EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 27, 1898_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State and
accompanying papers relating to the claim against the United States of
the Russian subject, Gustav Isak Dahlberg, master and principal owner of
the Russian bark _Hans_, based on his wrongful and illegal arrest
and imprisonment by officers of the United States district court for the
southern district of Mississippi, and in view of the opinion expressed
by the Department of Justice that the said arrest and detention of the
complainant were wrongful and without authority of law, I recommend the
appropriation by Congress of the sum of $5,000 to reimburse the master
and owners of the vessel for all losses and damages incurred by reason
of his said wrongful and illegal arrest and detention.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 16, 1898_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State,
accompanying the annual reports of the consuls of the United States upon
foreign industries and commerce. In view of the value of these reports
to the business interests of the country, I indorse the recommendation
of the Secretary of State that Congress authorize the printing of a