He also testified that the origin of the disease
was no doubt recent, though possibly it might have existed in a low form
for some years.
A medical examination in May, 1882, developed no disease of the kidneys.
It seems to me that all the reliable testimony in the case tends to show
beyond a doubt that the soldier's death was not due to any incident of
his military service. I do not find that the medical testimony given by
his neighbors makes a suggestion that it was, and upon all the facts I
am of the opinion that the pension which has been already allowed was a
liberal disposition of the case.
The beneficiary named in this bill is aged, and it would certainly be a
gratification to grant her relief; but the question is whether we do
well to establish a precedent for the allowance of claims of this
character in the distribution of pension funds.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 30, 1888_.
_To the Senate_:
I return without approval Senate bill No. 465, entitled "An act granting
a pension to William Sackman, sr."
The beneficiary named in this bill served from December 24, 1861, to
February 29, 1864, in the Fifth Regiment of the Missouri Militia
Cavalry.
He was discharged on the day last named for disability. His certificate
of discharge states his disability as follows:
Palpitation of the heart and defective lungs, the disability caused by
falling off his horse near Fredericktown, Mo.
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