The war having terminated, and with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of doubtful constitutionality, we should hasten to bring legislation within the boundaries prescribed by the Constitution and to return to the ancient landmarks established by our fathers for the guidance of succeeding generations.
Johnson calls for a return to constitutional boundaries following the war, emphasizing the importance of lawful governance.
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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.
I transmit to Congress the accompanying documents, which I deem it proper to state are all the papers* that have been submitted to the President relating to the proceedings to which they refer in the States of South Carolina and Arkansas.
I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and a report from the Secretary of the Navy, with accompanying papers.
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.
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