Andrew Johnson: “The bill in this respect conflicts, in my judgment, with the Constitution of the United States.”

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

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.

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.

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.