tutionally inflicted in a
different form for the same offense. With great respect I am constrained
to say I think this feature of the act is unconstitutional. It would not
be difficult to modify it.

I may remark that this provision of the Constitution, put in language
borrowed from Great Britain, applies only in this country to real or
landed estate.

Again, this act, by proceedings _in rem_, forfeits property for the
ingredients of treason without a conviction of the supposed criminal or
a personal hearing given him in any proceeding. That we may not touch
property lying within our reach because we can not give personal notice
to an owner who is absent endeavoring to destroy the Government is
certainly not very satisfactory. Still, the owner may not be thus
engaged; and I think a reasonable time should be provided for such
parties to appear and have personal hearings. Similar provisions are not
uncommon in connection with proceedings _in rem_.

For the reasons stated, I return the bill to the House, in which it
originated.

JULY 17, 1862.

_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I have inadvertently omitted so long to inform you that in March last
Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt, of New York, gratuitously presented to the
United States the ocean steamer _Vanderbilt_, by many esteemed the
finest merchant ship in the world. She has ever since been and still is
doing valuable service to the Government. For the patriotic act in
making this magnificent and valuable present to the country, I recommend
that some suitable acknowledgment be made.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

VETO MESSAGES.

JUNE 23, 1862.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

The bill which has passed the House of Representatives and the Senate
entitled "An act to repeal that part of an act of Congress which prohibits
the circulation of bank notes of a less denomination than $5 in the
District of Columbia" has received my attentive consideration, and I
now return it to the Senate, in which it originated, with the following
objections:

1. The bill proposes to repeal the existing legislation prohibiting the
circulation of bank notes of a less denomination than $5 within the
District of Columbia without permitting the issuing of such bills by
banks not now legally authorized to issue them. In my judgment it will
be found impracticable in the present condition of the currency to make
such a di