CHESTER A. ARTHUR.



WASHINGTON, _December 19, 1881_.

_To the Senate of the United States:_

I transmit herewith to the Senate a report of the Secretary of State,
in relation to the necessity of modifying the present system of consular
jurisdiction of the United States in the countries of the East. I regard
this subject, to which I have adverted in my general message to
Congress, as one deserving the earnest attention of the National
Legislature.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

[A similar message was sent to the House of Representatives.]



WASHINGTON, _December 19, 1881_.

_To the House of Representatives:_

I transmit herewith to the House of Representatives, for the
consideration of Congress, a communication from the Secretary of State,
setting forth the expediency of organizing a class of supernumerary
secretaries of legation to meet the needs of our diplomatic service
abroad.