This is an important subject, and is commended to the early attention of Congress.

I transmit herewith a communication of the 15th instant from the Secretary of the Interior.

It is hereby ordered,That the Department of Agriculture, the Government Printing Office, and all other Government offices in the District of Columbia be closed on Tuesday, December 1, 1885, the day of the funeral of the late Thomas A…

In the exercise of the power vested in the President by the Constitution.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 254 is published for the information and guidance of all concerned.

the usual and appropriate military and naval honors be rendered, and that on all the legations and consulates of the United States in foreign countries the national flag shall be displayed at half-mast on the reception of this order,

the usual emblems of mourning be adopted for thirty days.

the Executive Mansion and the several Executive Departments in the city of Washington be closed on the day of the funeral and be draped in mourning for the period of thirty days;