Andrew Johnson: “It is manifest that treason, most flagrant in character, has been committed.”

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.

The danger of a defeat of the people's choice in an election by the House of Representatives remains unprovided for in the Constitution.

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

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.