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   Although there is reason to congratulate ourselves upon the increase
of the state's receipts of late years, an augmentation of the sources of
revenue cannot longer be deferred. At the same time, there ought to-
be a general reformation of our taxes. A proposition tending to accom-
plish this reform will be presented to you.
   A better regulation of local taxation seems more and more necessary..
 For this purpose, in connection with the revision of the fiscal system of
 the state, your co-operation will be asked.
   A project for the modification of the law concerning higher school
 education is in course of preparation.
   Propositions relative to the elective franchise will reach you soon.
   It is my intention to cause an examination to be made as to what
 articles of the fundamental law it is important should be revised.
   Your deliberations upon important projects of laws presented to you
 in former sessions are awaited with a natural interest.
   May onr united efforts, under the indispensable blessing of God, con
 tribute to the happiness of our dear country.
   I declare the session of the States General to be opened.
                             RUSSIA.
                               No. 260.
                  Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Hoffman.
 No. 109.1                       DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
                                     Washington, December 29, 1881.
   SIR: The noble action of the government in Russia in hastening as it
 has done to relieve the distressing situation of the survivors of the
 American Arctic exploring steamer Jeannette, and to facilitate their
 speedy restoration to their homes, is welcomed by the American people
 as a striking tribute of the good-will and fraternity of sentiment which
 havetraditionally subsisted between the United States and Russia. Nor.
 is it to the Government of the United States a less notable proof of the
 closeness of the ties which bind the two countries in generous fellowship.
 We see in this act of rescue something more than an exhibition of the
 natural humanity of feeling which prompts governments as well as indi-
 viduals to tender succor to the distressed and relief to the needy cast
on
 a friendly shore-we recognize it as manifesting in a higher sense the
 warmth of the association of two great nations whose intercourse has
 been from the outset marked by signal and enduring friendship, and
 by acts of consideration and mutual high esteem.
   The President directs that you will convey these sentiments to His.
 Imperial Majesty's government, assuring it, in the name cf the govern-
 ment and people of the United States, of the deep gratification with
 which the great hospitality of Russia to our unfortunate explorers on
 her coast has been here received.
       -am, &c.,
                                 FRED'K T. FRELINGHUYSEN.
44
RUSSIA.