A condition of affairs now exists in some of the States of the Union rendering life and property insecure and the carrying of the mails and the collection of the revenue dangerous.  The proof that such a condition of affairs exists in some localities is now before the Senate.  That the power to correct these evils is beyond the control of the State authorities I do not doubt; that the power of the Executive of the United States, acting within the limits of existing laws, is sufficient for present emergencies is not clear.

Therefore I urgently recommend such legislation as in the judgment of Congress shall effectually secure life, liberty, and property and the enforcement of law in all parts of the United States.

It may be expedient to provide that such law as shall be passed in pursuance of this recommendation shall expire at the end of the next session of Congress.

There is no other subject upon which I would recommend legislation during the present session.

U.S.  GRANT.

WASHINGTON, March 28, 1871.

To the Senate of the United States:

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 16th instant, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the papers[44] which accompanied it.

U.S.  GRANT.

[Footnote 44:  Reports, communications, etc., relative to the International Statistical Congress held at The Hague in 1869.]

WASHINGTON, March 30, 1871.

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit, for consideration with a view to its ratification, a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and the Kingdom of Italy, signed at Florence on the 26th of last month.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 31, 1871.

To the Senate of the United States:

In answer to your resolution of the 17th instant, requesting, “if not incompatible with the public service, the report recently made by a board of officers of the Engineer Department on the condition of the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Miss., with such remarks, suggestions, or recommendations as may be made by the Chief Engineer of the Army,” I herewith transmit a report, dated 28th instant, with accompanying papers, received from the Secretary of War.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, April 5, 1871.

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

I have the honor to submit herewith to the two Houses of Congress the report of the commissioners appointed in pursuance of joint resolution approved January 12, 1871.

It will be observed that this report more than sustains all that I have heretofore said in regard to the productiveness and healthfulness of the Republic of San Domingo, of the unanimity of the people for annexation to the United States, and of their peaceable character.