rnment of Her Britannic Majesty, within twelve months from the date
of the award, the sum of $1,929,819 in gold. The commission disallowed
or dismissed all other claims of British subjects against the United
States. The amount of the claims presented by the British Government,
but disallowed or dismissed, is understood to be about $93,000,000. It
also disallowed all the claims of citizens of the United States against
Great Britain which were referred to it.

I recommend the early passage of an act appropriating the amount
necessary to pay this award against the United States.

I have caused to be communicated to the Government of the King of Italy
the thanks of this Government for the eminent services rendered by
Count Corti as the third commissioner on this commission. With dignity,
learning, and impartiality he discharged duties requiring great labor
and constant patience, to the satisfaction, I believe, of both
Governments. I recommend legislation to create a special court, to
consist of three judges, who shall be empowered to hear and determine
all claims of aliens upon the United States arising out of acts
committed against their persons or property during the insurrection.
The recent reference under the treaty of Washington was confined to
claims of British subjects arising during the period named in the
treaty; but it is understood that there are other British claims of a
similar nature, arising after the 9th of April, 1865, and it is known
that other claims of a like nature are advanced by citizens or subjects
of other powers. It is desirable to have these claims also examined and
disposed of.

Official information being received from the Dutch Government of a state
of war between the King of the Netherlands and the Sultan of Acheen, the
officers of the United States who were near the seat of the war were
instructed to observe an impartial neutrality. It is believed that they
have done so.

The joint commission under the convention with Mexico of 1868, having
again been legally prolonged, has resumed its business, which, it
is hoped, may be brought to an early conclusion. The distinguished
representative of Her Britannic Majesty at Washington has kindly
consented, with the approval of his Government, to assume the arduous
and responsible duties of umpire in this commission, and to lend the
weight of his character and name to such decisions as may not receive
the acquiescence of both the arbitrators appointed