The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1881-07-16

and women of all bcliefs-noie more
earnest and gracious than those of old
secessionists and Democrats. Even then.
it was forced upon me that perhaps
Divine Providence has taken this strange
way to draw together the hearts of all
Americans touched by a common grief
to sense of common brotherhood and
common interest,
FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
The police had already closed the gates,
the President had reached the house. hull
dreds told of the reckless driving of the
ambulance up the avenue-a never to be
forgotten sight. Every one who could
be thought To know any thing of the
deed or of the condition of the President
was accosted. Alas. the impression that
the wound was fatal was almost univer-
sal: there was 4 surprising stiffness and
solemnity. 4 little later. glaring from
the windows of the Department Of JUS
tice. a thrill went through NE at the
sight of a file of soldiers entering the
grounds and instantly going on guard.
Oh, was the bitter thought, If that pro-
teeti0n had but only been given a few
minutes sooner! Yet, who have not
our President coud be in danger-again
who can guard against insanity or dc
spair OF dcniHpiacal hunger for notoriety9
SO far it is true in history that where
there arc most guards there are most as
sassinS.
\ CLEAR DESCRIPTION.
Later stood on the very spot where
the President fell, and the whole scene
in it's minutest detail WIS described to
me by the cool, intelligent gentleman,
Mr.. Parkes, in charge of the ticket office
at the depot, who. expecting the Presi-
dental party, was looking through the
opening in the ladies room as the Presi-
dent and DIR. Blaiup aptsrel. WHO heard
the first shot, saw the man step forward
two steps and deliberately fire the sec
ond shot. Then. rushing out. he seized
him as be turned to run into the main
room: driven Laek from the i street
door by the sight of the oI,cer inst en-
tering. ard held him by the right arm.
keeping hold of him till he was led ont
of the building by the Two policemen to
whom Parkcs handed him. While in
the depot Guteau said no word of 'stal-
wart > OF " Arthur. SO iiarl;eS asserts.
He had got his pistol back in his pocket
apd was t.iatcllln9 the letter to Sherman
in his right hand: :bo.it this he was very
anxious, and all bis words then and there
were about the letter.
MISTAKES WITNESS.
IL L. Curious to see how mistaken wit
nesses may be, The f.re,1I diplomat
who reached New York that evening.
and reported the scene san eye witness
says he could have prevented the second
shot but for the heater. which was III his
way. Now there are Iii tile room four
sinai, ,.a2t.@r>, placed closed IL the wall
on different sides Of the room. No one
of these could have hindered anybody.
Another. Il lady, who says she was pres
ent, says Garfield was sitting there read
ing a newspaper Just before the shot. AS
to the startling scenes given up to this
time ip the illustrated journals, they are
ludicrousiy incorrect in local details and
in iikepesses or in any remote Suggestion
of the actual occurrences. Exception
must be made in favor Of Iidrper's extra,
which alone gives the ladies room of The
depot at all as it is.
Scarcely any persons were in The ladies'
room when the shooting took place: the
members of the Cabinet who were to ac-
company the President were waiting his
arriaai upon the platform by the cars
outside Of the waiting rooms of the de-
pot. Some seconds must have elapsed
before they reached the Seene. Mr..
Blaine, who had brought the President
in his carriage. was walking besides him:
as Tie SHOT came from behind he sprapg
aside, as was natural, and did not know
that the President was shot till he fell
from the second wound. In the excite
ment Mr.. Blaine instantly did the right
things. He had the doors closed the
President removed from the throng to Il
quiet cham Ter above and physicians sum
moned. Friends ai,ii Cabinet ministers
acted with GOODNESS and dissection.
ENERGETIC ACT.
Lincoln Grlered the troops at once to
he in readiness. NacEcagh, thoughtful
of Mrs. Garfield, provided q special engine
and free tracks. and from that moment
of stunned surprise to the present, all
who are responsible for the direction of
affairs seem to have acted with praise
worthy promptness and wisdom.
In view of the exigencies which have
existed this admirable discretion and eff
fectiVeHesS shown by each and all OF the
President official advisors, seems not
yet to have received the attention merit
ed
Rage at the act, blind instinct, seeing
objects of retribution equivalent TO such
an outrage, impelled some to foolish and
;.niustitable accusations, caught mp by
party %..a ttactional papers, but such wild
injustice, degrading 10 the whole nation
never for an instanct iC.EA credit with
the members of the Cabinet.
The instinct Of professional detectives.
Of criminal lawyers, is one thing: that of
high spirited patriotic gentlemen anotll-
er,
JUDGE FIEIDs JEWS.
In the afternoon of that strange day
we met with Justice Field. of the Su-
preD1e Court, and the one topic Of which
men spoke was on our lips. at needs
no sermon, we said. No, replied the
Justice. An day there have been ring
ing IN my ears these words, what
shadows we are, and what shadows W
pursuc?' " He who with low voice reeited
these solemn words was one who sat i'll
the highest tribunal Of the world, liz