The constitutional authority to regulate the Congressional elections which belongs to the Government of the United States, ought to be enforced by appropriate legislation.

It is confidently believed that no sound argument can be made in support of the constitutionality of national regulation of Senatorial elections.

I am directed by the President to say that the several Departments of the Government will be closed on Friday, the 30th instant, in remembrance of those who fell in defense of the nation, and to enable the employees to participate in the…

In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 14th instant, I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of the Interior and accompanying papers.

In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 7th instant, requesting information in reference to an alleged occupation of a portion of the Indian Territory by white settlers, etc., I transmit herewith a copy of my proclamation dated…

Holding, as I do, the opinion that any military interference whatever at the polls is contrary to the spirit of our institutions and would tend to destroy the freedom of elections.

The elections should be free from all forcible interference, and, as far as practicable, from all apprehensions of such interference.

There has been and will be no violation of this rule under orders from me during this Administration.

The true rule as to the employment of military force at the elections is not doubtful.

No soldiers, either of the Union or of the State militia, should be present at the polls to take the place or to perform the duties of the ordinary civil police force.

The intent and effect of the sixth section of this bill is to prohibit all the civil officers of the United States, under penalty of fine and imprisonment, from employing any adequate civil force for this purpose at the place where their…

Believing that section 6 of the bill before me will weaken, if it does not altogether take away, the power of the National Government to protect the Federal elections by the civil authorities, I am forced to the conclusion that it ought…

The effect of the adoption of this amendment may be considered--First. Upon the right of the United States Government to use military force to keep the peace at the elections for Members of Congress; and Second. Upon the right of the…

Every officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, who orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or…

The bill provides in the usual form for the appropriations required for the support of the Army during the next fiscal year.

I have maturely considered the important questions presented by the bill entitled 'An act making appropriations for the support of the Army for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, and for other purposes,' and I now return it to the House…

No military or naval officer, or other person engaged in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, shall order, bring, keep, or have under his authority or control any troops or armed men at the place where any general or…

It is the right and duty of the National Government to enact and enforce laws which will secure free and fair Congressional elections.