Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-04-15
A SUICIDAL AND PARRlCIDAL Aor,


A SUICIDAL AND PARRlCIDAL ACT.
History has on its record no suicidal act so
terrible as that committed by the conquered
South yesterday through its representative.
the assassin OF President Lincoln, 1t has slain
che magnanimous and generous chief magis-
trate Of the whole Union, whose tender hearted
paternal love TO all the people OF his country
led him 10 yearn 10 Kill the fat.ed calf for his
Grant children almost prematurely,-almost
before salRtayy repentance had followed
heinous sin.
Nv this suicidal and parricidal act 1t has re-
lie we'd itself Of the m lid sway of Abraham Lin.
coin, but may find that 1t has placed the sceptey
in the hands OF those who will deem that the
exigencies of the times demand the stern fal-
flment Of the law to the letter.
The rigorous punishment Of every traitor is
demanded by the popular voice. and while the
indignation which to-day would adopt the
EXTREMIST measures, may somewhat abate,
the future must, as natural consequence to
the events of last night, be characterized by an
iron rule over the deetnies of the instigators
Of the rebellion, now at the mercy Of the Gov.
eminent.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN
was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, Febru.
airy II, 1909, and was therefore at the date of
his death, ffty.six years, wo months and
three days old.
MRS. LINCOLN
is overwhelmed by the affection, and is to-day
suffering almost entire prostration. The VIC.
lence OF her grief has been succeeded by deep
detection, from which the efforts Of friends
fail to arouse her, and the eptige family seems
crushed by the sudden bld\T. During the
morning she was visited by several members
of the Cabinet, ex-Speaker Colfax, b. b.
D,xslA IN
was present during the last hours of the Presi-
dent,) and others, who expressed their warm
sympathies.
SPECIAL CABINET MEETING
protracted special Cabinet meeting Is now
in session at the Treasury Department.
SECRETARY SEWARD NOT APPRIsED
OF TEE PRESIDENTS DEATH.
It Is understood that the intelligence of the
death of the President has not been communi-
Gated to Secretary Seward, nor that of the
attack on his son, his critical condition rem
dering perfect quiet essential to his recovery.
MR.. FREDERICK SEWARD.
The delicate operation Of trepaning the skull
was performed to-day upon Mr.. Frederick
Seward, with success.
REPOhTED CAPTUhE OF bVOIH.
About one o'clock to-day, Gen. Halleck re-
received Information that J. Wilkes Booth, tho
supposed murderer o. President Lincoln, had
been arrested some fifteen miles this side Of
Baltimore, but up to half-past two o'clock
nothing had been received to confirm the re-
port, which is now believed to be premature.
SURATr.
II we are not mistaken, the man Suratt, who
1t is believed did the bloody work at Secretary
Stewards, has for many years been branded as
q desperate of the worst character. A suit
was brought against him by young lady re-
siding across Eastern Branch, for seduction.
and so desperate was his character that for
some time the officers were afraid to serve the
writ; but one of them by laying in ambush
succeeded in taking him.
The GREATEST SADNESS
psrvades all circles. The public buildings
and all places Of business are closed and
draped in mourning. Flags are at half mast,
bells have been tolling throughout the city,
and an air Of gloom never before experienced
IN Washington prevails. Very few of the
private residences are without badges of
mourning, even the poorest classes Of the
suburbs exerting themselves to manifest their
participation in the general sorrow.
The City Councils, in compliance with the
call OF the Mayor, will meet this afternoon at
four O'Clock, for such action as the occasion
suggests.