Andrew Johnson: “Especially let us remember that He has covered our land through all its extent with greatly needed and very abundant…”

Feeling constrained to withhold my consent, I herewith return the resolution to the Senate, in which House it originated, with a brief statement of the reasons which have induced my action.

The bill fails to provide in what manner the State of Arkansas is to signify its acceptance of the 'fundamental condition' which Congress endeavors to make unalterable and irrevocable.

For these objections, and many others that might be presented, I cannot approve this bill, and therefore return it for the action of Congress required in such cases by the Federal Constitution.

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