I advise for the present only such appropriation as may be adequate to continue the work in its present form, and would leave to the future to determine whether the direct sanction of Congress should be given to rules that may, perhaps, be devised for regulating the method of selection of appointees, or a portion of them, who need to be confirmed by the Senate.

The same amount appropriated last year would be adequate for the coming year, but I think the public interest would be promoted by authority in the Executive for allowing a small compensation for special service performed beyond usual office hours, under the act of 1871, to persons already in the service of the Government.

U.S.  GRANT.

WASHINGTON, April 21, 1874.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I transmit herewith to the Senate and House of Representatives a communication from the Secretary of State and the report by which it is accompanied, upon Samoan or Navigators Islands.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, April 23, 1874.

To the House of Representatives: 

I transmit herewith the papers called for by the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 20th instant, requesting all correspondence by telegraph or otherwise between the persons claiming to be governor of Arkansas and myself relating to the troubles in that State, together with copies of any order or directions given by me or under my direction to the military officer in charge of the garrison or in command of the United States troops at Little Rock.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, April 28, 1874.

To the House of Representatives: 

I have the honor to transmit herewith additional correspondence received since my communication of the 23d instant, in reply to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 20th instant, requesting copies of correspondence between persons claiming to be governor of Arkansas and myself relating to troubles in that State.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, April 30, 1874.

To the House of Representatives: 

In pursuance of the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th instant, requesting to be informed “what geographical and geological surveys under different Departments and branches of the Government are operating in the same and contiguous areas of territory west of the Mississippi River, and whether it be not practicable to consolidate them under one Department or to define the geographical limits to be embraced by each,” I have the honor to transmit herewith the views of the officers of the War and Interior Departments on the subjects named in the said resolution, and invite attention thereto.