The Government is not an almoner of gifts among the people, but an instrumentality by which the people's affairs should be conducted upon business principles, regulated by the public needs.

Upon the whole it does not appear, as a business proposition, that the building proposed should be undertaken.

There is no necessity for the expenditure of $100,000.

I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 1162.

I return herewith the bill (H. R. 367) to amend section 536 of the Revised Statutes of the United States.

It seems to be the opinion of all the officers of the Government who have examined the matter at all that a debt exists in favor of the Government upon this bond.

I do not suppose that it was intended by the Congress to entirely relieve these sureties if a condition exists such as is above set out, which results in an indebtedness to the Government.

I think it will hardly be claimed that the patient investigation of the accounting officers should be lightly discredited in this case.

I find no reason why this beneficiary should be singled out from his class.

He is now receiving the highest rate allowed under the general law for cases such as his, and he would be entitled to no more under the special act.

I am certain that exact equality and fairness in the treatment of our veterans is, after all, more just, beneficent, and useful than unfair discrimination in favor of officers.

It could not, therefore, by any possibility be of the least benefit to him, but, on the other hand, might jeopardize his advantages already gained.

The beneficiary mentioned in this bill is now receiving the highest rate of pension allowed in cases such as hers under the general law.

His widow's pension should be increased beyond that furnished others in her situation.

I can not put out of mind the soldiers in this condition who were privates in the ranks.

All the information which is available to me fails to furnish any reason why this pension should be specially increased.

To the Senate: In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 14th instant, relating to the arrest, trial, and discharge of A. K. Cutting, a citizen of the United States, by the authorities of Mexico, I transmit herewith a letter from…

He seems upon the facts presented to be justly entitled to it.