Ben Harrison

I transmit herewith the sixth annual report of the Commissioner of Labor.

It is ordered, That the War Department be draped in mourning for the period of thirty days, and that all business be suspended therein on the day of the funeral.

No word of mine can add to his fame.

He was an ideal soldier, and shared to the fullest the esprit de corps of the Army.

It is my painful duty to announce to the country that General William Tecumseh Sherman died this day at 1 o'clock and 50 minutes p.m., at his residence in the city of New York.

The report also covers the earnings, the efficiency, and the cost of living of the men employed in such production.

To officers of the Navy his life will continue to yield inspiration and encouragement.

In token of respect to the memory of Admiral David D. Porter, who died this morning, the President directs that the national flag be displayed at half-mast upon all public buildings throughout the United States until after his funeral…

His countrymen will sincerely mourn his loss while they cherish with grateful pride the memory of his deeds.

I transmit herewith the correspondence called for by the resolution of the Senate of the 6th instant, relating to the conduct of Commander Reiter in connection with the arrest and killing of General Barrundia.

I recommend such a modification of the existing law as will permit the first or sole assistant, or, in the case of the Treasury Department, where the assistants are not graded, that one who may be designated by the President, to discharge…

This limitation is, I am sure, unwise, and necessarily involves in such a case as that now presented undue haste and even indelicacy.

Hasty action by the Senate is also necessarily involved, and geographical limitations are practically imposed by the necessity of selecting someone who can reach the capital and take the necessary oath of office before the expiration of…

Stripped, then, of this claim the proposition is nakedly one to authorize Oklahoma City to donate $40,000 to the Choctaw Coal and Railway Company.

I transmit herewith a letter of the Secretary of War, accompanied by the final report of the board on gun factories and steel forgings for high-power guns, and appendixes thereto.

The death of George Bancroft, which occurred in the city of Washington on Saturday, January 17, at 3:40 o'clock p.m., removes from among the living one of the most distinguished Americans.

It is thought important by the Department that this matter receive the consideration of Congress during the present session.

I transmit herewith a memorial of the legislative assembly of the Territory of Oklahoma, asking an appropriation for the relief of the destitute people of that Territory.

To the House of Representatives:In further response to the resolution of the House of Representatives requesting me, if in my judgment not incompatible with the public interest, to furnish to the House the correspondence since March 4…

I can not believe that upon reconsideration the Congress will approve the contemplated expenditure.

The public needs do not justify the contemplated expenditure of $75,000 for the erection of a public building at Bar Harbor.

I transmit herewith a letter of the Secretary of the Navy, accompanied by the report of the commission appointed by me

The question of the location of the Territorial capital has so occupied the time of the legislature and so distracted and divided its members that no criminal code has been provided.

It is urgently necessary that Congress should at once, by joint resolution or otherwise, continue the laws of Nebraska in force, and save pending criminal arrests and prosecutions at least.

The matter is presented for the action of Congress.