with its powers greatly
enlarged."

"This is a mistake," replied Mr. Trumbull; "it is not intended, I
apprehend, by any body, certainly not by me, to make it a permanent
branch of the public administration; and I am quite sure that the
powers of the bureau are not, by the amendatory bill, greatly
enlarged. A careful examination of the amendment will show that it is
in some respects a restriction on the powers already exercised."

"The third section of the bill," the President objected, "authorizes a
general and unlimited grant of support to the destitute and suffering
refugees and freedmen, their wives and children."

"What is the third section of the bill," asked Mr. Trumbull, "which
the President says contains such an unlimited grant of support to the
destitute and suffering refugees, their wives and children? I will
read that third section:

"'That the Secretary of War may direct such issues of
provisions, clothing, fuel, including medical stores and
transportation, and afford such aid, medical or otherwise,
as he may deem needful for the immediate and temporary
shelter and supply of destitute and suffering refugees and
freedmen, their wives and children, under such rules and
regulations as he may direct: _Provided_, That no person
shall be deemed "destitute," "suffering," or "dependent upon
the Government for support," within the meaning of this act,
who, being able to find employment, could, by proper
industry and exertion, avoid such destitution, suffering, or
dependence.'

"Does the President object to this bill on the ground that it
authorizes medical aid to be furnished the sick? Or does he object to
it because of the proviso which limits its operation, and declares
that nobody shall be deemed destitute and suffering under the
provisions of the act who is able, by proper industry and exertion, to
avoid such destitution? Why, sir, it is a limitation on the present
existing law. Does that look much like taking care of four million of
people--a provision that expressly limits the operations of this act
to those only who can not find employment? A statement of the fact is
all that is necessary to meet this statement in the Veto Message."

"The Congress of the United States," said the President, "has never
heretofore thought itself empowered to establish asylums beyond the
limits of the District of Columbia, except for the benefit of our
disabled s