the Government
for any injury by accident to a person in the military service, whether
in the line of duty or not.

I think the adoption of the principle that the Government is an insurer
against accidents under any circumstances befalling those enlisted in
its military service when visiting at home is an unwarrantable stretch
of pension legislation.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 25, 1889_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 10448, entitled "An
act granting a pension to Squire Walter."

The son of the beneficiary named in this bill enlisted in a West
Virginia regiment on the 28th day of June, 1861.

On the 15th day of September, 1862, while bathing in the Potomac River
near the Chain Bridge, with the knowledge and consent of his commanding
officer, he was drowned.

It is perfectly clear that he lost his life while in the enjoyment of a
privilege and when at his request military discipline was relaxed and
its restraints removed for his comfort and pleasure. His death resulted
from his voluntary and perfectly proper personal indulgence, and can not
be in the least attributed to military service.

The father does not appear to be so needy and dependent as is often
exhibited in cases of this class.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 25, 1889_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 3561, entitled "An
act granting a pension to Edwin W. Warner."

A claim for pension on behalf of the beneficiary named in this bill
was filed in the Pension Bureau May 6, 1867. It has been examined and
reexamined and always rejected, until, on the 29th day of December,
1888, as the result of a personal and thorough investigation by the
Commissioner, a pension was allowed and a certificate issued under which
the claimant will be paid $18 a month hereafter and arrearages amounting
to something near $2,000.

As the special act for the benefit of this claimant was passed by the
Congress upon the supposition that nothing had been done for the
beneficiary therein named, I deem it best, in his interest, and probably
consistent with the intent of the Congress, that the bill herewith
returned should not become a law.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 26, 1889_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without approval House bill No. 12047, entitled "An act
granting an increase of pe