In the interest of the beneficiary and for her advantage the special bill is therefore disapproved.

But the pension under the general laws dates from the time of filing the application in 1879, while under a special act it would date only from the time of its passage.

I suppose his certificate has already been issued, and I am unwilling to jeopardize the advantages he has gained thereunder.

I return herewith without approval Senate bill No. 2111, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Jacob Smith.'

I transmit herewith to the House of Representatives a report from the Secretary of State, in response to a resolution of that body of the 16th instant, inquiring as to the action of this Department to protect the interests of American…

If this is the officer whose widow is named in the bill, the proposition is to pension a widow of a soldier who, after a ten months' service, resigned.

This bill proposes to grant a pension to the beneficiary therein named as the widow of Richard O'Neal.

The records of the War Department fail to show that there was a colonel of the Twenty-sixth Indiana Regiment named Richard O'Neal.

I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 859, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Charlotte O'Neal.'

Of course these decisions were correct in law, in equity, and in morals.

This case demonstrates the means employed in attempts to cheat the Government in applications for pensions--too often successful.

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.

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.

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.

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 adhere to the sentiments thus heretofore expressed.

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