Year: 1868




rived from their investment, would afford &c
the public creditor fair and liberal com
pensation for the use of their capital; anc
with this they should be satisfied. The les
sons OF the past admonish the lender that il
Is not well to be over anxious in exactinp
from the borrower rigid compliance. Pro.
vision must be made for the payment Of The
Indebtedness Of the Government in the man
ner suggested or the nation will not rapidly
recover its wonted prosperity. Its interests
require that some measures should be taken
to release the large amount Of capital invest
90 in tie Government. 1t is now not merel,
unproduc,ive, but in taxation annually con
sumes $3.50, 900, ,OO0 which would oherwis,
be used by our entsrprisng people in aiding
our people needing encouragement in theil
ettolts to recover from the effects of the re
bellion and injudcious legislatop; and il
should be the will Of Government to stmu
late them by the prospect of an early release
from the burdens which impede their pros
peri.y. If We cannot take the burdens from
their shoulders we should at least manifest
willingness to help to bear them.


We omit that part of the message refer
ring to the currency, not being able to find
room for it this week, also that in regard
to Foreign Relations.


AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.


renew tbe recommendation contained in
my communication to Congress, dated 18Th
July last, copy Of which accompanies this
message, that the judgment of the people
should be taken on the propriety Of so
amending the Constitution that it. should
provide for an election of President and Vice
President by direct vote oft the people instead
of through the agency of Electors, and of
making them ineligible for re election to a
second term, and for distinct designation
of President in the event of vacancy in that
office by death, resignation or removal of
both President and Vice PrSdent; for the
election of Senators to the United States
Senate directly by the people Of the several
States, instead of by the Legislatures; and
for the Limitation to period of years of the
terms Of the Federal Judges.


Profoundly impressed with the propristy
of making these important notifications in
the Constitution, | respectfully submit them
far the early and mature consideration Of
Congress. We should, as far as possible,
remove all pretexts for violation Of the or
ganic law by remedying such unperfectness
as time and experience may develop, ever
remembering that the Constitution, which at
auy time exists, until changed in an explicit
and authentic way, is the Constitution of the
whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.


CONCLUSION.


In the performance of tbe duty imposed
upon me by the Constitution, | have thus
communicated to Congress information of
the State of the Union, and recommend for
their consideration such measures as have
seemed to be necessary and expedient. If
carried into effect they will Hasten the ac-
compishment Of great and beneficent pur'
poses, for which the Constitution was Or
were ITO form more perfect Uuon, estab
Iish Justice insure domestic tranquility, pro.
vide for the common defense, promote the
general welfare, and secure the blessings of
liberty to ourselves and our posterity." In
Congress are vested all legislative prowers,
and upon them devoIves the responsibility as
we'll for forming uuwise and excessive laws
as for negIecling to devise and adopt meas
urss absolutely demanded by the wants OF
the country, Let US earnestly hope that be-
fore the expiration of our respective terms Of
service, now rapidly drawing to "a close. an
Allwiss Providence will so guide our coun
sells as to strengthen and preserve the Fed
eral Union, insure reverence for the Cousti
tuition, restore prosperity and happiness to
our whole people, and promote on earth
peace and good will toward men.


(SipnedD ANDREW JOHNSON.


Washington, Dec. 9th, 1868.