I have no specific recommendation to make
upon the subject, but if there is any practicable way of removing these
difficulties by legislation, then I earnestly request that such action
may be taken at the present session of Congress.
It seems advisable that I should state now what course I shall feel
bound to pursue in reference to the matter in the event of no action by
Congress at this time. Subject to any satisfactory arrangement that may
be made by the parties to the controversy, which of all things is the
most desirable, it will be my duty, so far as it may be necessary for
me to act, to adhere to that government heretofore recognized by me.
To judge of the election and qualifications of its members is the
exclusive province of the Senate, as it is also the exclusive province
of the House to judge of the election and qualifications of its members;
but as to State offices, filled and held under State laws, the decisions
of the State judicial tribunals, it seems to me, ought to be respected.
I am extremely anxious to avoid any appearance of undue interference
in State affairs, and if Congress differs from me as to what ought
to be done I respectfully urge its immediate decision to that effect;
otherwise I shall feel obliged, as far as I can by the exercise of
legitimate authority, to put an end to the unhappy controversy which
disturbs the peace and prostrates the business of Louisiana, by the
recognition and support of that government which is recognized and
upheld by the courts of the State.
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