Andrew Johnson: “In reply to your communication, I have deemed it proper, in order to prevent further misunderstanding, to make this…”

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.

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.

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.