The matter is respectfully submitted for the consideration and action of Congress.

I transmit herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Interior, dated 5th instant, inclosing the recommendation of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the 14th ultimo, requesting a copy of 'any report of an actual instrumental survey of a line for a ship railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.'

The subject is presented for the consideration and action of Congress.

I transmit herewith a communication of the 19th ultimo from the Secretary of the Interior.

The subject is recommended to the early attention and action of Congress.

I transmit herewith a communication of the 17th instant from the Secretary of the Interior.

The matter is presented for the favorable consideration of Congress.

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. Hendricks, Vice-President of the United States.