Andrew Johnson: “The orders issued by me upon this subject are in accordance with long-established usage and hitherto unquestioned…”

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.

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.

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.