William McKinley actually said...

"The measure of governmental liability is fulfilled by the passage of the act of March 3, 1891, and the prompt payment of the judgments rendered thereunder."

"To single out for payment a few claims of this large class to the exclusion of all others would, in my judgment, be unjust."

"I am constrained to withhold my approval from the bill."

"There is no legal obligation on the part of the United States, and no promise, express or implied, for the payment of such claims."