This, upon all the facts, does not appear to be a proper case for
allowing a pension for an injury suffered in the line of military duty.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 2, 1889_.
_To the Senate_:
I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 139, entitled "An act
to credit and pay to the several States and Territories and the District
of Columbia all moneys collected under the direct tax levied by the act
of Congress approved August 5, 1861."
The object of this bill is quite clearly indicated in its title. Its
provisions have been much discussed in both branches of Congress and
have received emphatic legislative sanction. I fully appreciate the
interest which it has excited and have by no means failed to recognize
the persuasive presentation made in its favor. I know, too, that the
interposition of Executive disapproval in this case is likely to arouse
irritation and cause complaint and earnest criticism. Since, however, my
judgment will not permit me to assent to the legislation proposed, I can
find no way of turning aside from what appears to be the plain course of
official duty.
On the 5th day of August, 1861, a Federal statute was passed entitled
"An act to provide increased revenue from imports, to pay interest on
the public debt, and for other purposes."
This law was passed at a time when immense sums of money were needed
by the Government for the prosecution of a war for the Union, and the
purpose of the law was to increase in almost every possible way the
Federal revenues.
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