AN ACT
To ratify the Joint Resolution of Congress, passed June 16, 1866, proposing
an amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Approved October 8, 1869.
Whereas, it is provided by the Constitution of the United States of
America, that Congress may, whenever two thirds of both Houses deem it
necessary, propose amendments to the same, to be ratified by the Legislatures
of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions therein, as
the one or the other mode may be proposed by Congress;
And, whereas, by the Congress of the United States, on the sixteenth
day of June, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, the following
joint resolution was adopted:
"Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled (two thirds of both
Houses concurring), That the following Article be proposed to the Legislatures
of the several States, as an amendment to the Constitution of the
United States, which, when ratified by three fourths of said Legislatures,
shall be valid as part of the Constitution, namely:
