I believe the rejection of this claim was right and just upon its merits.

I can not believe upon the facts presented that an injury of the character alleged could have been sustained in the service and still permitted the performance of all the duties of wagon master for months thereafter, remaining undeveloped…

When with this it is considered that eighteen years elapsed between the date of the alleged injury and the soldier's application for pension, I am satisfied that no injustice will be done if the disposition made of this case by the Pension…

I return without approval House bill No. 4633, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Morris T. Mantor.'

It is hardly possible that an injury of this kind, producing the consequences which it is alleged followed its infliction, could have been sustained by this soldier and not in the least interrupted the performance of his military service.

His claim to a pension lacks merit.

The second enactment is of course entirely useless, and was evidently passed by mistake.

The evidence thus secured seemed to establish the fact that the claimant's eyes were sore for many years before enlistment.

It must be conceded that upon the claimant's own showing he was not injured as an incident to military service.

I am convinced such action was entirely justified.

I return without approval House bill No. 823, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Hannah C. De Wilt.'

The temptation is very strong to yield assent to the proposition for the relief of a citizen from liability to the Government arising from conduct not absolutely criminal.

I transmit a report from that officer, together with the correspondence called for by the resolution.

The negligence made apparent in this case should be overlooked.

I am thoroughly convinced that the interests of the public would be better protected if fewer private bills were passed relieving officials, upon slight and sentimental grounds, from their pecuniary responsibilities.

I return herewith without approval Senate bill No. 809, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Betsey Mannsfield.'

I am entirely satisfied that this determination was correct.

I do hereby declare and proclaim that from and after the date of this my proclamation shall be suspended the collection of the whole of the tonnage duty