uced to destitution
and dependence, not as an incident of their service, but with advancing
age or through sickness or misfortune. We are all tempted by the
contemplation of such a condition to supply relief, and are often
impatient of the limitations of public duty. Yielding to no one in the
desire to indulge this feeling of consideration, I can not rid myself
of the conviction that if these ex-soldiers are to be relieved they
and their cause are entitled to the benefit of an enactment under
which relief may be claimed as a right, and that such relief should be
granted under the sanction of law, not in evasion of it; nor should
such worthy objects of care, all equally entitled, be remitted to the
unequal operation of sympathy or the tender mercies of social and
political influence, with their unjust discriminations.

I do not think that the objects, the conditions, and the limitations
thus suggested are contained in the bill under consideration.

I adhere to the sentiments thus heretofore expressed. But the evil
threatened by this bill is, in my opinion, such that, charged with a
great responsibility in behalf of the people, I can not do otherwise
than to bring to the consideration of this measure my best efforts of
thought and judgment and perform my constitutional duty in relation
thereto, regardless of all consequences except such as appear to me
to be related to the best and highest interests of the country.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 16, 1887_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without my approval House bill No. 10203, entitled "An act to
enable the Commissioner of Agriculture to make a special distribution of
seeds in the drought-stricken counties of Texas, and making an
appropriation therefor."

It is represented that a long-continued and extensive drought has
existed in certain portions of the State of Texas, resulting in a
failure of crops and consequent distress and destitution.

Though there has been some difference in statements concerning the
extent of the people's needs in the localities thus affected, there
seems to be no doubt that there has existed a condition calling for
relief; and I am willing to believe that, notwithstanding the aid
already furnished, a donation of seed grain to the farmers located in
this region, to enable them to put in new crops, would serve to avert
a continuance or return of an unfortunate blight.

And