Grover Cleveland: “I am advised by the Pension Bureau that the bill, if it becomes a law in its present form, would be inoperative.”

It is not claimed, I believe, that the time has come for the further restriction of immigration on the ground that an excess of population overcrowds our land.

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

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.

I am not willing, even by inaction, to be charged with acquiescence in what appears to be such an entire departure from the principle, as well as sentiment, connected with reasonable pension legislation.