All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, co-operates with the United States in its efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the reward of its support and protection.

It is my desire that the inhabitants of Cuba should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard.

I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling for divine worship in their respective places of meeting, to offer thanksgiving to Almighty God

I participate in the regret which the delegates from the United States feel who are to part with those from other countries.

Good faith demands that if the United States accepts the lands ceded the beneficial construction of the act given by our agents should be also admitted and observed.

I transmit, with a view to its ratification, a convention between the United States and Mexico.

I transmit herewith, with a view to its ratification, a convention for the extradition of criminals between the United States of America and the Republic of Colombia.

If the claims mentioned are such as should be paid by the United States, there appears to be no difficulty in making an appropriation for their payment from the general funds of the Government.

I retransmit herewith a convention for the surrender of criminals between the United States and the Republic of Guatemala.

The painful duty devolves upon the President to announce the death, at an early hour this morning, at his residence in this city, of Morrison R. Waite, Chief Justice of the United States.

I transmit herewith, with a view to its ratification, a treaty between the United States of America and Zanzibar.

I hereby direct that the officers, clerks, and other employees of the United States Civil Service Commission shall be arranged in the following classes.

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, relative to an invitation from the Imperial German Government to the Government of the United States to become a party to the International Geodetic Association.

I return herewith the bill (H. R. 367) to amend section 536 of the Revised Statutes of the United States.

To the Senate of the United States: In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 21st ultimo, calling for certain correspondence touching the construction of a ship canal through Nicaragua, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State on the subject, with accompanying papers.

The moral right and duty of the United States to assist in all proper ways in the maintenance of its integrity is obvious.

The constitutional authority to regulate the Congressional elections which belongs to the Government of the United States, ought to be enforced by appropriate legislation.

The object of the bill is to destroy any control whatever by the United States over the Congressional elections.