e same be measured by exactly the same rule of discrimination.

The course which I have outlined and the recommendations made relate to
the honor and dignity of our country and the protection and preservation
of the rights and interests of all our people. A government does but
half its duty when it protects its citizens at home and permits them
to be imposed upon and humiliated by the unfair and over-reaching
disposition of other nations. If we invite our people to rely upon
arrangements made for their benefit abroad, we should see to it that
they are not deceived; and if we are generous and liberal to a
neighboring country, our people should reap the advantage of it by a
return of liberality and generosity.

These are subjects which partisanship should not disturb or confuse. Let
us survey the ground calmly and moderately; and having put aside other
means of settlement, if we enter upon the policy of retaliation let us
pursue it firmly, with a determination only to subserve the interests of
our people and maintain the high standard and the becoming pride of
American citizenship.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _August 27, 1888_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the
27th instant (the Senate concurring), I return herewith House bill No.
10060, entitled "An act prescribing the times for sales and for notice
of sales of property in the District of Columbia for overdue taxes."

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _September 7, 1888_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In reply to the resolution of the Senate in the words following--

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, _September 5, 1888_.

_Resolved_, That the President is requested, if not incompatible
with the public interests, to inform the Senate whether the recent
treaty with China and the amendments adopted by the Senate have been
ratified by the Emperor of China--

I have to communicate the annexed copies of dispatches from our minister
to China, giving the only official information at hand in relation to
the matter to which reference is had.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _September 12, 1888_.

_To the Senate_:

Responding to the inquiries contained in the subjoined resolution of the
Senate of the 28th ultimo, I have the honor to state in reply to the
subject first therein mentioned, calling upon the Executive for "copies
of all