EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 25, 1885_.
_To the House of Representatives:_
In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 13th
instant, requesting me to inform that body, if not incompatible with
the public interest, what were the reasons which moved me to appoint
commissioners to examine and report upon the California and Oregon
Railroad from Reading northwardly, I transmit herewith a communication
on that subject addressed to me on the 24th instant by the Secretary of
the Interior, setting forth the practice under which my action was
taken.