Ben Harrison: “It gives me pleasure to consummate here to-day, by the act of lifting this flag, the efforts in support of a principle…”

I believe we have reached an epoch in our development when we may successfully begin the work of carrying our share of the world's commerce upon the seas.

I herewith transmit, for the information of Congress, a communication from the Acting Secretary of State, forwarding certain bulletins of the Bureau of the American Republics.

The law creates two new officers, whose aggregate compensation may be $12,000 per annum, without, it seems to me, a justifying necessity.

No provision is made for a continued discharge of the duties of marshal and district attorney by the present incumbents.