now remain of my term of office, can be most
properly left to my successor.

In response to the inquiry of the German minister at this capital
whether the names of the proposed representatives of the United States
at the conference in Berlin could at once be given to him, he has been
informed that the appointments in question would be made by my successor
and not by me, and that in coming to this decision the expedition
desired by Germany in the work of the conference would in my judgment be
promoted.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 27, 1889_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit, with a view to its ratification, a convention for the
extradition of criminals, signed by the plenipotentiaries of the United
States and Russia on the 28th day of March, 1887; also a report from the
Secretary of State and accompanying papers relating to the negotiations
which terminated in the conclusion of the treaty in question.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 27, 1889_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith transmit a report of the Secretary of State and accompanying
documents, relative to a naturalization treaty between the United States
and Turkey signed the 11th day of August, 1874, as to the proclamation
of which the advice of the Senate is desired. The advice and consent of
the Senate were given to the ratification of the convention on the 22d
of January, 1875, but with certain amendments which were not fully
accepted by the Ottoman Porte. Because of such nonacceptance the treaty
has never been proclaimed. Finally the Turkish Government, after the
passage of fourteen years, has accepted the amendments as tendered. But
in view of the long period that has elapsed since the Senate formerly
considered the treaty I have deemed it wiser that before proclaiming it
the Senate should have an opportunity to act upon the matter again, my
own views being wholly favorable to the proclamation.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 27, 1889_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the House of
Representatives of the 21st of December last, a report of the Secretary
of State and accompanying documents, touching affairs in Madagascar.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 28, 1889_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of