To the ordinary mind it seems impossible that apoplexy could result
from such a varicosed condition as is described in this case. I do not
understand that the physician who gives a contrary opinion bases his
judgment upon actual observation at the time the soldier died. The last
medical examination by the Pension Bureau before the soldier's death was
in October, 1882, and resulted in the following report of the examining
surgeon:
Weight, 180 pounds; age, 69 years; has varicose veins of left leg, but
not to such an extent as to increase the size of the leg or result in
marked disability; he is entirely blind in both eyes from glaucoma,
which does not in any degree, in my opinion, depend upon the pensioned
disability--varicose veins.
It appears that the benefit proposed by this bill can neither be
properly regarded as a gratuity, based upon the honorable service and
record of the soldier, nor predicated on his death resulting from a
disability incurred in such service.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 26, 1887_.
_To the Senate_:
I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 2210, entitled "An
act granting a pension to Anna Wright."
The beneficiary named in this bill was granted a pension on the 17th day
of November, 1886, dating from May 25, 1863, and is now under the
general law receiving precisely the pension which she would receive
under the bill herewith returned if the same should be approved.
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