The President and the Election

After the Radical victory in the election, all eyes turned to Johnson to see how he would react. Although he has had no official comment, it seems clear that he is not going to change his policies or even comment on the proposed amendment because of the election.

The President And The Election A good deal of speculation is indulged in here as to the feelings and opinions of the President with regard to the result of the elections of yesterday. Those who have visited Mr. Johnson this evening find him in very good spirits and not at all disturbed by the political aspect. Many suppose that in view of the results of yesterday's voting the President has some intention of recommending the southern States to adopt the proposed amendment to the Constitution; but those who look for such action on the part of the Executive will be disappointed. Mr. Johnson does not regard it as his duty to make any recommendation on this subject whatever. He will leave the matter in the hands of the southern people, to be disposed of by them without interference or suggestion from him. If the constitutional number of States shall adopt the amendment, Mr. Johnson will bow to the will of the people thus lawfully expressed. Should the amendment fail, the President may suggest for adoption the two amendments to the Constitution as to taxation and representation heretofore set forth in these dispatches.--New York Times (semi-official).

“The President and the Election,” Reconstructing Virginia, accessed March 30, 2023, https://reconstructingvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/412.