EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 17, 1886_.
_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:
With reference to the paragraph in my annual message to Congress in
which I called attention to the uncertainty that exists as to the
location of the frontier line between Alaska and British Columbia as
defined by the treaty of cession with Russia of March 30, 1867, I now
transmit herewith, for the information and consideration of Congress,
a report of the Secretary of State upon the subject, with accompanying
papers.
In view of the importance of the subject, I recommend that provision be
made by law for a preliminary survey of the boundary line in question by
officers of the United States, in order that the information necessary
for the basis of a treaty between this country and Great Britain for the
establishment of a definite boundary line may be obtained; and I also
recommend that the sum of $100,000, or so much thereof as may be
necessary, be appropriated for the expenses of making such survey.