Andrew Johnson: “Here all men contribute to the public welfare and bear their fair share of the public burdens.”

I transmit the accompanying communications from the Secretary of the Interior, together with the papers to which they have reference.

The danger of a defeat of the popular choice in an election by the House of Representatives is no greater than in an election made nominally by the people themselves.

I would therefore recommend such an amendment of the Constitution as may remove all intermediate agency in the election of the President and Vice-President.

I transmit herewith, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th of December last, a report from the Secretary of State of the 6th instant.