The selection of the site for the exposition seems to me appropriate, from the fact that one hundred years before the date fixed for the exposition the Declaration of Independence, which launched us into the galaxy of nations as an independent people, emanated from the same spot.

We have much in our varied climate, soil, mineral products, and skill of which advantage can be taken by other nationalities to their profit.  In return they will bring to our shores works of their skill and familiarize our people with them, to the mutual advantage of all parties.

Let us have a complete success in our Centennial Exposition or suppress it in its infancy, acknowledging our inability to give it the international character to which our self-esteem aspires.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, D.C., March 4, 1874.

To the House of Representatives: 

I have the honor to transmit herewith replies from the several Departments, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th of January last, requesting a list of all expenses incurred by the various Departments for transportation of any matter which before the abolition of the franking privilege was carried in the mails.

U.S.  GRANT.

WASHINGTON, March 20, 1874.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate and with a view to its ratification, a convention concluded between the United States and Belgium on the 19th March, 1874, concerning extradition.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 23, 1874.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the board of commissioners on the irrigation of the San Joaquin, Tulare, and Sacramento valleys, of the State of California, and also the original maps accompanying said report.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, April 18, 1874.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

Herewith I transmit the report of the Civil Service Commission authorized by the act of Congress of March 3, 1871, and invite your special attention thereto.

If sustained by Congress, I have no doubt the rules can, after the experience gained, be so improved and enforced as to still more materially benefit the public service and relieve the Executive, members of Congress, and the heads of Departments from influences prejudicial to good administration.

The rules, as they have heretofore been enforced, have resulted beneficially, as is shown by the opinions of the members of the Cabinet and their subordinates in the Departments, and in that opinion I concur; but rules applicable to officers who are to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate are in great measure impracticable, except in so far as they may be sustained by the action of that body.  This must necessarily remain so unless the direct sanction of the Senate is given to the rules.