Recent investigation into said election has developed so many frauds and forgeries as to make it doubtful what candidates received a majority of the votes actually cast, and in view of these facts a variety of action has been proposed.  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.

U.S.  GRANT.

VETO MESSAGES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, January 6, 1873.

To the House of Representatives:

I return herewith, for the further consideration of Congress, House bill No. 2291, entitled “An act for the relief of Edmund Jussen,” to which I have not appended my approval, for the following reasons: 

The bill directs the accounting officers to transfer from Mr. Jussen’s account to that of his successor all indebtedness arising from the loss or destruction or nontaking of warehouse bonds on certain spirits destroyed by fire.  This provision would be wholly ineffective in so far as it proposes to increase the liability of Mr. Jussen’s successor, he having been appointed subsequently to the destruction of the spirits.  It might operate to relieve Mr. Jussen, but it seems probable that he is already relieved by the act of May 27, 1872, passed since the introduction of this bill.  That act provides for the rebatement of taxes on distilled spirits destroyed by fire, except in cases where the owners of such spirits may be indemnified against tax by a valid claim of insurance.  The