Grover Cleveland

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

He was discharged for a disability which, to say the least of it, certainly had no relation to his military service.

It would only be a manifestation of unjust favoritism.

I am satisfied that this was a just conclusion.

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

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

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

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 am perfectly satisfied from the medical testimony and from other facts connected with this case that the death of the husband of the beneficiary was in no manner related to his military service.

I return without approval House bill No. 5522, entitled 'An act for the relief of Elijah Martin.'

I do not think there should be a discrimination in favor of this applicant and against many thousands of widows fully as well entitled.

The bill herewith returned is disapproved for the reason that the death of the soldier had no relation to his military service.

Printers, employed as such.

I return without approval House bill No. 3959, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Dolly Blazer.'

I am satisfied that the beneficiary has died since the introduction of the bill for his relief.

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the 11th instant, a report of the Secretary of State.

There really seems to be no good reason why the contractor should not make good the entire loss consequent upon his default.

I return without approval Senate bill No. 1017, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Stephen Schiedel.'

The Government is obliged in the transaction of its business to make numerous contracts with private parties, and if these contracts are to be of any use or protection they should not be lightly set aside on behalf of citizens who are…

I return without approval Senate bill No. 1772, entitled 'An act for the relief of John H. Marion.'

It seems hardly possible that he could have done this if he had been injured in the manner he alleges.

There is no record of any injury or disability while in the service.

Medical examinations failed to disclose any disability from the cause alleged.

If, however, strict rights are to be relinquished and the liberality of the Government invoked, it should not be taxed beyond the limit of sharing the loss with the delinquent.