Grover Cleveland: “The supposition should not be indulged that Congress...intended to make its protection depend upon the performance of…”

To the Senate and House of Representatives:I transmit herewith, for the information of the Congress, a communication from the Secretary of State, covering the report of the Director of the Bureau of the American Republics for the year 1896.

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 1299, entitled 'An act to pension Harriet Woodbury, of Windsor, Vt.'

I have not thought it compatible with the public interest that the correspondence referred to in the resolution should be communicated pending the public and exhaustive investigation about to be instituted.

Though it seems to be clear that the consul-general should have professional aid in such investigation, that matter, together with the selection of the particular persons to act with him, properly devolves upon my successor in office.