Andrew Johnson: “If we repudiate the Constitution, we will not be expected to care much for mere pecuniary obligations.”

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.

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.

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.