The existence of this section (3823) of the Revised Statutes seems to have been ignored by Congress itself in the adoption of section 3941, authorizing the Postmaster-General to advertise in such newspapers as he may choose.  But the present act, if it should go into effect, would compel him and the other heads of the Executive Departments, as well as all the courts, to publish all their advertisements in newspapers selected by the Clerk of the House of Representatives.  It would make general in its operation a provision which, was exceptional and temporary in its origin and character.  This, in my judgment, would be unwise, if not also an actual encroachment upon the constitutional rights of the executive branch of the Government.  The person who should be appointed by law to select all the newspapers throughout the country to which the patronage of all branches of the Government of the United States should be given, if not an officer of the United States under Article II, section 2, clause 2, of the Constitution, would certainly have powers and duties which have hitherto been regarded as official.

But without reference to the question of its constitutionality, I am satisfied that this provision would not operate usefully or fairly.  I am constrained, therefore, to withhold from it my approval.  I regret that my objection to this one clause of the act can not be made available without withholding my approval from the entire act, which is otherwise unobjectionable.

U.S.  GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 28, 1877.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I have the honor to return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 691, entitled “An act for the relief of Edward A. Leland.”  The reasons for withholding my approval may be found in the accompanying communication received from the Secretary of the Interior.

U.S.  GRANT.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Washington, February 27, 1877.

The PRESIDENT.

SIR:  I have the honor to return herewith the bill (S. 691) entitled “An act for the relief of Edward A. Leland,” accompanied by a copy of a letter from the Commissioner of Patents suggesting an objection to the bill in its present form, and to recommend that it be returned to Congress for amendment in accordance with the suggestions of the Commissioner.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Z. CHANDLER, Secretary.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,
Washington, D.C., February 27, 1877.

Hon. Z. CHANDLER,
Secretary of the Interior.

SIR:  In the matter of the enrolled bill (S. 691) extending letters patent of Edward A. Leland, I have the honor to report that said letters patent were granted for an improved paint can August 14, 1860, for the term of fourteen years; that they consequently expired on the 14th day of August, 1874, whereupon the invention became the property of the public.