Though the period limited for the reception of bids under the existing advertisement expires on the 7th instant, several weeks must necessarily elapse before they can be classified and examined and the actual letting take place.
If, therefore, Congress shall be of the opinion that a change in the law is needed, it may, I presume, be made immediately applicable.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, January 9, 1882.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of the Interior, with accompanying papers, in reference to the bill of the Choctaw Council approved November 10, 1881, granting a right of way through the Choctaw Nation to the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway Company, a bill (S. No. 60) for the ratification of which is now understood to be pending before your honorable body.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, January 11, 1882.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of the Interior, with draft of a bill and accompanying papers, in reference to an agreement by the Shoshone and Bannock Indians with the United States for the disposal of certain of their lands in the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, in Idaho, for the use of the Utah and Northern Railway.