y of these conversions, the
determination of the best and most economical method of providing guns
of still larger caliber should no longer be delayed. The experience
of other nations, based on the new conditions of defense brought
prominently forward by the introduction of ironclads into every navy
afloat, demands heavier metal and rifle guns of not less than 12 inches
in caliber. These enormous masses, hurling a shot of 700 pounds, can
alone meet many of the requirements of the national defenses. They must
be provided, and experiments on a large scale can alone give the data
necessary for the determination of the question. A suitable proving
ground, with all the facilities and conveniences referred to by the
Chief of Ordnance, with a liberal annual appropriation, is an undoubted
necessity.

The guns now ready for trial can not be experimented with without funds,
and the estimate of $250,000 for the purpose is deemed reasonable and is
strongly recommended.

The constant appeals for legislation on the "armament of fortifications"
ought no longer to be disregarded if Congress desires in peace to
prepare the important material without which future wars must inevitably
lead to disaster.

This subject is submitted with the hope that the consideration it
deserves may be given it at the present session.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 25, 1875_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the commission of
engineers appointed in compliance with the act of Congress approved June
22, 1874, to investigate and report a permanent plan for the reclamation
of the alluvial basin of the Mississippi River subject to inundation.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 26, 1875_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of Congress,
a report of the progress made to this date by the United States
Centennial Commission appointed in accordance with the requirements of
the act approved June 1, 1872.

U.S. GRANT.

WASHINGTON, _February 1, 1875_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification,
a treaty concluded on the 30th ultimo between this Government and His
Hawaiian Majesty, on the subject of commercial reciprocity. I also
transmit, for the information of the Senate, the papers mentioned in the
subjoined list,