For these reasons, I return the bill to the Senate, in which House it originated, for the further consideration of Congress which the Constitution prescribes.
Experience, I think, has shown that it is the easiest, as it is also the most attractive, of studies to frame constitutions for the self-government of free states and nations; but I think that experience has equally shown that it is the most difficult of all political labors to preserve and maintain such free constitutions of self-government when once happily established." The veto message was a very able document.

In all official papers of importance the President appeared at his best.

He had the inestimable advantage of Mr.Seward's calm temper and of his attractive and forcible statement of the proper argument.

Few among the public men of the United States have rivaled Mr.Seward in the dignity, felicity, and vigor which he imparted to an official paper.

No one ever surpassed him.