Andrew Johnson: “I am not the Chief Justice. I am not the prosecuting attorney.”

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

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.

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.

The foregoing views have long been entertained by me.