Andrew Johnson: “I would therefore recommend such an amendment of the Constitution as may remove all intermediate agency in the election…”

I transmit herewith, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th of December last, a report from the Secretary of State of the 6th instant.

No power exists in the Constitution authorizing the joint resolution or the supposed law--the only difference being that one would be more palpably unconstitutional and revolutionary than the other.

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.

The danger of a defeat of the people's choice in an election by the House of Representatives remains unprovided for in the Constitution.