es, and in behalf of this
Government and people I cordially commend them to all nations who may be
pleased to take part therein.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of July, 1873, and of the
Independence of the United States the ninety-seventh.

U.S. GRANT.

By the President:
HAMILTON FISH,
_Secretary of State_.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas satisfactory evidence was given me on the 13th day of September
current by the Marquis de Noailles, envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary from the French Republic, that on and after the 1st day
of October next merchandise imported into France in vessels of the
United States, from whatever country, will be subject to no other duties
or imposts than those which shall be collected upon merchandise imported
into France from countries of its origin or from any other country in
French vessels:

Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by law, do hereby
declare and proclaim that on and after the 1st day of October next,
so long as merchandise imported into France in vessels of the United
States, whether from the countries of its origin or from other
countries, shall be admitted into the ports of France on the terms
aforesaid, the discriminating duties heretofore levied upon merchandise
imported into the United States in French vessels, either from the
countries of its origin or from any other country, shall be and are
discontinued and abolished.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of September, A.D. 1873,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the
ninety-eighth.

[SEAL.]

U.S. GRANT.

By the President:
J.C. BANCROFT DAVIS,
_Acting Secretary of State_.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

The approaching close of another year brings with it the occasion for
renewed thanksgiving and acknowledgment to the Almighty Ruler of the
Universe for the unnumbered mercies which He has bestowed upon us.

Abundant harvests have been among the rewards of industry. With local
exceptions, health has been among the many blessings enjoyed.
Tr