Marshall County Republican

WASHINGTON. April 16.-The following are the remarks of President Johnson after receiving the oath and being declared President of the United States:

Gentlemen: I 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 more responsible than those which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.

As to an indication of any policy which may be pursued by me in the administration of the Government, I have to say that that must be left for development as the administration 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 a reference to the past.

The course which I have taken in the past in connection with this rebellion, must be regarded as a guarantee of 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 endeavoring to establish and perpetuate the principles of free Government.

I believe that the Government passing through its present perils, will settle down upon principles consistent with popular rights, more permanent and enduring than heretofore.

I must be permitted to say, if I understand the feelings of my own heart, that I have long labored to ameliorate and elevate the condition of the great mass of the American people. Toil and honest advocacy of the great principles of free Government have been my lot. The duties have been mine; the consequences are God's. This has been the foundation of my political creed. I feel that, in the end, the Government will triumph, and these great principles will be permanently established.

In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say I want your encouragement and countenance. I shall ask and rely on 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 and interests of a free people.

At the conclusion of his remarks, the President received the kind wishes of the friends by whom he was surrounded. A few minutes were devoted to conversation. All were deeply impressed with the occasion, and the recent sad occurrence that caused the necessity for the speedy inauguration of the President was gravely discussed. Mr. Johnson is in fine health, and has an earnest sense of the important trust confided to him.

William Hunter, Chief Clerk of the State Department, has been appointed acting Secretary of State.

A special meeting of the Cabinet was held at the Treasury Department at ten o'clock this morning.