Guano phosphate was an important component of fertilizers that became a mainstay of American agriculture in the mid-19th century. It can be said that today's huge fertilizer industries have their roots in the guano from hundreds of islands like Poco Cabesa.

At the time, the Act's stated purpose was to protect U.S. access to this precious resource. Some insisted it was a sell-out to political contributors associated with the Chicago Mercantile Board. Others claim it was just a ploy by Congress to keep their minds off "bloody Kansas" for a few hours and swap bad scatalogical jokes.

In any case, this piece of legislation allowed Hyman Klinkle to acquire the guano rights on Poco Cabesa.

And he made the most of it.