EXECUTIVE MANSION, _August 27, 1888_.
_To the Senate_:
I return without approval Senate bill No. 288, entitled "An act for the
erection of a public building at Sioux City, Iowa."
On the 19th day of June, 1886, I was constrained to disapprove a bill
embracing the same subject covered by the bill herewith returned.
Further investigation on the second presentation of the matter fails to
convince me that $150,000 should be expended at present for the erection
of a public building at Sioux City.
From all the representations that are made in an effort to show the
necessity for this building I gather that the only two purposes for
which the Government should furnish quarters at this place are a term
of the United States court not specially crowded with business and the
post-office, which, though perhaps crowded, I am sure can get on very
well for a time without a larger public building.
As far as the court is concerned, it was agreed when a term was located
there in 1882 that it might be held in the county building, which from
the description furnished me seems to be entirely adequate for the
purpose and very well arranged. The term held in October, 1887, was in
session for nine days.
I am decidedly of the opinion that if a public building is to be located
at Sioux City it had better be delayed until a better judgment can be
formed of its future necessity and proper size.
I see some of the parties interested have such confidence in the growth
and coming needs of the place that in their opinion the work ought not
to be entered upon with a less appropriation than $500,000.