The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-04-21
Inauguration of President Johnson-His
Speech.

WASHINGTON, April 10.
At an early hour this morning, Il, Nj.
Stanton. Secretary of War, sent an official
communication to Hon. Andrew johnson
Vice President of the United States, stating
that in consequence of tho sudden and unex.
pected death Of the Chief Magistrate, his in
auguration should Jake place as soon rs pos
sible. and requesting him to state the place
and hour at which the ceremony should DO
performed Mr.. johnson Immediately replied
that it would be agreeable to him to have
the proceedings take place at his rooms at
the Kirkwood House, rs soon as the arrange.
,ment could be perfected.
The following is u copy Of the comnuni'
cation
Washington City. April 10. 1865 Sir:
Abraham Lincoln. President OF the United
States. was shot by IN assassin last evening
ut Ford's Theatre in this city, and died ut
the hour Of 90 minutes past o'clock
About the same time ut which the Presi.
dent was shot, an assassin entered the sick
chamber of Hon. VIM. II. Seward, Secretary
OF State, and stabbed him in several places
in the throat, neck and face, severely II not
MORALLY wounding him. Other members OF
tho Secret,ry's family were dangerously
wounded by the assassin, while making his
escape.
BY tho death Of President Lincoln, tho of.
fec OF President has devolved under the Con-
sttution upon YOU The emergency of tho
government demands that you should bo i'm
mediately qualified according to the require.
ments OF the Constitution, and enter upon
the duties Of the President of the United
States. If you will please to make known
your pleasure, such arrangements us you
deem proper will be made.
Your obedient Servants,
EDWIN NJ. STANTON, Secretary Of War.
GIDEON WELLS, Secretary of the Navy.
WM DEySIsoN. Post Master General.
Huou McCULLocK, Sec'y of tho Treasury.
j. p. UsnER, Secretary OF the Interior.
JAMES SPEED, Attorney General.
To Andrew johnson, Vice President of the
United States.
L>/Mr. johnson remarked: Gentlemen, must
bo permitted to say that have been almost
overwhelmed by the announcement of the
sad event which has so recently occurred. |
feel incompetent to perform duties 30 impor-
tant and responsible us those which have
been so unexpectedly thrown on me. AZ to|
an indication of any policy which may DO
pursued by me in tho administration Of the
government. have to say that it must be
left Tor development Az the administration
progresses, the message ar declaration must
DO made by the acts as they transpire. The
only assurance that can now give OF the|
future. is reference to the past. The course
which have taken 10 the past in connection
with this rebellion, must be regarded as u
of the future. My past public
life has been long and laborous. rs I in good
conscience believe, upon great principle OF
right which lies ut the basis Of oil things.
The best energies Of INV life have been
spent in endcavoring to establish and perpct.
uate the principles OF free government. and |
believe that the government in passing
through its present perils will settle down
upon the principles consistent with popular
rights, more permanent and enduring than
heretofore Unjust be permitted to say, IL |
understand the feelings OF my own heart,
have long labored to amellorate and elevate
the condition Of the great mass Of the Amer
ican people.
Toll and an honest advocacy OF tho great,
Of free government have boon my
lot. The duties have been mine. the conse
ouences aro Gods. This has been the foun.
da,ion of my political creed. feel that in
the end the government will triumph. and
these great principles will be permanently es.
tablished.
In conclusion, Gentlemen, let me say that
want your encouragement and countsuance.
I sall ask and rely upon you and others in
tho government through its present
periIs. feel in making this request, that
Il will be heartily responded to By you, and
MI other patriots and lovers Of tho rights and
interests Of free people. 5000 80
President Johnson's Poiey-Mr. Se'oard not
.d) get out Of danger. ~ spa
wAsuISoroS, April Is. j
President johnson and his Cabinet held