The proposition now made (though an offer only), I hope it may be esteemed no offense to ask whether the pecuniary consideration tendered would not be of more value to the States and private persons concerned than are the institution and property in it in the present aspect of affairs.

While it is true that the adoption of the proposed resolution would be merely initiatory, and not within itself a practical measure, it is recommended in the hope that it would soon lead to important practical results.  In full view of my great responsibility to my God and to my country, I earnestly beg the attention of Congress and the people to the subject.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 7, 1862.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I transmit herewith, for the constitutional action of the Senate thereon, a treaty concluded at Paola, Kans., on the 18th day of August, between Seth Clover, commissioner on the part of the United States, and the delegates of the united tribes of Kaskaskia and Peoria, Piankeshaw, and Wea Indians.

I also transmit a communication of the Secretary of the Interior of the 6th instant and accompanying papers from the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, in relation to the subject.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WASHINGTON, March 12, 1862.

To the Senate of the United States: 

In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 11th instant, requesting “a copy of any correspondence on the records or files of the Department of State in regard to railway systems in Europe,” I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the papers by which it was accompanied.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WASHINGTON, March 14, 1862.

To the Senate of the United States: 

With reference to my recent message on the subject of claims of citizens of the United States on the Government of Paraguay, I transmit a copy of three memorials of the claimants and of their closing arguments in the case, together with extracts from a dispatch from Mr. Bowlin, the late commissioner of the United States to that country.  These extracts show that President Lopez offered and expected to pay a large sum of money as a compromise of the claims.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WASHINGTON, March 14, 1862.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I submit to Congress the accompanying copy of a correspondence between the Secretary of State, the Danish charge d’affaires, and the Secretary of the Navy, concerning the case of the bark Jorgen Lorentzen, a Danish vessel seized on her voyage from Rio Janeiro to Havana by the United States ship Morning Light and subsequently released.  I recommend the appropriation of the amount of the award of the referees.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WASHINGTON CITY, March 20, 1862.