The measure of governmental liability is fulfilled by the passage of the act of March 3, 1891, and the prompt payment of the judgments rendered thereunder. To single out for payment a few claims of this large class to the exclusion of all others would, in my judgment, be unjust; and such action would also with reason be cited as a precedent for extending governmental aid in all similar cases.
For the reasons given I am constrained to withhold my approval from the bill.
WILLIAM McKINLEY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 7, 1901.
To the House of Representatives:
I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State in response to the resolution of the House of Representatives of February 19, 1901, requesting him to furnish that body "all the information in the possession of the State Department relating to the shipment of horses and mules from New Orleans in large numbers for the use of the British army in the war in South Africa."
WILLIAM McKINLEY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, March 2, 1901.
To the House of Representatives:
I return herewith, without approval, House bill No. 321, entitled "An act for the relief of the legal representative of Samuel Tewksbury, deceased."