80 he filed an application for pension, alleging dropsy
and disease of his eyes, caused by an explosion of ammunition.

The case was examined in 1882 and 1883, and was again specially examined
very thoroughly and critically in 1885.

The evidence thus secured seemed to establish the fact that the
claimant's eyes were sore for many years before enlistment, and that
their condition before that date, during his service, and after his
discharge did not materially differ. It also appeared that no
pensionable disability from dropsy had existed since the filing of his
application.

On these grounds the application was rejected, and I am convinced such
action was entirely justified.

The reported conduct of the claimant on the last examination and his
attempts to influence witnesses in their testimony add weight to the
proposition, quite well established by the proof, that his claim to a
pension lacks merit.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 24, 1888_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without approval House bill No. 5247, entitled "An act granting
a pension to William H. Brimmer."

The beneficiary named in this bill enlisted September 5, 1864, as a
wagon master, and was discharged on the 30th day of May, 1865. There is
no record of any disability during his short service.

In February, 1888, nearly twenty-three years after his discharge, he
filed an application for a pension, alleging that in the fall of 1864 he
was made to carry sacks of corn, which produced a weakness of the walls
of the abdomen, resulting in rupture. In an affidavit filed upon said
application the claimant testifies that he said nothing about his injury
or disability to anyone while in the service and can furnish no evidence
except his own statement.

The first and only medical evidence presented touching this claim is
that of Dr. Reynolds, who examined him in 1880 or 1881, who then came
to the conclusion that the claimant was suffering from an incomplete
hernia, which a few months thereafter developed in the right groin. From
this examination and testimony no hint is furnished that the injury was
due to military service, nor any intimation that it might be.

In February, 1888, a medical examination was made under direction of
the Pension Bureau, when it was found that the claimant had the general
appearance of being healthy and well nourished, but that he had a small
uncomplicated inguinal hernia on the right side