iration of this great
prosperity our counsels may be harmonious, and that the dictates of
prudence, patriotism, justice, and economy may lead to the adoption of
measures in which the Congress and the Executive may heartily unite.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1882_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives:_

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of War, dated the
4th instant, and its accompanying papers, in which it is recommended
that section 1216, Revised Statutes, be so amended as to include in its
provisions the enlisted men of the Army, and that section 1285, Revised
Statutes, be modified so as to read:

A certificate of merit granted to an enlisted man for distinguished
service shall entitle him thereafter to additional pay, at the rate of
$2 per month, while he is in the military service, although such service
may not be continuous.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1882_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives:_

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of War, dated the
4th instant, setting forth certain facts respecting the title to the
peninsula of Presque Isle, at Erie, Pa., and recommending that the
subject be presented to Congress with the view of legislation by that
body modifying the act of May 27, 1882, entitled "An act to authorize
the Secretary of War to accept the peninsula in Lake Erie opposite the
harbor of Erie, in the State of Pennsylvania" (17 U.S. Statutes at
Large, p. 162), so as to authorize the Secretary of War to accept title
to the said peninsula, proffered by the marine hospital of Pennsylvania
pursuant to an act of the legislature of that State approved by the
governor May 11, 1871.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1882_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives:_

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of Congress, a communication
from the Secretary of War, inclosing one from the commanding general
Department of the Missouri, indorsed by the division commander, urging
the advisability of prompt action in the matter of perfecting the title
to the site of Fort Bliss, Tex.

Accompanying also is a copy of Senate Executive Document No. 96,
Forty-seventh Congress, first session, which presents fully the facts
in the case, as well as the character of the legislation necessary to
secure to the United States proper title to the lan