MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT.


the 21st day of September, 1874. In this connection, I renew my rec-
ommendation, made at the opening of the last session of Congress, that
a, special court be created to hear and determine all claims of aliens
against the United States arising from acts committed against their
persons or property during the insurrection. It appears equitable that
opportunity should be offered to citizens of other states to present their
claims, as well as to those British subjects whose claims were not admis-
sible under the late commission, to the early decision of some compe-
tent tribunal. To this end, I recommend the necessary legislation to
organize a court to dispose of all claims of aliens of the nature referred
to, in an equitable and satisfactory manner, and to relieve Congress and
the Departments from the consideration of these questions.
  The legislation necessary to extend to the colony of Newfoundland
certain articles of the treaty of Washington of the 8th day of May,
1871, having been had, a protocol to that effect was signed in behalf of
the United States and of Great Britain, on the 28th day of May last,
and was duly proclaimed on the following day. A copy of the proclama-
tion is submitted herewith.
   A copy of the report of the commissioner appointed under the act of
March 19, 1872, for surveying and marking the boundary between the
United States and the British possessions, from the Lake of the Woods
to the summit of the Rocky Mountains, is herewith transmitted. I am
happy to announce that the field-work of the commission has been com-
pleted, and the entire line, from the northwest corner of the Lake of the
Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains, has been run and marked
upon the surface of the earth. It is believed that the amount remaining
unexpended of the appropriation made at the last session of Congress
will be sufficient to complete the office-work. I recommend that the au-
thority of Congress be given to the use of the unexpended balance of
the appropriation in the completion of the work of the commission in
making its report and preparing the necessary maps.
   The court known as the Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims,
created by an act of Congress of the last session, has organized and
commenced its work, and it is to be hoped that the claims admissible
under the provisions of the act may be speedily ascertained and paid.
   It has been deemed advisable to exercise the discretion conferred
upon the Executive at the last session, by accepting the conditions re-
quired by the government of Turkey for the privilege of allowing citi-
ozens of the United States to hold real estate in the former country, and
by assenting to a certain change.in the jurisdiction of courts in the lat.
ter. A copy of the proclamation upon these subjects is herewith com-
municated.
   There has been no material change in our relations with the independ-
ent states of this hemisphere which were formerly under the dominion
ff Spain. Marauding on the frontiers, between Mexico and Texas, still
frequently takes place despite the vigilance of the civil and military


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