I deem it unnecessary to enlarge upon the statement of the Secretary of State.  I feel certain, however, that a perusal of his communication will at once commend itself to the favorable attention of Congress, and doubt not that the necessary authorization of Congress will be immediately given for the acceptance of the gift, as well as insure early action looking to the erection on the premises of suitable public buildings for the use of the legation of the United States at Tokyo.  This step can not but be favorable to the United States in every honorable way, while the disinterested motives of a friendly foreign government deserve from us a proper and just recognition.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 11, 1885.

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

In compliance with the act of Congress approved January 16, 1883, entitled “An act to regulate and improve the civil service of the United States,” the Civil Service Commission has made to the President its second annual report.

That report is herewith transmitted.

The Commission is in the second year of its existence.  The President congratulates the country upon the success of its labors, commends the subject to the favorable consideration of Congress, and asks for an appropriation to continue the work.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 12, 1885.

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith a copy of the report of the board of management of the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, dated February 2, 1885, requesting an additional appropriation to extinguish a deficit in its accounts, and asking authority to reopen the exhibition during the winter of 1885-86.

A failure on the part of the management to carry out the original intent in regard to the exposition might reflect upon the honor of the United States Government, since twenty-one foreign nations and forty-six States and Territories have joined in the enterprise through faith in the sanction of the Government.  In view of this fact and in consideration of the value of the exposition to the cause of material progress and general education, I respectfully submit the report mentioned for the favorable consideration of Congress.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 13, 1885.

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

I herewith transmit, as desired by the act of Congress approved July 7, 1884, a letter from the Secretary of State, with accompanying report from the Central and South American commissioners.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 17, 1885.

To the House of Representatives:

In response to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th of January, 1885, calling for certain correspondence concerning the transactions of the late French and American Commission, I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State of the 16th instant, in relation to the subject.