The subject is recommended to the early attention and action of Congress.

It is not sought by the bill before me to repeal the election laws.

The object of these sections of the Revised Statutes is plain.

Unable to concur with Congress in that measure, on the 29th of May last I returned the bill to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, without my approval, for that further consideration for which the Constitution provides.

It contains, however, other provisions, to which I desire respectfully to ask your attention.

I respectfully refer to that message for a statement of my views on the principle maintained in debate by the advocates of this bill.

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

The true meaning and effect of the proposed legislation are plain.

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…

They are transmitted with the assurance that any measures that may be enacted in furtherance of these important interests will meet with my cordial approval.

I can not approve a bill which in my judgment authorizes the violation of sacred obligations.

I feel bound to approve this resolution, without modifying in any manner any objections heretofore stated against the original and supplemental acts.

It may be proper to state that the number of captains authorized by the second section of the act of 16th July, 1862, is now full.

it is my purpose, upon the next meeting of Congress, to again recommend the adoption of a practical measure tendering pecuniary aid to the free acceptance or rejection of all slave States

If any State shall not by the 15th of August furnish its quota of the additional 300,000 volunteers authorized by law the deficiency of volunteers in that State will also be made up by special draft from the militia.

I perceive no objection to Congress deciding in advance that they shall be free.

For the reasons stated, I return the bill to the House, in which it originated.

Herewith is a draft of a bill to compensate any State which may abolish slavery within its limits, the passage of which substantially as presented I respectfully and earnestly recommend.