Second.  Mr. Redstone’s preemption declaratory statement was filed April 6, 1889, and alleged settlement upon the same day.  The land covered thereby had not been proclaimed for sale, and under sections 2265 and 2267 of the Revised Statutes, Mr. Redstone had thirty-three months from the date of his settlement within which to make proof and payment for the land, but in fact he never attempted to make such proof or payment.  His preemption claim had therefore expired by operation of law long before the creation of this reserve.  After his filing had thus expired Mr. Redstone was cited by the Land Department to show cause why his claim should not be declared at an end, and his filing formally canceled upon the public records, but he made no response or defense, and the filing was accordingly canceled.

Third.  The Commissioner of the General Land Office reports that an investigation, made under the supervision of his office, shows that Mr. Redstone had actually abandoned the land covered by his preemption claim before the reserve was established.

Fourth.  The Commissioner of the General Land Office reports that an examination, made under the supervision of his office, shows that the improvements placed upon this land during the life of this preemption claim and thereafter abandoned were less than $200 in value, while the amount appropriated in this bill is $1,800.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, January 27, 1899.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

In accordance with a provision in the act making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1899, I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of Agriculture “upon the forestry investigations and work of the Department of Agriculture.”

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 9, 1899.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the 2nd instant, requesting information “whether any franchises or concessions of any character are being or have been granted by any municipality in Cuba or Puerto Rico since the military occupation thereof by the United States,” etc., a report from the Secretary of War and accompanying papers.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, February 11, 1899.

To the House of Representatives: 

I transmit herewith the response of the Secretary of State to the resolution of the House of Representatives of February 4, 1899, calling for information in his possession concerning certain alleged outrages committed upon the person of Bishop Earl Cranston and other American citizens in the city of Peking, China.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, February 18, 1899.

To the Senate: 

I transmit herewith the response of the Secretary of Agriculture to the resolution of the Senate of February 8, 1899, calling for information in his possession regarding the practical usefulness of reservoirs to agriculture in the irrigated region of the United States, especially as affecting the distribution of water to crops, the area and value of reclaimed land, and the stability and unprofitableness of farming where irrigation is practised.