, 1872-12-03
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE,

To The Senate and House Of Representatives:
In transmitting to you my fourth annual hes
sage, it is With thankfulness to the GiVer Of All
Good that as Nation, We have been blest for
the last year with peace at home and abroad
and 8 general prosperity vouchsafed to but few
people. With the exception Of the recent de-
vastatlng fire which swept from. earth with 8
breath, as it we're, millions Of accumulated
wealth in the City Of Boston, there have been
no over-ahadowing calamities; within the yea1
to record. It is gratifying to note how like
their feloW-citizens OF the
CITY OF CHICAGO,
under similar circumstances a year earlier, the
citizens Of Boston are rallying under their mis-.
fortunes, and the prospect is, that their energy
and perseverance will overcome all obstacles,
and Ihow the same prosperity soon that they
woul7 have shown had 10 disaster befallen
them. Otherwise re have been free from pesti-
lence, war, and calamities which often oTertake
nations, and, as far as human judgment can
penetrate the future, no cause seems to exist to
threaten our present peace.
THE WASHINGTON TREATY.
When Congress adjourned in June last q
question had been raised by Great Britain, and
was then pending, which, for q time seriously
imperilled the settlement by friendly arbitra-
Government and that OF Her Britannia Majesty ;
the treaty Of Washington had been referred TO
the Tribunal Of Arbitration which had met at
Geneva, in Switzerland. The ArbitratorB, how
ever, disposed Of the question which had jeop-
ardized the wh ole Of the treaty, and threatened
to involve the two nations in the most unhappy
relations towards each other, in manner entire
" satisfactory to this Government, and in ac-
cortance with the views and the policy which it
had maintained. The Tribunal which had con-
cluded its laborious session on tie 18th
day OF September last, on which day,
having availed itself of the discretionary
power given to it by the treaty to award sum
in gross, it made its decision, whereby it award
ed the sum Of 515, sol, 900 in gold as the indem-
States, for the satisfaction Of all the claims re-
ferred for it's consideration.
This decision happily disposes Of long stand
ing difference between the two Governments; !;
and, in connection with another award made BY
the German Emperor, under reverence to him
by the same treaty, leaves the two Governments
without q shadow upon the friendly relations
which it is my sincere hope may forever remain
equally unclouded.
The report Of the agent Of the United States,
.companied by the protocols Of the proceedings
of the Arbitrators the arguments Of the coun-
sci Of both Governments; the award Of the
Tribunal, and the opinions given BY the several
Arbitrators is transmitted herewith.
I have caused to be communicated to the heads
OF the three friendly powers who complied with
the joint request made to emunder the Treaty,
the thanks Of this Government for the appoint
ment Of the Arbittators, made by them, respec-
lively, and also my thanks to the eminent per-
sonages named BY them, and my appreciation Of
the dignity, patience, impartiality, and great
ability with which they discharged their arduous
aud high functions.
Her Majeaty's Government has communicated
to me its appreciation by Her Majesty Of the
ability and indefatigable industry displayed
by Mr. Adams, the Arbitrator named on the part
Of this Government during the protracted in
quirieB and discussions Of the Tribunal. I cor
daily unite with Her Majesty in this apprecia-
ton. It is due to the agent Of the
United States before the Tribunal, to
record my appreciation Of the marked
ability, unTearied patience, and the prudence
and discretion with which he has conducted the
very responsible and delicate duties committed
to him; Us it is also due to the learned and emi-
nent counsel who attended the Tribunal on the
part Of this Government, to express my sense OF
the talents and wisdom which they brought to
bear in the argument Of the result 80 happily
roached.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE AWARD.
It will be the province Of Congress to provide
for the distribution among those who may be
entitled to it. Of their resnectiye shares of tho