EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 5, 1888_.
_To the Senate_:
I return without approval Senate bill No. 43, entitled "An act granting
a pension to Polly H. Smith."
John H. Smith, the husband of the beneficiary named in this bill,
enlisted in the Regular Army in 1854 and served until the year 1870.
In 1868 a fistula developed, which was probably the result of quite
continuous riding in the saddle. In 1870 he was placed upon the retired
list as first lieutenant on account of the incapacity arising from such
fistula.
In September, 1885, fifteen years after his retirement, he died suddenly
at Portland, Oreg., of heart disease, while attempting to raise a trunk
to his shoulder.
I can not see how the cause of death can be connected with his service
or with the incapacity for which he was placed upon the retired list.
The application made by the widow for a pension is still pending before
the Pension Bureau, and I understand that she or her friends prefer
taking the chance of favorable consideration there to the approval of
this bill.