Andrew Johnson: “It can not be legally accepted by the executive government without the advice and consent of the Senate.”

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.

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.

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.