Andrew Johnson: “I confidently believe that a time will come when these States will again occupy their true positions in the Union.”

I transmit the accompanying communications from the Secretary of the Interior, together with the papers to which they have reference.

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

The foregoing views have long been entertained by me.

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.