I think the action of the Bureau was correct.

I have considered the pension list of the Republic a roll of honor, bearing names inscribed by national gratitude, and not by improvident and indiscriminate almsgiving.

I am satisfied that this case was properly disposed of by the Pension Bureau.

The death of the son of the beneficiary is far from being satisfactorily established.

I transmit herewith, with a view to its ratification, a convention for the extradition of criminals between the United States of America and the Republic of Colombia.

I can not spell out any principle upon which the bounty of the Government is bestowed through the instrumentality of the flood of private pension bills that reach me.

Ordered, That noncompetitive examinations to test fitness for the following designated places in the classified departmental service be, and are hereby, authorized.

GROVER CLEVELAND

The death of this soldier was not the result of his military service.

His presence on the boat was in the line of duty, but he had no charge of the rest of the men.

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied with selected correspondence relating to foreign affairs for the year 1887.

If he had refrained from interference, he would have saved himself and performed to the utmost his military duty.

I can not forget the thousands of poor widows with claims superior to this beneficiary.

I am unable to discover why a pension should be granted in this case, unless the Government is to be held as an insurer of the safety of every person in the military service in all circumstances and at all times and places.

I discover no reason of any substance why this pension should be increased.

I am satisfied that this was a just conclusion.

I believe that if the veterans of the war knew all that was going on in the way of granting pensions by private bills they would be more disgusted than any class of our citizens.

I return without approval House bill No. 8174, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Ellen Sexton.'