EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 6, 1899_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith in answer to the resolution of the Senate of
December 15, 1898, a communication from the Secretary of State covering
a preliminary report from the Nicaraguan Canal Commission, dated
December 26, 1898, relative to its progress in investigating the
question of the proper route, the feasibility, and cost of construction
of the Nicaragua Canal.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 6, 1899_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State,
inclosing the annual report of the Director of the Bureau of the
American Republics, with accompanying documents. In view of the improved
condition and increasing usefulness of the Bureau, to which I have
already called attention in my annual message, and the welcome
assurances of greater activity on the part of the other American
republics in support of its purposes, I cordially indorse the
recommendations of the Secretary of State. It will doubtless be as
gratifying to Congress as it is to me to be informed that the Argentine
Republic has decided to renew its relations with the Bureau, and that