se of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Congress, a
communication from the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of the State
of New York, inclosing resolutions unanimously adopted by that chamber
on June 1, 1899, requesting legislation authorizing the appointment of
commercial _attaches_ to the principal embassies and legations of
the United States.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 4, 1900_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of December 20, 1899, I
transmit herewith a copy of the report of the commission appointed by
the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the
war with Spain, together with a copy of all the testimony taken by said
commission.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 1, 1900_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of January 24, 1900, I
transmit herewith a copy of the report and all accompanying papers of
Brig-Gen. John C. Bates, in relation to the negotiations of a treaty or
agreement made by him with the Sultan of Sulu on the 20th day of August,
1899.

I reply to the request and said resolution for further information that
the payments of money provided for by the agreement will be made from
the revenues of the Philippine Islands, unless Congress shall otherwise
direct.

Such payments are not for specific services but are a part consideration
due to the Sulu tribe or nation under the agreement, and they have been
stipulated for subject to the action of Congress in conformity with the
practice of this Government from the earliest times in its agreements
with the various Indian nations occupying and governing portions of the
territory subject to the sovereignty of the United States.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 2, 1900_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, for the information of the Congress, a report of a
commission appointed by me on January 20, 1899, to investigate affairs
in the Philippine Islands.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 21, 1900_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, in response to
the resolution of the House of Representatives of February 19, 1900,
calling upon him to inform the House of Representatives--

1. If "Charles E. Ma