not seem inequitable to return a portion of this tax to those who
contributed it, particularly as such an action will also result in an
important gain to the country at large, and especially so to the great
and rich States of the Northwest and the Mississippi Valley.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 17, 1882_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a communication, dated the 14th instant, from the
Secretary of the Interior, with draft of bill, and accompanying papers,
for the establishment of an Indian training school on the site of the
old Fort Ripley Military Reservation, in the State of Minnesota.

The subject is commended to the consideration of Congress.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 17, 1882_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of the Interior
of the 12th instant, with accompanying papers, in relation to coal lands
upon the San Carlos Reservation, in the Territory of Arizona.

The subject is presented for the consideration of Congress.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 17, 1882_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State and its
accompanying papers, concerning the international regulations for
preventing collisions at sea, and I earnestly commend this important
subject to the early and favorable consideration of Congress.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

[The same message was sent to the House of Representatives.]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 18, 1882_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I send herewith a copy of the circular invitation extended to all the
independent countries of North and South America to participate in a
general congress to be held in the city of Washington on the 22d of
November next for the purpose of considering and discussing the methods
of preventing war between the nations of America.

In giving this invitation I was not unaware that there existed
differences between several of the Republics of South America which
would militate against the happy results which might otherwise be
expected from such an assemblage. The differences indicated are such as
exist between Chile and Peru, between Mexico and Guatemala, and between
the States of Central America.

It was hoped that these differences would disappear before the time
fixed for the meeting of the congress. This hope has not b