Andrew Johnson: “The bill, however, would seem to show upon its face that the establishment of peace and good order is not its real…”

My object in this communication is to suggest certain defects in the Constitution which seem to me to require correction.

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.