The epoch was one of the deepest interest and the events well worthy of
commemoration.
I am aware that as each State acted independently in giving its adhesion
to the new Constitution the dates and anniversaries of their several
ratifications are not coincident. Some action looking to a national
expression in relation to the celebration of the close of the first
century of popular government under a written constitution has already
been suggested, and whilst stating the great interest I share in the
renewed examination by the American people of the historical foundations
of their Government, I do not feel warranted in discriminating in favor
or against the propositions to select one day or place in preference to
all others, and therefore content myself with conveying to Congress
these expressions of popular feeling and interest upon the subject,
hoping that in a spirit of patriotic cooperation, rather than of local
competition, fitting measures may be enacted by Congress which will give
the amplest opportunity all over these United States for the
manifestation of the affection and confidence of a free and mighty
nation in the institutions of a Government of which they are the
fortunate inheritors and under which unexampled prosperity has been
enjoyed by all classes and conditions in our social system.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 18, 1887_.
_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:
I transmit herewith a communication of the 7th ultimo from the Secretary
of the Interior, submitting, with accompanying papers, a draft of a bill
"for the relief of Hiatt & Co.
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