Andrew Johnson: “This Government has claimed for all persons not convicted or accused or suspected of crime an absolute political right…”

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.

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

With these brief suggestions the bill is respectfully returned, and the consideration of Congress invited to the accompanying preamble and resolutions.

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.