US Presidency
1882

The grounds that impelled me to withhold my signature from the bill entitled An act making appropriations for the construction, repair, and preservation of certain works on rivers and harbors, which became a law near the close of your last session, prompt me to express the hope that no similar measure will be deemed necessary during the present session of Congress. Indeed, such a measure would now be open to a serious objection in addition to that which was lately urged upon your attention. I am informed by the Secretary of War that the greater portion of the sum appropriated for the various items specified in that act remains unexpended. Of the new works which it authorized, expenses have been incurred upon two only, for which the total appropriation was $ 210,000. The present available balance is disclosed by the following table: Amount of appropriation by act of August 2, 1882 $ 18,738,875 Amount of appropriation by act of June 19, 1882 10,000 Amount of appropriation for payments to J. B.