Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1868-07-22

elcctor has a right to cast his vote for any
citizen who m he may regard as worthy OF
these Offices But under the party organiza-
tions which have prevailed for years these es-
sential rights Of the people have been as
effectually cut off and destroyed if the con-
stitution itself had inhibited their exercise.
Strongly impressed with the truth of these
views feel called upon by an imperative
sense of duty to review substantially the rec
concentration so often and earnestly made by
President jackson, and to urge that the
amendment to the constitution herewith pre-
sented, or some similar proposition, may be
submitted to the people for their ratification
or rejection.
Recent events have shown the necessity of
an amendment to the Constitution distinctly
defining the persons who shall discharge the
duties of President of the United States, in
the event of vacancy in that Office by the
DEATH resignation or removal of both the
President and Vice President 1t has oc-
Cured to me, that in the event of such a
vacancy the duties of the President would
deyolvc most appropriately upon some one
of the heads of the several Executive Depart
ments, and under this conviction, | present
for your consideration an amendment to the
Constitution on this subject.
/ Experience seems to have established the
necessity of an amendment to that clause of
the Constitution which provides for the
election of Senators to Congress by the Leg
islatures of the several States. 1t would be
more consistent with the genius of our form
/ of government if the Senators were chosen
directly by the people of the several States.
The objections to the election of Senators by
the Legislature are SO palpable that | deem
! it unnecessary to do more than submit the
proposition for such an amendment. with
the recommendation that it be referred to
the people for their Judgment.
1t is strongly impressed on my mind that
the tenure of office by the Judiciary of the
United States, during good behavior or for
/ life, is incompatible with the spirit of Re
publican Government, and in this opinion |
am fully sustained by the evidences of popu-
lar Judgment on this subject in the different
States of the Union. | therefore deem 1t
my duty to recommend an amendment to
/ the Constitution by which the terms of the
judicial officers would be limited to a period
Of years, and hereby present it IN the hope
Congress will submit 1t to the people for
their decision.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, d. G.. July IS, lo6S.
A draft of Joint resolution is suboincd
to the message, for the amendment Of the
Constitution, so that hereafter the President
and wee President shall be chosen Tor SIN
gle term of six years directly by the voters
if no one receives majority then second
election shall be held between the candidates
having the highest votes Also providing
that in ease of vacancy in the Presidency
the Office shall dcvolve on the Secretary of
State for the time being, and after this officer,
| in case of vacancy. in the order named, on
the Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of
War, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary Of the
Interior, Postmaster General, and Attorney
General. Providing also that the L ) Sen
ltors shall be elected by the voters directly,
and that the Judges Of the Supreme Court
shall hold office for twelve years, third Of
/ their number 70 90 out eNcry four ycars