Rutherford B. Hayes: “The object of the bill is to destroy any control whatever by the United States over the Congressional elections.”

I transmit herewith a copy of proclamation for the convening of an extra session of the Senate of the United States at the Capitol, in the city of Washington, on the 4th day of March next, at noon.

If successfully accomplished, it will secure a large decrease in the annual interest payment of the nation, and I earnestly recommend, if the bill before me shall fail, that another measure for this purpose be adopted before the present…

Provided, That this withdrawal shall not affect any existing valid adverse rights of any party.

Believing that a measure for refunding the national debt is not necessarily connected with the national banking law, and that any refunding act would defeat its own object if it imperiled the national banking system or seriously impaired…