EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 5, 1888_.
_To the Senate_:
I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with its
inclosures, in response to the resolution of the Senate of the 21st of
December, 1887, and the 16th of January, 1888, touching the awards of
the late Mexican Claims Commission, and especially those in favor of
Benjamin Weil and La Abra Silver Mining Company.
It will be seen that the report concludes with a suggestion that these
claims be referred to the Court of Claims, or such other court as may be
deemed proper, in order that the charges of fraud made in relation to
said claims may be fully investigated.
If for any reason this proceeding be considered inadvisable, I
respectfully ask that some final and definite action be taken directing
the executive department of the Government what course to pursue in the
premises.
In view of the long delay that has already occurred in these cases, it
would seem but just to all parties concerned that the Congress should
speedily signify its final judgment upon the awards referred to and make
the direction contemplated by the act of 1878, in default of which the
money now on hand applicable to such awards now remains undistributed.