EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 18, 1888_.
_To the House of Representatives_:
I return without approval a joint resolution, which originated in the
House of Representatives, "authorizing the use and improvement of Castle
Island, in Boston Harbor."
This island is separated from the mainland of the city of Boston by a
channel over one-half mile wide. Fort Independence is located on the
island, and it is regarded by our military authorities as quite
important to the defense of the city.
The proposition contained in the joint resolution is to permit the city
of Boston, through its park commissioners, to improve and beautify this
island in connection with a public park to be laid out in the city, with
the intention of joining the mainland and the island by the construction
of a viaduct or causeway across the water now separating the same.
It is quite plain that the occupancy of this island as a place of
pleasure and recreation, as contemplated under this resolution, would be
entirely inconsistent with military or defensive uses. I do not regard
the control reserved in the resolution to the Secretary of War over such
excavations, fillings, and structures upon the island as may be proposed
as of much importance. When a park is established there, the island is
no longer a defense in time of need.
This scheme, or one of the same character, was broached more than four
years ago, and met the disapproval of the Secretary of War and the
Engineer Department.
I am now advised by the Secretary of War, the Chief of Engineers, and
the Lieutenant-General of the Army, in quite positive terms, that the
resolution under consideration should not, for reasons fully stated by
them, become operative.
I deem the opinions of these officers abundant justification for my
disapproval of the resolution without further statement of objections.