EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 22, 1888_.
_To the House of Representatives_:
I return without approval House bill No. 600, entitled "An act
increasing the pension of Mary Minor Hoxey."
The husband of the beneficiary named in this bill was, while on military
duty, wounded in the left hand and afterwards in the thigh. He was
pensioned in 1871 on account of these wounds, and in 1879 was allowed
arrearages from time of his discharge. He died in December, 1881, of
consumption, being at that time in the receipt of a pension at the rate
of $17 per month.
In 1884 his widow was allowed a pension at the same rate, with $2 a
month each for two minor children. The children have now attained the
age of 16 years, but the widow still receives the pension awarded to
her, which is the same as that allowed to all widows of her class.
I discover no reason of any substance why this pension should be
increased, and if it should be done it would only be a manifestation of
unjust favoritism.
I can not forget the thousands of poor widows with claims superior to
this beneficiary, but with no interested friends to push their claims
for increase of pension, who would be discriminated against if this
proposed bill becomes a law.
It seems to me that there is a chance to do injustice by unfair caprice
in fixing the rates of pension, as well as by refusing them altogether
when they should be granted.