For the fourth time in the history of the Republic its Chief Magistrate has been removed by death. All hearts are filled with grief and horror at the hideous crime which has darkened our land, and the memory of the murdered President, his protracted sufferings, his unyielding fortitude, the example and achievements of his life, and the pathos of his death will forever illumine the pages of our history. 这是共和国历史上第四次因死亡而失去国家行政首脑。那桩令国土蒙上阴影的骇人罪行，使所有人的心中充满悲痛与震恐。遇害总统的形象——他漫长的苦难、毫不屈服的坚毅、一生树立的典范与取得的成就，以及死亡所带来的无尽哀伤——将永远照亮我国历史的篇章。
For the fourth time the officer elected by the people and ordained by the Constitution to fill a vacancy so created is called to assume the Executive chair. The wisdom of our fathers, foreseeing even the most dire possibilities, made sure that the Government should never be imperiled because of the uncertainty of human life. Men may die, but the fabrics of our free institutions remain unshaken. 这也是第四次，由人民选出、并由宪法规定在此类空缺出现时继任的官员，受命承担总统职责。我们的先辈预见到哪怕最严酷的可能，凭借其智慧确保政府绝不会因人的生命无常而陷入危险。人可能离世，但我们自由制度的根基依然岿然不动。
No higher or more assuring proof could exist of the strength and permanence of popular government than the fact that though the chosen of the people be struck down his constitutional successor is peacefully installed without shock or strain except the sorrow which mourns the bereavement. 人民选出的领袖即使不幸倒下，其宪法继任者仍能平稳就职；除举国哀悼之痛外，没有任何震荡或紧张。再没有什么事实比这更有力、更令人安心地证明民选政府的强大与长久。
All the noble aspirations of my lamented predecessor which found expression in his life, the measures devised and suggested during his brief Administration to correct abuses, to enforce economy, to advance prosperity, and to promote the general welfare, to Insure domestic security and maintain friendly and honorable relations with the nations of the earth, will be garnered in the hearts of the people; and it will be my earnest endeavor to profit, and to see that the nation shall profit, by his example and experience. 我深切悼念的前任在一生中展现了种种崇高志向；在其短暂任期内，他为纠正弊端、厉行节约、促进繁荣、增进全民福祉、保障国内安全，并与世界各国保持友好而体面的关系，设计和提出了多项措施。这一切都将珍藏在人民心中。我将诚挚努力，从他的榜样和经验中汲取教益，并使整个国家也从中受益。
Prosperity blesses our country. Our fiscal policy is fixed by law, is well grounded and generally approved. No threatening issue mars our foreign intercourse, and the wisdom, integrity, and thrift of our people may be trusted to continue undisturbed the present assured career of peace, tranquilly, and welfare. The gloom and anxiety which have enshrouded the country must make repose especially welcome now. 繁荣正在眷顾我们的国家。我国财政政策已由法律确定，根基稳固，并得到普遍认可。对外交往中不存在构成威胁的争端；我们可以相信，人民的智慧、正直与勤俭将使当前这条通往和平、安宁与福祉的稳健道路不受干扰地延续下去。阴郁与焦虑曾笼罩全国，因此此刻的休养生息尤其令人期待。
No demand for speedy legislation has been heard; no adequate occasion is apparent for an unusual session of Congress. The Constitution defines the functions and powers of the executive as clearly as those of either of the other two departments of the Government, and he must answer for the just exercise of the discretion it permits and the performance of the duties it imposes. 目前没有要求迅速立法的呼声，也看不出召集国会特别会议的充分理由。宪法对行政部门职能与权力的界定，与对政府另外两个部门的规定同样清晰；行政首脑必须为正当行使宪法赋予的裁量权、并履行宪法规定的职责承担责任。
Summoned to these high duties and responsibilities and profoundly conscious of their magnitude and gravity, I assume the trust imposed by the Constitution, relying for aid on divine guidance and the virtue, patriotism, and intelligence of the American people. 如今我受召承担这些崇高职责与重任，并深知其分量与严肃性。我接受宪法赋予的重托，祈求上天指引，也将依靠美国人民的美德、爱国精神与智慧获得帮助。