I neither believe it to be a duty nor a kindness to the worthy citizens for whose benefit our scheme of pensions was provided to permit the diversion of the nation's bounty to objects not within its scope and purpose.

I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 1290, entitled 'An act granting a pension to David W. Hamilton.'

It seems to me that a stronger case than this should be presented to justify the passage of a special act.

A wound from a shell causing the person injured to be 'disabled ever since' usually results in hospital or medical treatment.

I am convinced that the rejection of this claim by the Pension Bureau was correct, and think its action should not be reversed.

If any money is to be given this man from the public Treasury, it should not be done under the guise of a pension.

There is not a particle of proof or a fact stated either in the committee's report or the records in the Pension Bureau, so far as they are brought to my notice, tending to show that the claimant was in hospital or under medical care a…

I find nothing in my examination of the facts connected with the case which impeaches the value of the surgeon's certificate upon which the adverse action of the Pension Bureau was predicated.

To the Senate of the United States: A bill which originated in the Senate, entitled 'An act granting a pension to Edward Ayers,' and numbered 363, is herewith returned without approval.

recommend that appropriate legislation to fulfill that treaty promise of this Government be provided without further delay.

I transmit herewith, for your consideration with a view to their ratification, the 'convention concerning the international exchanges for official documents and literary publications' and the 'convention for assuring the immediate exchange…

It is quite obvious that an experienced force of employees at the ports where goods for Springfield are entered would be much better qualified to adjust the duties upon the same than the person thus proposed to be added to the vast army of…

I return without approval Senate bill No. 1397.

To the Senate: In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 5th instant, inquiring as to the necessity for the continuance of the present charge for passports for American citizens desiring to visit foreign countries, I transmit…

There are many cities in the different States having larger populations than Springfield, and fully as much entitled, upon every ground presented, to the advantages sought by this bill.

I recommend that provision be made by law for a preliminary survey of the boundary line in question by officers of the United States.

I also recommend that the sum of $100,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be appropriated for the expenses of making such survey.

I now transmit to Congress a letter to the Secretary of State from Joseph W. Drexel, esq., chairman of the executive committee of 'the American committee on the pedestal of the great statue of 'Liberty Enlightening the World.''