Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1880-07-15
JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"Is He the Nan for President Of the
United States, and WiU He Be
En-rfoJ 2D

ChtscN StUt6S3 uEI Fttt Hc dc
Elected ?"
Being a pastor in Chester, Geauga
county, Ohio, when he was student
there, and familiar with the region he
has SO ably represented these many
years, I feel compelled. though not a
politician, to notice the above inquiry.
First-James A. Garfield is honest.
In his youth and early manhood he
was noted for his trustworthiness, con.
sidered incapable of sordid action.
Such he continued 20 be, as he advan-
ced in years and came into public life.
As teacher in the common school, as
president Of Hiram college, as mem
of the Ohio legislature, as an officer in
the army, and as congressman, he
has proved himself a man Of infexible
integrity.
Second-He is capable. Endowed
by nature with an Intellect Of high or
der and drilled in the curriculum of
Williams college, he is a scholar, a
man of liberal education anb extra
culture. Fond of investigation and
devoted to books these forty years,
his storit of knowledge are diversified
and extensive. The laws of hu-
man progress, the history of nations,
the rise and fall of empires and the
affairs Of government have been his
study. A close reasoner, his range of
thought and comparison is wide and
comprehensive.
Third-He is an earnest patriot.
When the country was in danger and
the cry for help struck his ear, his ell
oquence and energy aroused multi
tudes. President of Hiram college,
he left the halls Of Minerva for tic
camp of Mars, at the head of the 42d
regiment Ohio volunteers, marching
to the front. In council and in
battle, at Piketon, aCorinth, Pitts
burg Landing and Chickamauga, he
showed sagacity and courage. When
others finched, he ventured to pilot
frail boat through storms and torrents,
for sc hours, bearing SUPPLIES to his
starving soldiers. And when invited
home, he declined. feeling that his place
was on the tented field. Nominated
without his consent, and elected to con-
gtess, he continued in the army some
10 months, then reluctantly FASTENED
to take his seat in Washington.
Fourtn--He is a statesman. In the
Legislature of Ohio in 80 and 81 and in
congress from '63 to 80 he has had
great opportunities of observation, and
turned them to good account Chair
man of military affairs and on ways and
means, his honesty and ability were
conceded by all. AS an orator his
learning and eloquence were ready,
and as a gentleman and philanthropist
lis very presence benediction.
Fifth-He loves the American Union
and his rebukes of secession and treson
have been sa Damascus blade, yet in
such graceful terms that the most
captious can hardly be offended
Sixth--He is a born leader. In his
boyhood, and early manhood, multi
tudes followed him as by intuition. 1t
was the control which a true and noble
mind always exerts. In his congress
sional district he was the worthy sue
cessor of Joshua r. Geddings, and has
been elected nine times, over Demo
Gratis, and Liberals, and Greenbackers,
standing, by genuine merit, sound
to the core, no artifce, no jobbery.
His sincerity and ability, patriotism
and wisdom shining year after year
like a Drummond light, triumphing
by real force of character, he is
now senator elect to take his place in
March, 1881, but for his call to the
White House.
Sevcnth-He is pattern of fidelity
as we have seen. As student, with
his own hands working his way up, he
mastered every lesson from the first
reader to Buffers Analogy; from the
multiplication table to comic sections:
from the simplest rehearsal to the
oraticns of Demosthenes. There was
no superficial work in his foundation,
and there is none in the superstructure.
His career in the public service has
been in the same line, every duty
performed faithfully.
Eighth-ne is ready for any emer-
gency. Not only at Plketon and
Chickamauga could he save the day,
but In the highest commotion of the
Chicago convention, when to speak
seemed like sowing seed on an ocean