But party leaders banged the convention's final gavel and turned off the microphone before Mr. Goodman could speak.

But even before the final gavel fell yesterday, the question was what the buyers would do with their treasures now that they have them.

Asking prices typically triple by the final gavel.

The Governor's staff members shrug off criticism of any lack of boldness and insist that when the final gavel falls on May 31, the session will be seen as a success for Mr. Bush.

To overcome such resistance among Republicans, Mr. Bush and Republican leaders twisted arms through the final gavel.

About six thirty, the final gavel rang down on a massive bronze propeller and the auction was over.

PBS (Channel 13 in New York) 8 P.M. to the final gavel.

The vote, in doubt almost until the final gavel, was 218 to 216.

But party leaders banged the final gavel before Mr. Goodman could speak.

But when the final gavel came down on the session last week, Mr. Bush had indeed accomplished much of what he had outlined.