EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 4, 1887_.
_To the House of Representatives_:
I herewith return without approval House bill No. 6825, entitled "An act
granting a pension to James R. Baylor."
The claim of the beneficiary named in this bill is based upon an injury
to his left ankle in 1862.
A medical examination in 1877 showed no appearance of there ever having
been a fracture of the left ankle, as alleged by the claimant, and
it was determined that there was no disability. A later examination
in the same year was had with the same result. Still another medical
examination was had in June, 1884, which, although nearly agreeing with
the previous ones, and giving rise to some suspicion that the claimant
was inclined to exaggerate and prevent a free and fair examination,
still does not absolutely exclude a very slight disability.
Upon the report of this last examination the case has been reopened for
further proof of disability since discharge, which if found will entitle
the claimant to a pension under general laws. On the question to be
determined he would have no advantage under a special act, inasmuch as
there must be a ratable disability to entitle him to any payment in
pursuance of its provisions.