THE NEW PRESIDENT.
On the morning ol the 15 th April, At-torney-General Speed waited oh Andrew
Johnson and officially notified him of the death of Mr Lincoln in a letter, signed by several" members of the Cabinet, excepting Mr Se ward. Chief Justice. Chase proceeded, at 10 o'clock on the same morning to Mr Johnson's rooms in Kirk wood^hous^ and swore him ihias Preident,;in the presence , of the Secretary of the Treasury, and several others. After taking the bath, and being declared President 1 of ; the "United States, Mr Johnson spoke as follows :— Gentlemen— l must be permitted to say that I have been almost overwhelmed by the announcement of the sad event which has so recently occurred. I feel incompetent to perform duties so important and responsible as those which have been so unexpectedly thro wm upon roe. As to an. indication of any policy which may be presented by me in the administration of the government, I have to say that that must be left for development as the administration progresses. The massage or declaration must be made by the acts as they transpire. The only assurance that I can now give of the future is by reference to the past. The course which I have taken in the past in connection with this rebellion must be regarded as a guarantee for the future. My, past public life, which has been long and laborious, has been founded, as I in good conscience believe, upon a great principle of right, which lies at the basis of all things. The; best energies of my life have been spent" in endeavouring to establish and perpetuate the principles, of free government, and I believe that the government; in passing through its present trials, will settle down upon principles consonant with popular rights more permanent and enduring 1 than heretofore. I must be permitted to say, if I understand the feelings of my, own heart, I have long laboured to ameliorate and alleviate the condition of the great mass of the American people. Toil and an honest advocacy of the great principles offree government have been my lot. The duties have been mme — the consequences are Godjs.. This has been the foundation . of my political creed. I feel that in the end. the government will triumph, and that these great principles will be permanently established. In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say that I shall want your encouragement and countenance. I shall ask and rely upon you and others in carrying the government through its present perils. I feel in making this request that it will be heartily responded to by you and all other patriots and lovers of the rights aud interests of a free people. •Mr Johnson's demeanour on this occasion is said to have been decorous, and becoming, and in some speeches which he has since delivered he has' shown himself to be a man of ability. It appears that, he is entirely self taught, ahd had nearly reached manhood before he could write. In an interview with Sir Frederick Bruce, he spoke sensibly about the importance of England and America preserving amicable relations ; but on other occasions, and in other directions, there are reasons to fear that he is not inspired by the toleration and humanity of Mr Lincoln. His policy to the South is avowedly cruel. He ha* resolved to deal with ihe leaders of the secession as traitors, whatever he may do with the rest of the people and the prices he has put upon their heads indicate his eagerness to secure the revenge he pants for. All the rest of the world regard .this close to the war with deep regret.
THE NEW PRESIDENT.
Bruce Herald, Volume III, Issue 68, 27 July 1865, Page 7
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