quately performed at this time
by presenting to the Congress the important phases of our situation as
related to our intercourse with foreign nations and a statement of the
financial problems which confront us, omitting, except as they are
related to these topics, any reference to departmental operations.

I earnestly invite, however, not only the careful consideration but the
severely critical scrutiny of the Congress and my fellow-countrymen to
the reports concerning these departmental operations. If justly and
fairly examined, they will furnish proof of assiduous and painstaking
care for the public welfare. I press the recommendations they contain
upon the respectful attention of those charged with the duty of
legislation, because I believe their adoption would promote the people's
good.

By amendatory tariff legislation in January last the Argentine Republic,
recognizing the value of the large market opened to the free importation
of its wools under our last tariff act, has admitted certain products
of the United States to entry at reduced duties. It is pleasing to note
that the efforts we have made to enlarge the exchanges of trade on a
sound basis of mutual benefit are in this instance appreciated by the
country from which our woolen factories draw their needful supply of raw
material.

The Missions boundary dispute between the Argentine Republic and Brazil,
referred to the President of the United States as arbitrator during the
term of my predecessor, and which was submitted to me for determination,
resulted in an award in favor of Brazil upon the historical and
documentary evidence presented, thus ending a long-protracted
controversy and again demonstrating the wisdom and desirability of
settling international boundary disputes by recourse to friendly
arbitration.

Negotiations are progressing for a revival of the United States and
Chilean Claims Commission, whose work was abruptly terminated last year
by the expiration of the stipulated time within which awards could be
made.

The resumption of specie payments by Chile is a step of great interest
and importance both in its direct consequences upon her own welfare and
as evincing the ascendency of sound financial principles in one of the
most influential of the South American Republics.

The close of the momentous struggle between China and Japan, while
relieving the diplomatic agents of this Government from the delicate
duty they undertook at the reques