Andrew Johnson: “I feel great solicitude that should an insurrection take place the Government should be prepared to meet and promptly…”

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.

The danger of a defeat of the popular choice in an election by the House of Representatives is no greater than in an election made nominally by the people themselves.

I transmit herewith, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th of December last, a report from the Secretary of State of the 6th instant.

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.