Andrew Johnson: “The intermitted exercise of its power brings no sense of security to its subjects, for they can never know what more…”

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

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

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.

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.