EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 11, 1884_.
_To the Senate and House of Representatives:_
I transmit a communication, under date of the 8th instant, addressed to
me by the Secretary of the Navy, covering a report of Professor Simon
Newcomb, United States Navy, on the subject of recent improvements in
astronomical observatories, instruments, and methods of observations, as
noted during his visit to the principal observatories of Europe in the
year 1883, made in pursuance of orders of the Navy Department.
The request of the Secretary is commended to the consideration of
Congress.