faithfully and vigorously defended against unjustifiable assaults under cover of pretended foreign titles.

I further deem it a matter of great importance that the time within which claims not heretofore presented to surveyors general may be filed before any tribunal should be limited to a brief period, and that all claims not presented within such period should be definitely barred.

In view of the great length of time that has already been allowed for this purpose, I think that further time should be limited to two years.

RAILROAD LAND GRANTS.

The construction of 1,210.68 miles of land-grant railroad was reported during the year, making a total of 17,449.78 miles of road reported as constructed under all grants to June 30, 1883. This aggregate includes 205 miles in the Indian Territory, and 342.87 miles in the State of Texas for which there is no grant, such construction being an incident to land-grant lines proper.

Four hundred and seventy-seven thousand seven hundred and forty and twenty-four one-hundredths acres were certified or patented under railroad grants during the year, and 440,856.52 acres were patented for wagon-roads, an increase in patents for railroads and wagon-roads over the previous year of 742,190.10 acres.

Lists of railroad selections aggregating 3,070,453.41 acres are await ing examination, being an increase over the previous year of 1,112,060.62

acres.

The number of settlement claims within the granted or indemnity limits of the various railroad grants that were awaiting original or final action at the close of the year was 6,891, an increase of 1,327 over the arrears of the previous year. Of the total number pending 1,464 had received some action, and 5,427 had not been reached for examination.

RIGHT-OF-WAY RAILROADS.

The number of railroad companies recognized as entitled to a right of way through the public lands to land for station purposes, and to take timber and other material from public lands for the construction of their roads, was at the close of the fiscal year one hundred and sixtythree, located in the various public-land States and Territories.

FORFEITURE OF RAILROAD LAND GRANTS.

The following tables show the grants made to several States and corporations for roads that have not been constructed within the time required by law, classified for reference and convenience under four heads, viz:

1. Where the roads have been completed but not within the time required.

2. Where the roads have not been completed within time but which are in course of construction.

3. Where the roads have been partly completed and construction suspended.

4. Where no part of the roads has been constructed.

Twelve grants fall within the first classification, eight in the second, nine in the third, and twelve in the fourth.

Statement showing States and corporations to which grants have been made to aid in the construction of railroads which have been completed, but not within the time required by law.

Remarks.

Statement showing States and corporations to which grants have been made to aid in the construction of railroads which have not been completed within the

time required by law, but which are in course of construction.