The time allowed the Executive by the Constitution for the examination
of bills presented to him by Congress for his action expired in the case
of the bill herewith returned on Saturday, May 19. The Senate adjourned
or took a recess on Thursday afternoon, May 17, until to-day, the 21st
of May.
On the day of said recess or adjournment the above message, disapproving
said bill and accompanying its return to the Senate, where it
originated, was drawn, and on May 18 was engrossed and signed. On
Saturday, the 19th of May, the Senate not being in session, the message
and the bill were tendered to the Secretary of the Senate, who declined
to receive them, and thereupon they were on the same day tendered to the
President of the Senate, who also declined to receive the same, both of
these officials claiming that the return of said bill and the delivery
of said message could only properly be made to the Senate when in actual
session.
They are therefore transmitted as soon as the Senate reconvenes after
its recess, with this explanation.