THE NEW PRESIDENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume II, Issue 63, 29 July 1865, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NEW PRESIDENT.

On the morning of the 15th April, AttorneyGeneral Speed waited on Andrew Johnson and officially notified him of the death of Mr. Lincoln m a letter, signed by the several members of the Cabinet, excepting Mr. Seward. Chief Justice Chase proceeded at ten o'clock the same morning to Mr. Johnson's rooms m Kirk wood-house, and swore' him* m as President, m the presence of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and several others After taking the oath, and being declared President 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 thrown upon me. As to an indication of any policy which may be presented by me m the administration of the government, I have to say that that must be left for development as the tidministratiou progresses. The message 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 m the past m connection with this rebellion must be regarded as a guarantee for the future. My past public life, which lias .been long and laborious, has been founded, as I m good conscience believe, upon a great principle of right, wliich lies at the basis of all things. The best energies of my life have been spent m endeavoring to establish and perpetuate the principles of free government, and I believe that the government, m passing through its present trials, will settle down upon principles consonant with popular rights more permanentand enduring than heretofore. I must be permitted to say, if I understand the feelings of my own heart, I have long labored to ameliorate and alleviate the condition of the great mass of the American people. Toil and an honest advocacy of the great princi|Jes of free government, have been my lot. The duties have been mme — the consequences are God's. This has been the foundation of my political creed. I feel that m the end the government will triumph, and that these great principles will be permaneutly established. In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say that I shall want your encouragement aud countenance. I shall ask and rely upon

you and others m carrying the government through its present perils. I feel m making this request that it will be heartily responded to by you and all other patriots and lovers of the rigKfc and interests of a free people."

Mr. Johnson's demeanour on this occasion is ; said to have been decorous and becoming, and m 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, and 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 m other directions, there are reasons 1 to fear that he is, not inspired by the toleration and humanity of' Mr. Lincoln. His policy to the South is avowedly crueL He has resolved to deal with the leaders of the secession as traitors, whatever he may && with the rest of the people ; and the prices he has put upon their heads indicate his eagernessto secure the revenge he pants for.' All the restof the world regard this close to the war with? deep regret.