WASHINGTON, December 10, 1867.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I transmit a copy of a dispatch of the 17th of July last, addressed to the Secretary of State, and of the papers which accompanied it, from Anson Burlingame, esq., minister of the United States to China, relating to a proposed modification of the existing treaty between this Government and that of China.

The Senate is aware that the original treaty is chiefly ex parte in its character.  The proposed modification, though not of sufficient importance to warrant all the usual forms, does not seem to be objectionable; but it can not be legally accepted by the executive government without the advice and consent of the Senate.  If this should be given, it may be indicated by a resolution, upon the adoption of which the United States minister to China will be instructed to inform the Government of that country that the modification has been assented to.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

WASHINGTON, December 12, 1867.

To the Senate of the United States: 

On the 12th of August last I suspended Mr. Stanton from the exercise of the office of Secretary of War, and on the same day designated General Grant to act as Secretary of War ad interim.

The following are copies of the Executive orders: 

  EXECUTIVE MANSION,
    Washington, August 12, 1867.

  Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,
    Secretary of War.

SIR:  By virtue of the power and authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States, you are hereby suspended from office as Secretary of War, and will cease to exercise any and all functions pertaining to the same.

  You will at once transfer to General Ulysses S. Grant, who has this day
  been authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War ad interim,
  all records, books, and other property now in your custody and charge.

  EXECUTIVE MANSION,
    Washington, D.C., August 12, 1867.

  General ULYSSES S. GRANT,
    Washington, D.C.

SIR:  The Hon. Edwin M. Stanton having been this day suspended as Secretary of War, you are hereby authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War ad interim, and will at once enter upon the discharge of the duties of the office.

  The Secretary of War has been instructed to transfer to you all the
  records, books, papers, and other public property now in his custody and
  charge.

The following communication was received from Mr. Stanton: 

  WAR DEPARTMENT,
    Washington City, August 12, 1867.

  The PRESIDENT.