The true meaning and effect of the proposed legislation are plain.

The great body of the people of all parties want free and fair elections.

The framers of the Constitution regarded the election of members of Congress in every State and in every district as in a very important sense justly a matter of political interest and concern to the whole country.

The objections to the practice of tacking general legislation to appropriation bills, especially when the object is to deprive a coordinate branch of the Government of its right to the free exercise of its own discretion and judgment…

If the bill contained no other provisions, no objection to its approval would be made.

The United States election laws are not necessary, an ample reply is furnished by the history of their origin and of their results.

I am directed by the President to say that the several Departments of the Government will be closed on Friday, the 30th instant, in remembrance of those who fell in defense of the nation, and to enable the employees to participate in the…

In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 14th instant, I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of the Interior and accompanying papers.

In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 7th instant, requesting information in reference to an alleged occupation of a portion of the Indian Territory by white settlers, etc., I transmit herewith a copy of my proclamation dated…

No soldiers, either of the Union or of the State militia, should be present at the polls to take the place or to perform the duties of the ordinary civil police force.

The true rule as to the employment of military force at the elections is not doubtful.

The elections should be free from all forcible interference, and, as far as practicable, from all apprehensions of such interference.

There has been and will be no violation of this rule under orders from me during this Administration.

Holding, as I do, the opinion that any military interference whatever at the polls is contrary to the spirit of our institutions and would tend to destroy the freedom of elections.

Every officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, who orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or…

No military or naval officer, or other person engaged in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, shall order, bring, keep, or have under his authority or control any troops or armed men at the place where any general or…

The effect of the adoption of this amendment may be considered--First. Upon the right of the United States Government to use military force to keep the peace at the elections for Members of Congress; and Second. Upon the right of the…

The bill provides in the usual form for the appropriations required for the support of the Army during the next fiscal year.