By the act of Congress of March 23, 1874, the President was authorized, when he should receive satisfactory information that the Ottoman Government or that of Egypt had organized new tribunals likely to secure to citizens of the United States the same impartial justice enjoyed under the exercise of judicial functions by diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, to suspend the operation of the act of June 22, 1860, and to accept for citizens of the United States the jurisdiction of the new tribunals.  Satisfactory information having been received of the organization of such new tribunals in Egypt, I caused a proclamation[115] to be issued upon the 27th of March last, suspending the operation of the act of June 22, 1860, in Egypt, according to the provisions of the act.  A copy of the proclamation accompanies this message.  The United States has united with the other powers in the organization of these courts.  It is hoped that the jurisdictional questions which have arisen may be readily adjusted, and that this advance in judicial reform may be hindered by no obstacles.

The necessary legislation to carry into effect the convention respecting commercial reciprocity concluded with the Hawaiian Islands in 1875 having been had, the proclamation to carry into effect the convention, as provided by the act approved August 15, 1876, was duly issued upon the 9th day of September last.  A copy thereof accompanies this message.[116]

The commotions which have been prevalent in Mexico for some time past, and which, unhappily, seem to be net yet wholly quieted, have led to complaints of citizens of the United States of injuries by persons in authority.  It is hoped, however, that these will ultimately be adjusted to the satisfaction of both Governments.  The frontier of the United States in that quarter has not been exempt from acts of violence by citizens of one Republic on those of the other.  The frequency of these is supposed to be increased and their adjustment made more difficult by the considerable changes in the course of the lower part of the Rio Grande River, which river is a part of the boundary between the two countries.  These changes have placed on either side of that river portions of land which by existing conventions belong to the jurisdiction of the Government on the opposite side of the river.  The subject of adjustment of this cause of difficulty is under consideration between the two Republics.

The Government of the United States of Colombia has paid the award in the case of the steamer Montijo, seized by authorities of that Government some years since, and the amount has been transferred to the claimants.