bruary last.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

WASHINGTON, _December 10, 1867_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 25th
ultimo, a report[31] from the Secretary of State, with accompanying
papers.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

[Footnote 31: Relating to the formation and the functions of the
Government of the united States of North Germany.]

WASHINGTON, _December 10, 1867_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit a copy of a dispatch of the 17th of July last, addressed to
the Secretary of State, and of the papers which accompanied it, from
Anson Burlingame, esq., minister of the United States to China, relating
to a proposed modification of the existing treaty between this
Government and that of China.

The Senate is aware that the original treaty is chiefly _ex parte_
in its character. The proposed modification, though not of sufficient
importance to warrant all the usual forms, does not seem to be
objectionable; but it can not be legally accepted by the executive
government without the advice and consent of the Senate. If this
should be given, it may be indicated by a resolution, upon the adoption
of which the United States minister to China will be instructed to
inform the Government of that country that the modification has been
assented to.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

WASHINGTON, _December 12, 1867_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

On the 12th of August last I suspended Mr. Stanton from the exercise of
the office of Secretary of War, and on the same day designated General
Grant to act as Secretary of War _ad interim_.

The following are copies of the Executive orders:

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
_Washington, August 12, 1867_.

Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,
_Secretary of War_.

SIR: By virtue of the power and authority vested in me as President by
the Constitution and laws of the United States, you are hereby suspended
from office as Secretary of War, and will cease to exercise any and all
functions pertaining to the same.

You will at once transfer to General Ulysses S. Grant, who has this day
been authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War _ad interim_,
all records, books, and other property now in your custody and charge.

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
_Washington, D.C., August 12, 1867_.

General ULYSSES S. GRANT,
_Washington, D.C._

SIR: The Hon. Edwin M. Stanton having been this day suspended a