Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-07-27
A Sympathetic Premier.

Minister Lowell sent from London by
cable to the state department on Friday, the
22d inst, the text Of the following touching
letter from Mr.. Gladstone to Mrs. Garfield /.
LONDON, July 2ist.
Dear Madame :-You will, | am sure excuse
me- though personal stranger, for addressing
you by letter TO convey TO you the assurances OF
my own feelings and those Of my countrymen,
on the occasion Of the late horrible attempt TO
murder the president Of the United States, in a
form more palpable at least than that OF messages
conveyed by telegraph. Those feelings have been
feelings, In the first instance Of sympathy and
afterwards Of joy and thankfulness almost com
parable, and venture to say only second to the
strong emotion OF the great nation Of which he Is
the appointed head. Individually have let me
beg you to believe, had my full share In the senti-
ments which have possessed the British nation
They have been prompted and quickened largely
by what venture to think il the ever-growng
sense Of harmony and mutual respect and affec-
ton between the two countries, and OF a relation
ship which from year to year becomes more and
more practical bond OF union between us; but
they have also drawn much Of their strength from
a cordial admiration Of the simple herosm which
has marked the personal conduct Of the president,
for we have not yet wholly lost the capacity Of
approaching such an example OF Christian faith
and fortitude. This exemplary picture has been
made complete by your own contribution TO it's
noble and touching features on which only fol-
bear TO dwell because am directly addressing
you. beg TO have my respectful compliments and
congratulations conveyed to the president, and to
remain, dear madame, with great esteem.
Your most faithful servant,
W. Il. GLADSTONE
Mr.. Blaine telegraphed the following ap-
propriate reply to Minister Lowell;
81 have laid before Mrs Garfield the note Of
Mr. Gladstone just received by cable. | am re-
quested by her to say that among the many thou
sand manifestations OF interest and expressions Of
sympathy which have reached her, none has more
deeply touched her heart than the kind words of
MI Gladstone. His own solcitude and condo
lence are received with gratitude. But far be-
yond this she recognizes that Mr. Gladstone right
fully speaks for the people Of the British Isles,
whose sympathy In this national and personal af-
Fiction has been as quick and as sincere that OF
her own countrymen. Her chief pleasure in Mr.
Gadstones cordial letter Is found In the comfort
which 1t brings to her husband. The president Is
cheered and solaced on his painful and weary
way TO health by the many messages OF sympathy
which in his returning strength he safely receives
and most gratefully appreciates"
The last vestige of the old hatred which
descended from the colonial days and from
the conflicts Of the revolution, and which
for nearly century formed the stock in
trade of every Fourth of July orator, disap-
pcoicu az poucNd WHcu III bplTlb
the last great grievance of this nation
against England was submitted to peaceful
arbitration. The interchanges of senti-
ments of genuine goodwill since that time
have been marked and frequent, but the
words of unaffected and unalloyed sym
pathy which have come from all ranks, from
English queen and premier down to English
subjects, in the great misfortune which has
riven the heart of this nation can never be
forgotten by Americans. In international
differences which must inevitably arise in
the future they will tone down the asperity of
criticism and draw the sting from the tongue
of politician and diplomat. England and
America after century of not unnatural
estrangement have felt the warm heartbeat
of fraternal ties, and henceforth armed
strife between them is as far removed from
the arena of probabilities as between broth.
ers whose relationship has been cemented
by mutual forbearance and forgetfulness
followed by supreme testimonials of regard
and sympathy.