Andrew Johnson: “They had a higher motive, and it was in the interests of peace and justice to establish important principles of…”

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

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.

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.

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