The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-07-12
AN INTERVIEW

AN INTERVIEW
Had With the Assassin--Sorry that
He Did Not Kin Him Outright
He Names AEthur's Cabinet.
WAsHINercN, July 4.-Stringent or
ders have been given against allowing
any one to see the prisoner, but re-
psrtsr was enabled this afternoon to se-
cure short talk with Guiteau:
When the reporter reached his cell
the prisoner arose from his cot, and
peering through the bars of the door,
anxiously inquired: "HOw 10 the Presi-
dent7'
Being told that he was suffering great
pain, Guiteau replied:
81 am very sorry to hear il; wish
had put another ball into him, for that
would have ended his suffering"
Correspondent-What was your mo-
tive for this act 7
Guiteau-I had been contemplating
this thing for six weeks, and what did
/ was
Forced to Do It BY An Inspiration
Fr0m God.
l did 1t for political purposes and
through patriotic motives. l went to
the depot to commit the deed two weeks
ago, when the President went to Long
Branch, but he came in hand in hand
with Mrs. Garfield, who looked so deli
cate that hadn't the heart to do it.
Correspondent-Was any one con-
nected with you in this affair.
Guiteau-No, sir, conceived it n.y.
self and executed it myself. No soul
on earth knew of it but myself. l
Considered it Political Necessity
to Retire Garfield,
and thus save the Republican party. !
had no murder in my heart, for had
nothing against the President personally
Il helped to elect him.
Correspondent-Had you no fears OF
the consequences Of the act-no fears
of future punishment3
Guiteau-Not at all What Idid was
for the benefit OF the Republican party
and the people. l have no fears but
that will be liberated.
1 am a Stalwart of the Stalwarts.
/ know Vice President Arthur and Gen.
eral Grant very we'll.
Replying to question as to his sani-
tp, Guiteau said:
81 had two cousins who were incar-
cerated in An insane asylum once NY
only other relatives are sister in Chi
cago and brother in Boston"
Correspondent-Did you think your
act would make martyr Of your
Guiteau-I had no such thought. !
knew that it was necessary for some one
to retire Garfield, and / made up my
mind to do it and leave the results to
the country and the party. / am truly
sorry that my act has caused the Presi-
dent so much pain, but ! knew of no
easier way 10 rid the Republican party
Of him than by the bullet. My
Only Motive Was to Have Stall
wart PRESIDENT.
In reply to question As to how he
had rested Guiteau said:
"This is the first rest l have had in
six weeks. This thing has been on my
mind, and I could not sleep. Now that
it is over my only wish is. that the Pres
ident may not recover and make my act
fruitless. My mind would be perfectly
at rest il he died, and do not fear the
consequences
Among the letters which It is alleged
were found on the assassin's person,
was one in which he claimed the right
that, inasmuch as he could make Pres
ident by assassination, his suggestions
for
The Formation of a New Cabinet
should be considered. He named Ros-
cce Conkling for Secretary Of State Il
P. Morton, Secretary Of the Treasury
Emory Stores, Attorney. General; John
A. Logan, Secretary of War. The navy,
he says, not being Of much account or
political consequences, sOld Hunt had
better be loft remain where he is. james,
he says, is doing we'll, and be had better
be retained, and as there is no danger
in "Old Kirkwood," it would be good
policy to retain him.