widow is based upon the service and injury of the
soldier and the circumstances of the beneficiary.

No claim was filed in the Pension Bureau on behalf of the widow. This
perhaps is accounted for by the fact that information is lodged in that
Bureau to the effect that the deceased soldier died on the 21st day of
September, 1883, "from a pistol ball fired by Luther Cultor."

If he was killed in a personal encounter, as the report of his death
would seem to indicate, I am unable to see how his death can be in any
way attributed to his military service or his widow be justly pensioned
therefor.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 17, 1888_.

_To the Senate_:

I return without approval Senate bill No. 1613, entitled "An act
granting an increase of pension to John F. Ballier."

This pensioner is now receiving the full amount of pension allowed for
total disability to ex-soldiers of his rank.

Inasmuch as the bill herewith returned limits any increase to the rate
fixed by law for cases of total disability, it appears to accomplish
nothing of benefit to the beneficiary therein named.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 17, 1888_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without approval House bill No. 5913, entitled "An act granting
a pension to Thomas Shannon."

This beneficiary enlisted on the 31st day of May, 1870, in the Tenth
Regiment of United States Infantry.

On the 4th day of July, 1872, he was upon leave at the city of Rio
Grande, in the State of Texas. Some of the citizens were celebrating the
day, and one of them had a can of powder in his hand which, according
to the report of the accident, "was about to explode." The soldier
endeavored to knock the can from the hand of the person who held it,
when the powder exploded, severely injuring the soldier and
necessitating the amputation of his right forearm.

Though this was a most unfortunate accident, it is quite plain that it
had no connection with the military service.

To grant a pension in such a case would establish a precedent in the
appropriation of money from the public Treasury which I can hardly think
we should be justified in following.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 17, 1888_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without approval House bill No. 9174, entitled "An act granting
a pension to Woodford M. Houchin."

The beneficiary named in this bill was enrolled September 18