Andrew Johnson: “It is extremely difficult to say where that responsibility should be thrown if it be not left where it has been placed…”

No power exists in the Constitution authorizing the joint resolution or the supposed law--the only difference being that one would be more palpably unconstitutional and revolutionary than the other.

In compliance with and execution of the act of Congress before mentioned, do issue this my proclamation, announcing the fact of the ratification of the said amendment by the legislature of the State of Louisiana.

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

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.