I conclude, therefore, that Congress in passing this bill acted in ignorance of the fact that a law providing for its objects and purposes was already on the statute book.

I transmit herewith reports from the heads of the several Executive Departments of the Government.

To the Senate of the United States: In response to the resolutions of the Senate dated respectively May 10 and July 10, 1886, touching alleged seizures and detentions of vessels of the United States in British North American waters, I…

I transmit herewith a communication of 3d instant, with inclosures, from the Secretary of the Interior, recommending legislative authority for the use of funds from appropriation, Sioux, etc., 1887, for the subsistence of certain Northern…

I am satisfied that the present necessity for this building is not urgent, and that something may be gained by a delay which will demonstrate more fully the public needs.

The necessity to the Government of a proper place to hold its courts is the only consideration which should have any weight in determining upon the propriety of expending the money which will be necessary to erect the proposed new building.

At any rate, her rights should not be in the least jeopardized by the completion of the legislation proposed in this bill.

I am not satisfied that the expenditure of $150,000 for their accommodation, as proposed by this bill, is in accordance with sound business principles or consistent with that economy in public affairs which has been promised to the people.

This, of course, renders the proposed legislation entirely inoperative.

I transmit herewith, for your information, a report from the Secretary of State, inclosing the correspondence which has been exchanged between the Department of State and the Governments of Switzerland and Italy on the subject of…

I do not understand that the present post-office quarters are either insufficient or inconvenient.

I do not understand that the claim has been finally rejected.

I respectfully urge the consideration of the convention by the Senate during the present session.

I return without approval Senate bill No. 2281.

The Indian occupants have not given their consent to it.

I am impressed with the belief that the bill under consideration does not sufficiently guard against an invasion of the rights and a disturbance of the peace and quiet of the Indians on the reservation mentioned.

There seems to be an entire absence of proof of this important fact.

The delay of twenty-one years in presenting the claim for pension certainly needs explanation.