The whole claim of $25,180 was rejected by the Postmaster-General for reasons which it is no part of my present purpose to discuss.

It will be found in all respects similar to the treaty between the United States and Nicaragua now pending in the Senate.

The enormous difference in their favor between their own original demand and the amount granted by the present bill constitutes my chief objection to it.

In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 23d of February last, requesting information in regard to the occupation by American citizens of the island of Navassa, in the West Indies, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents by which it was accompanied.

To the House of Representatives: I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of War, with its accompaniments, communicating the information called for by the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 20th ultimo, respecting Indian hostilities in New Mexico.

The grant of transits in our favor and the guaranty of our protection as an equivalent.

No force can be employed unless upon the request of the Government of Nicaragua.

This treaty is in accordance with the policy inaugurated by the Government of the United States.

I also return the treaty itself, presuming that the Senate so intended.

We ought to reflect that in this age, and especially in this country, there is an incessant flux and reflux of public opinion.

Having ratified the treaty between the United States and the Empire of China, pursuant to the advice and consent of the Senate as expressed in their resolution of the 15th of December last, I lost no time in forwarding my ratification thither, in the hope that it might reach that country in season to be exchanged for the ratification of the Emperor within the time limited for that purpose.

Unforeseen circumstances, however, retarded the exchange until the 16th of August last.

I transmit to the Senate a report from the Secretary of State and the papers referred to therein, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 21st of December last, in relation to the suspension of diplomatic relations with Mexico by the United States legation in that country.

Submitting, as I do, with humble resignation to the will of Divine Providence in this calamitous dispensation, I shall ever cherish his memory with affectionate regard.

It has become my sad duty to announce to the Senate the death of Aaron V. Brown, late Postmaster-General, at his residence in this city on yesterday morning at twenty minutes past 9 o'clock.

He was able, honest, and indefatigable in the discharge of his high and responsible duties, whilst his benevolent heart and his kind deportment endeared him to all who approached him.

The death of this distinguished public officer, especially at the present moment, when his eminent services are so much needed, is a great loss to his country.

While the President, with the surviving members of the Cabinet, the legislative and judicial departments of the Government, will unite in every testimonial the sad occasion demands, it is fitting a similar respect should be shown to the memory of the distinguished deceased by the national arms of defense.