pierce had to say, and then make up our minds as to whether it was entitled to the consideration of ‘this important body.’  Monsieur Souley replied, with great fervency, that it were better Pierce be left entirely out of the question, and the Congress proceed to deliberate on its own hook.  A good many dissenting voices here interposed; but the speaker, very pertinaciously, said he had the floor, and was prepared to discuss the question with any gentleman (here he turned a meaning glance at Buck) disposed to accept the challenge.  The dread of a lengthy speech brought gentlemen to their senses:  rather than endure it they agreed that Pierce should be left entirely out.  It was, now generally expected that Monsieur Souley would sit down.  No such intention had he.  Turning to me, he bowed, and said:  ’Your Excellency will observe, that as the order in which the many questions to come before this Congress has not been produced, and the question of the acquisition of Cuba to the United States being the most important one in the schedule, I move that the order be suspended, and that the discussion of that all-important subject be commenced.’  Souley was inclined, I saw, to absorb time very unprofitably.  I was about to pronounce him out of order, when there came a loud knocking at the door, followed by a band attempting to play a Dutch medley.  The door was immediately thrown open.  Ten citizens, savage and hairy of visage entered, to the consternation of the Congress assembled.  One of their number advanced, having exchanged the countersign with Noggs; but he failed to make himself understood until Monsieur Souley politely tendered his aid, introducing him in succession to every one present.  They were, according to the rendering of Monsieur, a deputation from the ’Very ancient and honorable order of Red Republicans,’ who, having become aware of the many grand objects for which our Congress was convened (as set forth in the circular of the great Saunders), had appeared before it to pray that their grievances might be duly redressed and themselves reinstated in the government of France.  Monsieur Souley made a speech of more than ordinary length on the subject, which he brought to a close by calling upon the President (me) not to permit this patriotic body of suffering men to depart without an assurance that their case would receive immediate attention.  This I did in the very best manner possible, adding that Hanz might treat them to gin-slings all round.  This done, Monsieur politely bowed them into the street, the last bow being his very best.  The reader will by this time have discovered that Monsieur Souley constituted the Congress and Mr. Pierce thrown in.