Andrew Johnson: “General Grant will make report to the Secretary of War of such matters as, in his discretion, ought to be communicated…”

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

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.

With these brief suggestions the bill is respectfully returned, and the consideration of Congress invited to the accompanying preamble and resolutions.

Strongly impressed with the truth of these views, I feel called upon by an imperative sense of duty to revive substantially the recommendation so often and so earnestly made by President Jackson.