I transmit herewith, with a view to its ratification, a treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, concluded October 2, 1886, in the harbor of Nukualofa, Tongatabu, between the United States of America and the King of Tonga.

I adhere to the sentiments thus heretofore expressed.

It is a mistake to suppose that service pensions, such as are permitted by the second section of the bill under consideration, are new to our legislation.

It is manifestly of the utmost importance that statutes which, like pension laws, should be liberally administered as measures of benevolence in behalf of worthy beneficiaries should admit of no uncertainty as to their general objects and…

I can not believe that the vast peaceful army of Union soldiers... desire at this time and in the present exigency to be confounded with those who through such a bill... gain a place upon the pension roll through alleged dependence.

I think it may be said that at the close of the War of the Rebellion every Northern State and a great majority of Northern counties and cities were burdened with taxation on account of the large bounties paid our soldiers.

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the House of the 24th ultimo, a report of the Secretary of State.

I withhold my assent from this bill because, if the facts before me... are true, the allowance of this claim would, in my opinion, be a travesty upon our whole scheme of pensions and an insult to every decent veteran soldier.

There is no doubt that justice will be done the claimant under the general law.

He is totally unfit for the Invalid Corps or for any other military duty.

I hereby return without approval House bill No. 7540, entitled 'An act to increase the pension of Franklin Sweet.'

The rejection was clearly right, unless the Government is to be held as an insurer against every fatal casualty incurred by those who have served in the Army, without regard to the manner of its occurrence.