Secretary
of the Navy be authorized to fit up two naval vessels to transport
between our Atlantic cities and Trieste, or the most convenient port to
Vienna, and back, their articles for exhibition.

Since your last session the President of the Mexican Republic,
distinguished by his high character and by his services to his country,
has died. His temporary successor has now been elected with great
unanimity by the people--a proof of confidence on their part in his
patriotism and wisdom which it is believed will be confirmed by the
results of his administration. It is particularly desirable that nothing
should be left undone by the Government of either Republic to strengthen
their relations as neighbors and friends.

It is much to be regretted that many lawless acts continue to disturb
the quiet of the settlements on the border between our territory and
that of Mexico, and that complaints of wrongs to American citizens in
various parts of the country are made. The revolutionary condition in
which the neighboring Republic has so long been involved has in some
degree contributed to this disturbance. It is to be hoped that with a
more settled rule of order through the Republic, which may be expected
from the present Government, the acts of which just complaint is made
will cease.

The proceedings of the commission under the convention with Mexico of
the 4th of July, 1868, on the subject of claims, have, unfortunately,
been checked by an obstacle, for the removal of which measures have been
taken by the two Governments which it is believed will prove successful.

The commissioners appointed, pursuant to the joint resolution of
Congress of the 7th of May last, to inquire into depredations on the
Texan frontier have diligently made investigations in that quarter.
Their report upon the subject will be communicated to you. Their
researches were necessarily incomplete, partly on account of the limited
appropriation made by Congress. Mexico, on the part of that Government,
has appointed a similar commission to investigate these outrages. It
is not announced officially, but the press of that country states that
the fullest investigation is desired, and that the cooperation of all
parties concerned is invited to secure that end. I therefore recommend
that a special appropriation be made at the earliest day practicable, to
enable the commissioners on the part of the United States to return to
their labors without delay.

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