Answer. In the first instance, as loaded; and, secondly, as the cargo is removed and space increases, the temperature to be kept at the lowest point possible. The lowest temperature possible to be attained without consideration of the hull as to its being constructed of wood or iron.

In addition to the above, I have to present the questions submitted by the executive committee to parties proposing for refrigerating vessels, as follows:

1. Will the apparatus which you propose to furnish be capable of reducing the temperature of the atmosphere of a 1,500-ton ship, free of cargo, at New Orleans, La., in July to 0° F. in eight (8) hours; if not, to what temperature, and in what time?

2. What will be the cost of such apparatus, independent of all questions of cost of ship or vessel?

3. At what time will you guarantee to have such apparatus ready for use at New Orleans?

4. Are you willing to give bonds that such apparatus will successfully perform all that you promise in reply to question 1 ?

5. Can the apparatus be used on shore at a wharf?

6. Do you propose other means of disinfecting vessels in connection with your apparatus? If so, specify fully.

7. Under what patent or patents is your apparatus issued? Give date and number. I am, sir, very respectfully,

DAVID SMITH, Esq.,

Chief Engineer, U. S. N.

THOMAS J. TURNER, Secretary National Board of Health.

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In answer to a Senate resolution of June 20, 1879, information in relation to the International Silver Conference held in Paris in 1878.

JUNE 25, 1879.-Read, ordered to lie on the table and be printed.

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit herewith to the Senate a report from the Secretary of State in response to a resolution of that body of the 20th instant calling for the proceedings and accompanying papers of the International Silver Conference held in Paris in 1878.

WASHINGTON, June 23, 1879.

To the President:

R. B. HAYES.

The Secretary of State, to whom was addressed a resolution of the Senate of the 20th instant directing him to communicate to that body "a copy of the proceedings and accompanying papers of the International Silver Conference held in Paris in 1878," has the honor to report that the papers in question were submitted by him to the President, who, in turn, communicated them to the Senate on the 6th of February last, and that by a resolution of that body of the same day they were ordered to be printed, as appears from the Record.

Respectfully submitted.

Senate resolution of June 23, 1879, accompanying information in relation to the action taken by the National Board of Health under an act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to contract for the purchase or construction of a refrigerating ship, &c.

JUNE 25, 1879.-Referred to the select committee to investigate and report the best means of preventing the introduction and spread of epidemic diseases, and ordered to be printed.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, June 25, 1879. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the resolution of the Senate of the 23d instant, as follows:

That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and is hereby, directed to report to this body all action and proceedings taken by the National Board of Health under or in connection with "An act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to contract for the purchase or construction of a refrigerating ship for the disinfection of vessels and cargoes, and for other purposes," approved April 18, 1879; together with copies of all papers, plans, specifications, and correspondence relating thereto submitted to said board up to the time such report is made.

In reply thereto, I in close copies of the following papers furnished by the National Board of Health:

1. Report of the board of naval officers appointed to consider what particular kind of ship and refrigerating machinery are best calculated to serve the purposes of disinfection indicated by the act of Congress approved April 18, 1879. (See S. Ex. Doc. No. 30.)

2. Correspondence of the National Board of Health, marked from A to G, inclusive.

3. A list of letters received by the board, with a brief of their contents. This correspondence is too voluminous to be copied in time to be transmitted with this communication, but the originals may be furnished at any time.

4. Correspondence with this department, marked from A to Q, inclusive.

Very respectfully,

JOHN SHERMAN,

Secretary.

President pro tempore of the Senote.

Hon. ALLEN G. THURMAN,