With reference to the recommendations on the subject in my recent annual message, I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State of the 9th instant, showing the necessity for immediate legislation for the purpose of bringing the statutes of the United States into conformity with the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, which have now been adopted by all the leading maritime powers of the world except this country.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 11, 1884.

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit herewith to the Senate a communication of this date from the Secretary of State, in relation to the reciprocity treaty recently signed between the United States and Spain.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 16, 1884.

The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: 

In compliance with the following resolution, adopted by the House on the 10th instant—­

Resolved, That the President be requested to furnish this House, as early as convenient, with the necessary information showing the authority of law for which certain commodores of the Navy have been given the rank of acting rear-admirals when, as is alleged, no vacancy existed to justify such action—­

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, containing the information called for by the resolution.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, December 17, 1884.

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to ratification, an agreement signed by Mr. N.D.  Comanos, on the part of the United States of America, and Nubar Pasha, on behalf of the Government of the Khedive of Egypt, relative to a commercial and customs-house convention.  The agreement is dated November 16, 1884.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 22, 1884.

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith the supplementary report, dated December 20, 1884, made in pursuance of orders of the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy by the Gun Foundry Board, appointed by me in accordance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1883.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, January 5, 1885.

To the House of Representatives:

In accordance with the provisions of the act making appropriations for the diplomatic and consular service for the year ending June 30, 1883, I transmit herewith a further communication from the Secretary of State in relation to the consular service.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, January 5, 1885.

To the House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith, with a recommendation for its favorable consideration, a communication from the Secretary of State, in which he urges the adoption of measures to secure the consul at Buenos Ayres against loss through the dropping of his salary at the last session of Congress.