I have no desire to save from the proper and just consequences of their great crime those who engaged in rebellion against the Government, but as a mode of punishment the measures under consideration are the most unreasonable that could be invented.
He expresses his belief that punishment for rebellion should be just and reasonable, rather than excessive.
Share
More from Andrew Johnson
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 people's choice in an election by the House of Representatives remains unprovided for in the Constitution.
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.
Other voices in this conversation
