th public administrative duties, while the
people who desire good government have constantly been confirmed in
their high estimate of its value and efficiency.

With the benefits it has already secured to the public service plainly
apparent, and with its promise of increased usefulness easily
appreciated, this cause is commended to the liberal care and jealous
protection of the Congress.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 30, 1886_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In further answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives
of the 15th of February last, calling upon the Secretary of State for
copies of all correspondence relating to the claims of governments to
be accorded the reductions and exemptions of tonnage dues accorded to
vessels entering the ports of the United States from certain ports named
in the shipping act of June 26, 1884, I transmit herewith a copy of the
reply of the Attorney-General to the letter of the Secretary of State of
December 15, 1885, as found on pages 35 and 36 of Executive Document No.
132, House of Representatives, Forty-ninth Congress, first session,
communicated on the 22d instant.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 1, 1886_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In response to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 24th
of March, relative to the employment of substitutes in the Department of
State, I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State on the
subject.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 1, 1886_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Interior and the
accompanying report, submitted by the governor of Alaska in compliance
with section 5 of the act of May 17, 1884, entitled "An act providing a
civil government for Alaska."

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 1, 1886_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State, in relation
to the claim of the representatives of the late Hon. James Crooks, a
British subject, against this Government for the seizure of the schooner
_Lord Nelson_ in 1812.

The matter is commended to the favorable consideration of Congress.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 6, 1886_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of Congress with a